Mission and Vision

Mission

Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world.

It does so by:

• Providing a rigorous liberal arts education featuring active and collaborative learning;

• Integrating academic and co-curricular programs with the University’s distinctive legacy of global engagement, social responsibility and leadership development; and

• Cultivating the character, values and standards of excellence needed to enable students to become responsible citizens of a global community.

Vision

Lincoln University will be a national model for both 21st century liberal arts undergraduate education and innovative graduate and professional programs.

Dear Lincoln University Graduates and Families:

On behalf of the entire Lincoln University family, I am pleased to extend sincerest congratulations to the Class of 2023. We are happy to gather today to celebrate and commemorate your achievements. I join all those who have provided support and assistance along the way including your family and loved ones, faculty, mentors, staff, fellow students, alumni, trustees and university supporters in applauding you for the hard work that has made your participation on this occasion possible.

We applaud your dedication and determination to earn a higher education degree. Your journey to this point took a detour in the spring of 2020. As with all detours, though they are sometimes difficult to navigate, if you follow the guidance and trust the process, you will ultimately reach your destination. What is important is that you made the extra effort it took so that you could be here today – successful in achieving your goal.

The administration, faculty and staff have worked hard to make your years as a student as robust and rewarding as possible both in and out of the classroom. We hope that your experiences throughout your matriculation at Lincoln, even those times of exceptional challenge and uncertainty, have shown you that you have the power within yourselves to overcome and achieve even in the face of hardship and adversity. We salute you for staying the course!

To the parents, guardians, families, and friends of the Class of 2023, I also extend a heartfelt “thank you” for entrusting us with the humbling responsibility of sharing in the personal and intellectual enhancement of these graduates. While they sit in the seats of honor and receive their treasured degrees, this graduation belongs to you as well. I know your support has been invaluable to their success.

Graduates, you are now and forever the sons and daughters of this great institution. Your alma mater is proud of your accomplishments. We believe that Lincoln has prepared you well for the world beyond the arches. It is now up to you to explore the possibilities that lay ahead. We wish you nothing but continued success as you depart to take on the world. Carry forward the Lincoln University legacy of excellence as you continue to Learn. Liberate. Lead!

Congratulations!

Brenda A. Allen ’81 President