Mount Holyoke's nickname, the Lyons, is in tribute to the College's
founder, Mary Lyon. In 1837, Mary Lyon founded the Mount Holyoke
Female Seminary, which has since become Mount Holyoke College. Lyon
created a worldwide model of higher education for women that set
Mount Holyoke apart from other female seminaries of the time. She
instituted a curriculum equivalent to those at men's colleges, kept
the cost of tuition low, and maintained independence from religious
affiliations or wealthy sponsors, instead forming a board of
trustees to help Mount Holyoke succeed and endure. In 1834, before
founding Mount Holyoke, Lyon was a consultant and visiting
instructor at the Wheaton Female Seminary, now known as Wheaton
College. Wheaton, which is also a member of the NEWMAC, uses Lyon's
name for its nickname, as well. Mount Holyoke's mascot is named
Paws.