Commencement
Sunday, May 4, 2025 11:00 a.m.
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:
I am pleased to extend sincerest congratulations to the Class of 2025!
I am proud to join all those who have provided support and assistance to you 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.
In particular, the university is proud of your class and its dedication and stamina as we returned to fulltime instruction after the COVID pandemic. Your determination to earn a higher education degree is commendable.
Though the obstacles were sometimes difficult to navigate, all of you found the capacity to focus and complete this portion of your life’s journey. Each of 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 vigorous and rewarding as possible both in and out of the classroom. We hope that your experiences throughout your matriculation at Lincoln have shown you that you have the power within yourselves to persevere, overcome, and succeed even at times when uncertainty and change sometimes cloud the way forward. We salute you for staying the course!
To the parents, guardians, families, and friends of the Class of 2025, 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
A Legacy of Producing Leaders
Since its founding in 1854, Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has been internationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in scholarship and service by providing a rigorous, world-class liberal arts education. Lincoln University graduates have distinguished themselves in many fields, including medicine, science, theology, education, law and the arts.
In addition to our more well-known graduates – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall ’30, poet and playwright Langston Hughes ’29, the first president of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe ’30, and the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah ’39 – Lincoln University and its graduates have participated in the founding of eight U.S. Peace Corps. Lincoln graduates also include the first African American bishop of the United Methodist Church, Roy C. Nichols ’41; the U.S. Navy’s first African American female rear admiral, Lillian Fishburne ’71; and the first female mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cherelle L. Parker ’94.
The University’s beginnings can be traced back with recognition to its founder, Presbyterian Minister John Miller Dickey; his wife, Sarah Emlen Cresson; and the first two students, James Ralston Amos and his brother, Thomas H. Amos. Lincoln University was initially chartered as Ashmun Institute in honor of Jehudi Ashmun, the first governor of Liberia, and renamed Lincoln University in 1866 after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Since its inception, Lincoln has attracted an interracial and international enrollment from the surrounding community, the region, and throughout the world. The University admitted women students in 1952 and formally associated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1972 as a state-related, coeducational university. Lincoln University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lincoln University has had 14 presidents in its distinguished history, with President Brenda A. Allen currently at the helm. They include Dickey (1854-56); John Pym Carter (1856-61); John Wynne Martin (186165); Isaac Norton Rendall (1865- 1906); John Ballard Rendall (1906-24); William Hallock Johnson (1926-36); Walter Livingston Wright (1936-45); Horace Mann Bond (1945-57); Marvin Wachman (1961-69); Herman Russell Branson 1970-85); Niara Sudarkasa (1987-98); Ivory V. Nelson (1999-2011); Robert R. Jennings (201214); and Brenda A . Allen (July 2017-present).
Lincoln University’s historic campus is located on 422 acres in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The University operates an additional location at 3020 Market Street in Philadelphia.
Lincoln University remains committed to preserving its distinction as an intellectual and cultural resource for this region.
Order of Ceremony
PRESIDING
Brenda A. Allen, Ph.D. ’81 President, Lincoln University
PRELUDE
Great Day arr. by Roland M. Carter
Lincoln University Concert Choir
Lloyd Mallory Jr., DMA Director of Choral Activities
*PROCESSIONAL
Pomp and Circumstance No. 1
Composed by Edward Elgar / arr. by James Ployhar
Charles H. Pettaway Jr.
Professor, Department of Music and University Organist
INVOCATION
Rev. Frederick T. Faison, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Success, Health & Wellness and University Chaplain
*ANTHEM
Lift Every Voice and Sing (verse 1)
Written by James W. Johnson / Music by John R. Johnson / arr. by Sarjeant
Lincoln University Concert Choir
Lloyd Mallory Jr., DMA Director of Choral Activities and Toni Caldwell Hall
Accompanist, Department of Music
OPENING REMARKS
President Brenda A. Allen
GREETINGS
Gerald W. Bruce ’78 Chair, Board of Trustees
* Audience rises. + Audience remains in place until recessional is completed.
Order of Ceremony
INTRODUCTION OF VALEDICTORIAN
Mahpiua Deas, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Languages & Literature and Director of the Horace Mann Bond Honors Program
VALEDICTORY ADDRESSES
Jason Uriah China
Iteoluwa Jesutoromo Ibitoye
Tamia Rosamae Johnson
Chinyere Obiageli Offor
Praise Olalekan
Osoname Fortune Omonagbe
Pujan M. Patel
MUSICAL SELECTION
All Good Things will be Added Unto You
By Shelton Beckton
Lincoln University Concert Choir
Lloyd Mallory Jr., DMA
Director of Choral Activities
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Patricia A. Joseph, Ph.D.
