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Lincoln University President Ivory V. Nelson proudly displays a Resolution from Philadelphia City Council that honors Lincoln, America's first Black University, and him for high achievements. The Resolution was presented at a Council session on December 13, 2001. President Nelson is with Philadelphia Councilwoman and Majority Whip Marian B. Tasco who had introduced the Resolution.
Lincoln University, America's first Historically Black University, which has earned academic distinctions throughout its 147-year history, and President Ivory V. Nelson, who has achieved a national reputation for his distinguished leadership in higher education, have been presented with a Resolution for their commitment to excellence by the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
The Resolution (see below) was presented before a session of the 17-member Philadelphia City Council on December 13, 2001. It was introduced earlier and then read by Councilwoman and Majority Whip Marian B. Tasco. The Resolution paid tribute to Lincoln and President Nelson for their continuing contributions to the field of higher education and communities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, region and nation.
"I am very honored and, of course, very pleased that the City Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes the outstanding achievements of Lincoln University," President Nelson said. "In honoring this venerable institution, City Council is also paying tribute to the Lincoln Legacy of excellence and dedication to its historic mission of successfully preparing generations of learners and producing leaders for their communities and professions.
"As Lincoln University prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial – 150th anniversary – in 2004, my role as president is to build on the Lincoln Legacy and continue to lead Lincoln University to greater heights."
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University provides the best elements of a liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate core curriculum and selected graduate programs to meet the needs of students living in a highly technological and global society.
President Ivory V. Nelson, Ph.D., who has achieved a national reputation for his distinguished leadership in higher education, became the twelfth president of Lincoln University on August 15, 1999. Before coming to Lincoln, he had served as the president of Central Washington University (CWU) for more than seven years. He was formally inaugurated as Lincoln's president on April 14, 2000. A trained chemist, President Nelson is listed among the world's top scientists.
Resolution (Presented December 13, 2001) Honoring Lincoln University and President Ivory V. Nelson
WHEREAS, Lincoln University was founded in 1854 in Chester County, and since that year, the University has continued to grow in size, reputation, academic offering and tradition. It was America's first Historically Black University and today, it ranks second among all colleges and universities in this entire country in graduating African Americans with baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences; and
WHEREAS, This national distinction, especially commendable since the University's enrollment is only 1,850* students, represents Lincoln's commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarly activity and learning. The University has displayed determination to teach honestly, to preserve and expand knowledge and to remain an intellectual and cultural resource for the region. Thus it has come to be counted among our regional treasures and is held in high esteem throughout the academic community; and
WHEREAS, In August of 1999, Lincoln gained additional luster with the appointment of Dr. Ivory Nelson as its President. A trained chemist, Dr. Nelson is among the world's top scientists. His career includes a Fulbright Lectureship and the presidency of Central Washington University. While remaining true to the University's mission, Dr. Nelson ahs taken dramatic steps to move the University forward in community outreach and academic achievement. In addition, Dr. Nelson has also successfully lobbied for and obtained a 29.4 million dollar state appropriation for Lincoln University; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln University has especially distinguished itself in the physical and computer sciences, ranking in the very top of colleges and universities throughout the nation in graduating minorities with baccalaureate degrees in computer and informational sciences, as well as biological and life sciences. We note with great pride that Lincoln is the only university in Pennsylvania, and is one of only twenty universities nationwide, where forty percent or more of its physics graduates are women; now therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the Lincoln University family and commend its President, Dr. Ivory Nelson. Together they have made this Commonwealth, our Country and individuals from all walks of life stronger, smarter and more humanitarian, and we are grateful for their contributions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Dr. Ivory Nelson as evidence of the deep respect and sincere admiration of this legislative body.
Philadelphia Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco (Introduced November 15, 2001)
*Lincoln University currently enrolls 1,871 undergraduate and graduate students.