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Lincoln University, Pa. – President Brenda A. Allen joined Gov. Tom Wolf, Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney, United Negro College Fund President Michael L. Lomax, and Cheyney University President Aaron A. Walton for the inaugural UNCF Philadelphia Leaders’ Luncheon at the Union League of Philadelphia to reflect on the impact of HBCUs and the changing role of education in a fast-paced, global world.
From left to right: UNCF CEO Dr. Michael Lomax, Mayor Jim Kenney, Ashley Mays Boyd, Governor Tom Wolf, President Brenda A. Allen and Cheyney University President Aaron A. Walton, at the Philadelphia Leaders Luncheon at the Union League in Philadelphia on October 18, 2018. Photo by Lincoln University Staff/Shelley Mix
“One of the things we cannot forget is that the 21st century global economy is not a phase and is rapidly changing,” said Allen, emphasizing the need for a liberal arts education. “Every student that graduates today needs an understanding of technology. We want our graduates to be able to apply the understanding of humanities, arts, and sciences to the kind of technologies that help impact humankind.”
During the panel discussion moderated by Wolf, panelists Allen, Lomax, and Walton discussed the economic benefits HBCUs have on their students and communities as well as ideas on how to ensure students succeed after graduation.
President Brenda A. Allen and UNCF Scholar Alexys Smith pose for a photo at the Philadelphia Leaders Luncheon at the Union League in Philadelphia on October 18, 2018. Photo by Lincoln University Staff/Shelley Mix
The audience included higher education stakeholders and local government officials including state representatives Morgan Cephas and Stephen Kinsey.
UNCF Scholar and graduating senior Alexys Smith spoke on her journey to becoming a student at Lincoln. Smith said she worked two summer jobs to afford her tuition and then learned she had received a “Help from the Hart Scholarship”, which is the result of a partnership between KIPP, UNCF, and comedian Kevin Hart. Smith attributed her success to the encouragement she received from her mother, a 1992 Lincoln University alumna.
“Her vision for us was that we become hardworking, successful, individuals,” said Smith. “And she told us over and over again that we would have to be smart and tough to reach our goals.”
Other members of the Lincoln University community in attendance at the luncheon included members from Lincoln’s Board of Trustees, senior administrators and staff, the Student Government Association, and the Royal Court.
Article by Devin Bonner, Office of Communications and Public Relations