- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – Lincoln University celebrates the academic achievement of its 2020 valedictorian, Jordyn Adams-Morris. Learn about her Lincoln University story in the following questions and answers.
Why did you choose Lincoln University?
I applied on a whim at the urging of my mother, who wanted to go herself 30 years ago but could not due to financial strain. She remembers Lincoln as a competitive school, where the smart people went because it was hard to get accepted. I am grateful that moms “always know best” because Lincoln turned out to be the best place for me. I also love how my graduation signifies a destiny fulfilled, the university just out of my mother’s reach is now my alma mater. I am here because of her, and likewise, owe my success to her.
Where are you from? Describe the transition from there to Lincoln.
Pittsburgh is a small, slow, and old city. To put it plainly, though our national sports colors are black and gold, the city is black and white. Lincoln colored me with culture. The greatest takeaway of my freshman year was coming home and showing everyone the new dances I’ve learned while at school. Though tucked away in the countryside of Pennsylvania, Lincoln attracts students from all over; our medley of soul and rhythm is what separates Lincoln from every other school there is.
What is your major and how did you decide to pursue that field?
I majored in mass communications and minored in psychology. I came to Lincoln with more than a handful of interests which made settling on a major a cumbersome decision. Between Lincoln’s insightful staff and diverse curriculum, I was able to declare a major that aligns with numerous career possibilities but most especially one that allows me to center justice and improving black lives in my work. The best part is, I was still afforded the flexibility to engage with other departments and faculty members. As a graduate, I am leaving Lincoln a more cultivated and multifaceted student than I arrived.
Tell us about how you found out you were the valedictorian and how you felt.
The emotions of relief, astonishment, and gratitude left me breathless upon finding out I was valedictorian. I must have read [Dean of the Faculty Dr. Patricia A Joseph’s] email a thousand times. It still feels surreal. My college career was shaped by the passing of my favorite person, my nana; she passed away just two months before I came to Lincoln. Making good on her promise, she willed herself through terminal illness to see my high school graduation.
From the day I moved into Hansberry Hall, Room 125, her fighting spirit was my biggest inspiration. The moment I read “valedictorian” I thanked my nana, and through tears, I managed to choke out “we did it” to her husband and daughter. My mom and grandfather embraced me but in their touch, I felt my nana and that was unforgettable. This accomplishment is a testament to my nana’s strength and legacy, my special way of honoring the profoundly wise woman she was.
What co-curricular opportunities have you participated in?
- 3-year resident advisor
- Vice president of Thurgood Marshall Law Society
- President of Lincoln University College Democrats
- Vice President of Class of 2020
- ACLU of Pennsylvania Intern
- PA House of Representative 24th Congressional District Intern
- Mellon Foundation University Summer Research Assistant
How has Lincoln cultivated your character, values, and standards of excellence?
Lincoln gave me two major gifts that completely changed the way I walk through this world. First, self-confidence and assuredness. The classroom and extracurricular activities proved to me that my perspective and skills are valid and grounded enough to be a leader, to voice my concerns, and tackle obstacles
Second, an additional example of revolution, Lincoln’s professors exposed me to thought-leaders and artists who provided the backdrop to our success even though many of us don't know their names. Those lessons taught me that revolution can be academic and research can change lives.
I count cultural strengthening as the most valuable part of my time. Living among students of the Diaspora, not just those from islands and countries outside of the U.S. but also my peers from most of the 50 states in America, I have been exposed to so much and will carry the memory of those unique traditions, music, dance, and food with me forever.
I went to Lincoln because I loved blackness; today my definition of blackness has expanded ten-fold and my love deepened even more so.
What do you plan to do after Lincoln, and how has Lincoln prepare you for it?
The culmination of my Lincoln experience has led me to the University of Cincinnati where I will be studying media, identity, and culture in pursuit of a master’s degree. I am wholeheartedly indebted to Lincoln’s foundation for this journey. More than anything, I look forward to bringing the transformative essence of an HBCU education to a leading predominantly white institution. The passion, purpose, and perspective that LU has rooted within me is a gift not just to myself but to any institution I attend. I am honored to carry the good ole’ Orange and Blue in my heart.
As a student, Adams-Morris was the recipient of the University Scholarship and the Dr. William B. Garcia Prize for Distinguished Academic Achievement. This prize is awarded to a full-time student who matriculates at Lincoln for at least seven consecutive semesters (enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each semester); must earn a 4.0 cumulative GPA during each of the final four semesters of matriculation at LU, earning no grade below A, and with the highest cumulative grade point average in the graduating class. The award prize is $5,000. Learn about merit-based scholarships.
