- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – From May 4 through May 6, Lincoln University will graduate more than 400 new alumni and welcome hundreds more back during their class reunions.
With President Brenda A. Allen presiding over her first Commencement as the first Lincoln alumna president, the tradition of having Commencement and Reunion Weekend overlap is back for 2018. Reunion Weekend activities begin on Friday, May 4 with a welcome reception, Alumni Association of Lincoln University Council Meeting and Class of 1978 party. Saturday the reunion festivities continue with a prayer breakfast, AALU meeting, Bull Roast, Alumni Awards Banquet, and class parties. The Emeritus Luncheon for those who graduated in 1968 will be held Saturday by invitation only. The Reunion Weekend ends on Sunday with the Class of 1978 Memorial Service and invitation-only Emeritus breakfast.
“We’re excited about the return of the Bull Roast, which had been a long time tradition for the University and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,” said Deborah Johnson, director of Alumni Relations. “We are expecting hundreds of alumni, friends, family and 2018 graduates to gather for a great afternoon of good food and celebration of the Lincoln legacy across generations.”
Commencement returns to a Sunday this year. On May 6, more than 400 graduates will walk across the stage in their caps and gowns. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. outdoors on the Thurgood Marshall Living Learning Center Lawn at the heart of campus.
On Saturday, May 5, following Commencement rehearsal at 2 p.m., the Class of 2018 will gather for two memorial events. The Legacy Lantern Launch will begin at the top of LLC Lawn — commonly called the U — where graduates will make a unity circle. In honor of the graduates’ accomplishments, participants will release 54 orange, 54 blue, and 54 white balloons. Fifty-four symbolizes the year of the University’s founding in 1854.
Following the lantern launch, students and visitors will process to the International Cultural Center for a Keepers of the Light ceremony in memory of fallen Lincoln Lion Allen J. Ingram. A drummer will accompany participants as they light and carry a legacy lamp as they march.
All are invited to a student-led Baccalaureate service at 4 p.m. in the ICC theater, with the processional beginning at 3:40 p.m. Baccalaureate is a non-denominational, ecumenical ceremony held prior to the graduation ceremony.
“This service is about coming together, reflecting and rejoicing for our Lincoln journey,” said Rev. Dr. Frederick T. Faison, University chaplain. “It is our hope that as a result of this service, members of the Class of 2018 will not only celebrate graduation but also ponder ways to continue to “Learn, Liberate, and Lead” at graduation and beyond.”
“Learn, Liberate, Lead” is a theme that emerged from the strategic planning process during the 2017-18 year.This year one ROTC cadet will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Baccalaureate.
At Baccalaureate, students will take a class photo and may pick up honor cords or philanthropy cords.
Traditionally, the graduating class has taken a senior class trip during the time between finals and Commencement, however, the Class of 2018 has opted to remain together on campus for fellowship and to complete community service, which they are calling Senior Week. The Senior Week itinerary includes several service activities, movies, game nights, a carnival and other social events.
For complete registration and ticket information for reunion activities, visit the Reunion Weekend webpage. For graduation activities, visit the Commencement webpage.
Article by Shelley Mix, Office of Communications and Public Relations