Dear Friends of Lincoln University,
As students and professors wind down classes leading to finals and Commencement, alumni are gearing up for Reunion Weekend from May 3 to 5. For the second year since 2012, these two events -
Commencement and Reunion Weekend—will overlap, and for a brief time, students eager to graduate and start the next chapter of their lives will mingle with alumni who remind them to savor the moment in time before the Class of 2019 scatters.
This is my second Commencement as president and the first since we launched a new strategic plan titled: “Reimagining the Legacy: Learn. Liberate. Lead.” This year, we undertook a major self-study process as part of our reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The strategic planning process, coupled with the selfstudy process, provided an opportunity to inventory our progress and set goals for addressing continued challenges.
Overall, from the self-study process, internal and external members of the community learned that Lincoln University’s history and legacy of producing world leaders, its global engagement and its commitment to social justice represent strengths upon which the University continues to build. The University’s historical liberal arts curriculum and its strength in the sciences and pre-professional programs remains its niche for preparing socially responsible, culturally competent leaders and professionals. The University attracts bright and motivated students, both graduate and undergraduate, who are nurtured and guided by a dedicated faculty. The institution also has been very diligent in ensuring that its financial resources are stewarded with the highest level of integrity.
This issue of the Lincoln Lion Magazine highlights areas of key importance from our strategic plan, including student success, academics, enrollment management, finance, community and government relations, institutional advancement, alumni and athletics. As the cover shows, this year we celebrate the classes ending in 4s and 9s, with the Class of 1969 celebrating their emeritus—or 50th—anniversary. You can learn more about the traditions surrounding Commencement and the legacy of alumni on pages 14-15 and more about Reunion Weekend on pages 18-19. Make your plans now for Reunion Weekend and stay with us—reserve a room in a residence hall. Or join us for other exciting events throughout the summer and fall; review a list of events on page 25. Either way, we invite you to visit our beautiful campus and reconnect with old friends or make new ones.
