Greetings from Lincoln University!

Welcome to another edition of the Lincoln Connection.  The Commencement Exercises of 2015 were a huge success with over 421 students obtaining degrees within their respective departments on Saturday, May 16, 2015.  Nationally renowned speaker Patricia Russell-McCloud congratulated our newest alumni on their academic achievements, while urging them to be tomorrow's change makers today.  Actor and philanthropist Cedric "the Entertainer" Kyles ignited family, friends and Lincoln University supporters within Dwight T. Reed Stadium as part of his Commencement Charge.  A heartfelt message of appreciation for the graduates' support systems showcased not only the gravitas of this comedian, but the humility that has made him the celebrity he is today.  In addition to the graduating class of 2015 being recognized for their scholastic accomplishments, several honorary degrees were presented as well.  McCloud and Kyles, along with Ms. Alice Bingham, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, Dr. Thomas D. Pawley III and Mr. David Steward were bestowed with honorary doctorates in their various areas of success.  

As we look ahead to the coming months, we are excited to celebrate Lincoln University's history of academic excellence for 150 years.  To commemorate this synergy we are excited to unveil this anniversary logo, which you will begin to see on university materials as we make a way through the sesquicentennial year of 2016.  

We genuinely thank you for your engagement and ongoing support of the university, and most importantly, the students we serve. If you have questions or would like to arrange a campus tour, please contact me at 573-681-6070 or judew@lincolnu.edu.

Best wishes,

Willie Jude II
Special Assistant to the President for Fundraising
Lincoln University Foundation Executive Director

 
Lincoln University Graduates 421 Change Agents of the World
On Commencement morning, Dwight T. Reed Stadium was filled with the sounds of African drums leading the processional of over 400 Lincolnites marching in the rain to receive their respective degrees. Nationally renowned speaker Patricia Russell McCloud congratulated Lincoln University's graduating class of 2015. Addressing the graduates and the more than 2,000 family, friends and supporters in attendance, she urged the newest group of alumni to not rest on their laurels.  Serious words were spoken from comedian and philanthropist Cedric "the Entertainer" Kyles as he gave the Commencement Charge. As the weather cleared, leaving behind only the wetness of celebratory tears, Lincoln University President Dr. Kevin Rome left the graduating class of 2015 with a prominent message of perseverance and courage.  "We knew that the rain was going to come today, but we knew that nothing was going to stop us from having this Commencement ceremony. One thing we know is that the rain is going to come, but I ask can you stand the rain?"
LU Tiger Bite: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, but Progress is Happening Overnight Under President Rome's Leadership 
Lincoln University's current president Dr. Kevin D. Rome has been identified by many names. Leader, confidant, teacher, and philanthropist just to name a few. Since his arrival in July 2013, Dr. Rome has been known as a visionary making significant strides on behalf of Lincoln University's advancement.  We sat down briefly to gather Dr. Rome's thoughts on Lincoln's current progression, future plans and the sesquicentennial.
Run for You, Run for Them, Run for Us
The Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance is calling all HBCU alumni, family and friends to lace up their shoes and get moving for our institutions.  On Saturday, June 27, runners and walkers will converge on Atlanta's Piedmont Park for the 8th Annual HBCU Run/Walk.

Under the theme, "Run for You, Run for Them, Run for Us", the walk promotes good health through activity, support of students attending HBCUs through fundraising and the power of working together to achieve more.

The walk/run begins at 7 p.m. and offers a 5K and 10K option.  Registration for the event has passed, but you can still participate by making a generous gift.  Your contribution ultimately means scholarship dollars for our students. For more information on this race click here .
Lincolnite Spotlight: Alumna Establishes New Scholarship Fund
In September 2014, Claudette (McWilliams) Scott-Rogers '60 (Kansas City, MO) contacted the Office of Advancement about transferring the Callene and Johnny McWilliams Endowed Scholarship to the Lincoln University Foundation.  "The scholarship was created to honor the legacy of giving that our parents demonstrated.  My siblings (Charles M. McWilliams, David McWilliams and Jewelene Denson) and I, as well as the churches where my dad was a pastor, contributed to it over the years.  The responsibility of administering it has been mine.  I suggested that we move the scholarship to Lincoln so that it can continue even after I am no longer able to take care of it," says Scott-Rogers.  The scholarship is designated for African American students from the five county Bootheel region of Missouri.
Fairway Fundraiser: Tournament Raises Student Scholarships
The 6th Annual Mid-Missouri Golf Tournament was a huge success. Eighteen total teams comprised of different businesses all competed on the greens of Oak Hills Golf Center in Jefferson City. The event was made possible by the sponsorship of twenty-three vendors.  With bragging rights on the line, these teams played with the intention of walking away this year's champions. Prizes were awarded for the longest drive, closest to the pin, and for the top two teams. Lincoln University Professor Emeritus Dr. Nathan Cook was recognized for having the longest drive while teams Central Bank and Meyer Electric, Incorporated won the tournament. Former president of Community Development Corporation of America, Randy Halsey issued a challenge to those in attendance to raise $40,000 in funds, which he would match.  
SAVE THE DATE
June 27: 8th Annual Atlanta HBCU 5K & 10K Run/Walk

October 16-18: Homecoming 2015
STAY CONNECTED
Lincoln University will not be able to flourish without your continuous support.  DONATE TODAY!   Click here to invest in student success. 

Joining the Lincoln University Alumni Association is easy as 1, 2, 3:
  1. Call 573-681-5573 and ask for Sandy Griffin to join via telephone.
  2. Join the LUAA online today by clicking here and pay dues via debit or credit card.
  3. Enroll in automatic payroll deduction by clicking here.
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