- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
Valedictorian Chereen Durand
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA – On a day of record-breaking heat, nearly 6,000 Lincoln University friends and family anxiously filled the track and field on the main campus in southern Chester County, PA to support the graduates of 2010 on Sunday, May 2, 2010.
“Legacies are forged and supported in this place,” Lincoln University Chairman David G. Evans ’74 said. “This day launches a new group of legends, legacies and great accomplishments.”
After receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, Congressman Chaka Fattah addressed over 400 undergraduate and graduate students at the University’s 151st Commencement ceremony.
“I want you to know that I bring you the personal congratulations of the President of the United States and the First Lady,” Congressman Fattah said.
He added, “You should be burdened with the legacy of the alumni at this institution. Your success is not graduating from Lincoln University, but taking the responsibility of achieving leadership. You are significant signposts along life’s highways.”
The Congressman acknowledged several Lincoln University graduates in the audience, with whom he personally works: Karen Nicholas ’79, Kim Blaney-Bivings ’81 and his District Director Bonnie Bowser ’78.
Additionally, he recognized Craig Govan, 2010 Human Services graduate, who matriculated through the development agency, The House of Umoja, in Philadelphia, PA, which is lead by the Congressman’s parents.
Other trendsetting professionals to receive honorary degrees were: Dr. William Bennett ’50, senior scholar with the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement, and Robert Bogle. president and CEO of The Philadelphia Tribune.
Valedictorian Chereen Durand, who completed her requirements in December of 2009, reminisced on endless nights of studying, and enjoyable days in the classroom. She attributed her accomplishment to her supportive professors and most importantly her like-minded classmates.
“ I have this academic recognition because I have friends who only encourage success,” the Trinidad and Tobago native said.
The Board of Trustees also presented the Distinguished Faculty Awards to Dr. Patricia Joseph, professor of Sociology and Anthropology; Tracey Hunter Hayes ’87, associate professor and director of the Langston Hughes Memorial Library; and Dr. Karen Baskerville, assistant professor of Biology.