- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – After months of uncertainty about whether any activities could be safely held in-person, the University celebrated Homecoming with nearly all of the events held in a virtual or hybrid format from October 15-18.
In her welcome video, President Brenda A. Allen said, “Although COVID is keeping us away physically, we are able to come together virtually to celebrate the campus and university that we love."
Vernon E. Davis '86 reflected on his Homecoming experience, saying, “Homecoming 2020 filled my heart with the joy of knowing that Lincoln University worked diligently to welcome me and the alumni back home virtually. I missed being on campus but seeing fellow alumni celebrating the Orange and Blue on the Zoom party calls made me realize how special Lincoln is.”
Deborah Johnson from the Office of Alumni Relations praised all participants calling them “loyal, spirited and generous.” Alumni and friends raised more than $15,000 throughout the weekend, which was matched by a $10,000 donation from the Alumni Association of Lincoln University for a weekend total of $25,000.”
Throughout the weekend, alumni, students, and friends could experience the sights and sounds of Lincoln University anytime with the Legacy Walk through campus and the Sound of the Lincoln University Choir. View the Legacy Walk Video and Guide.
Student-focused activities started on Thursday morning with the first-ever virtual annual Career Fair hosted by the Office of Career Development. More than 200 alumni, faculty, administrators, and students engaged with 100 employers and graduate or professional schools.
On Thursday evening, the Student Government Association in collaboration with the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. hosted a virtual Verzuz Battle that showcased talented student artists, singers, rappers, models, and more for an audience of 200 student attendees.
Activist and guest speaker Tamika Mallory led a discussion, “The Power of Our Voice,” on Friday evening. Also, eight alumni gave 15-minute presentations about their businesses during the virtual marketplace on Friday evening,
Saturday morning, the Alumni Association of Lincoln University held its General Meeting with more than 100 in attendance.
“Homecoming 2020 was very different than we expected,” said Todd and Lesley J. Anderson, both 1987 graduates and members of the AALU DC Metro Alumni Chapter. “We were anticipating making this a true LU family affair by celebrating with our daughter Taylor for her last Homecoming before she graduates and our daughter Logan's first Homecoming as a freshman. Although our plans were altered, we continued to focus on business by attending the AALU Annual Membership meeting on Saturday morning. It's important to us to not only be members but also to serve in any capacity where we can advance President Brenda Allen's vision for the University.”
The official LU Virtual Homecoming Party themed “Linking Lions through the Decades” included photos, games, giveaways, and music by Melvin “DJ Maybach” Robinson ’11 of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Jason “DJ Smoove” Felton ’92 from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
“This weekend I realized there was nothing that can stop the love we have for our wonderful alma mater Lincoln University,” Felton said. “Not COVID-19, not politics, not anything can stop our esteemed alumni from showing love and giving back to our beloved school.”
”Every era logged in and showed out from their living room, dining room, kitchen, den, and even the back yard! It wasn't just a party. It was a reaffirmation of the love we have for our wonderful Lincoln U...and for each other.”
The event’s proceeds to support the Phi Beta Sigma Mu Alumni Board Academic Endowment for LU students. Participants were delighted when Ruth Faber, known to many as “Miss Sissy,” joined the party where alumni honored her 40+ years of service to the university and told stories of how she has impacted their lives.
Wil LaVeist '88 participated with the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Mu Chapter Alumni Board on the Virtual Homecoming Party fundraiser.
"We had a blast!" said LaVeist, "It was very touching to see alumni of all generations enjoying each other and beaming with pride for our alma mater. Our goal of raising $100,000 for our Azikiwe/Nkrumah endowment for students to study in Africa is part of Mu Chapter centennial planned for 2022. To see alumni enthusiastically support this cause to help LU students is powerful!"
On Saturday evening, the AALU’s Young Alumni Committee hosted a virtual DJ party and the Student Government Association hosted a movie night outside on the lawn sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations and the AALU.
On Sunday, the Lions roared into the final day of the Homecoming Weekend with four final activities beginning in the morning with Yin and Restorative Yoga with Audra Woodley ’87 followed by a Chapel service themed “Homecoming Renaissance” led by Rev. Dr. Frederick T. Faison, University chaplain & associate vice president of Student Success, Health & Wellness. View the service. Later, the Class of 1980 held a virtual class meeting.
In the afternoon, the Student Life and Development staff reimagined coronation to take place both online and in-person with limited, socially distanced attendees. The coronation of the Destined 6 Royal Court included Brianna Blake as the 47th Miss Lincoln and Dmitri Yearby as the 29th Mister Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.
Alumni: there is still time to support your alma mater. Make a gift at giving.lincoln.edu or discover the benefits of giving wisely with a planned gift.