Provost and Dean of Faculty
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
The Honorable Wes Moore Governor of the State of Maryland
MUSICAL SELECTION
Abram's Pursuit
by David R. Holsinger
Lincoln University Concert Band
Adolph E. Wright, Ed.D. Director of University Bands
* Audience rises. + Audience remains in place until recessional is completed.
Order of Ceremony
CONFERRAL OF HONORARY DEGREES
Reading of the Citation
Dr. Larycia Hawkins
Professor Department of Political Science and Director, Center for the Study of the Underground Railroad
Doctor of Humane Letters
The Honorable Wes Moore Governor of the State of Maryland
Reading of the Citation
Dr. Marilyn Button
Professor, Department of Languages and Literatures
Doctor of Humane Letters
Vincent O. Carter ’50 (Posthumously)
Author and Artist
Reading of the Citation
Dr. Cheri Phillips
Assistant Professor, Department of Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
Doctor of Humane Letters
Donald Julian Reaves, Ph.D. Leader in Higher Education and Finance
Reading of the Citation
Dr. Angelia Nelson
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Health Sciences
Doctor of Humane Letters
Myrtle Potter
Biopharmaceutical Executive, Inventor, and Philanthropist
* Audience rises. + Audience remains in place until recessional is completed.
Order of Ceremony
Reading of the Citation
Dr. Mahpiua Deas
Professor, Department of Languages & Literature and Director of the Horace Mann Bond Honors Program
Doctor of Humane Letters
Dr. Edmund W. Gordon
Psychologist and Educator
Reading of the Citation
Dr. Frances Kodena
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Religion and Philosophy
Doctor of Humane Letters
Rev. Dr. Ethelyn Taylor
Minister and Educator
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES AND CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Brenda A. Allen, President and Patricia A. Joseph, Provost
INDUCTION INTO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
Charisse Carney-Nunes JD/MPA ’88
President, Alumni Association of Lincoln University
CLOSING REMARKS
President Brenda A. Allen
*ALMA MATER
Words by A. Dennee Bibb, 1911 / arr. by H. Johnson Lincoln University Concert Choir and Concert Band
*BENEDICTION
Rev. Frederick T. Faison
University Chaplain
+RECESSIONAL
War - March of the Priests
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Charles H. Pettaway Jr. Professor, Department of Music and University Organist
* Audience rises. + Audience remains in place until recessional is completed.
Commencement Speaker ~ Honorary Degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
The Honorable Wes Moore
Governor of the State of Maryland
Wes Moore is the 63rd Governor of the state of Maryland. He is Maryland’s first Black Governor in the state’s 246-year history and is just the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States.
Born in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Oct. 15, 1978, to Joy and Westley Moore, Moore’s life took a tragic turn when his father died of a rare but treatable virus when he was just three years old. After his father’s death, his family moved to the Bronx to live with Moore’s grandparents before returning to Maryland at age 14.
Moore is a proud graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, where he received an associate’s degree in 1998, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Afterward, he went on to earn his bachelor’s in international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.
While at Johns Hopkins, Moore interned in the office of former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke. Moore was the first Black Rhodes Scholar in the history of Johns Hopkins University. As A Rhodes Scholar, he earned a master’s in international relations from Wolfson College at Oxford.
In 2005, Moore deployed to Afghanistan as a captain with the 82nd Airborne Division, leading soldiers in combat. Immediately upon returning home, Moore served as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations.
In 2010, Moore wrote “The Other Wes Moore,” a story about the fragile nature of opportunity in America, which became a perennial New York Times bestseller. He went on to write other best-selling books that reflect on issues of race, equity, and opportunity, including his latest book “Five Days,” which tells the story of Baltimore in the days that followed the death of Freddie Gray in 2015.
Moore built and launched a Baltimore-based business called BridgeEdU, which reinvented freshman year of college for underserved students to increase their likelihood of long-term success. BridgeEdU was acquired by the Brooklyn-based student financial success platform, Equity, in 2018.
It was Moore’s commitment to taking on our toughest challenges that brought him to the Robin Hood Foundation, where he served for four years as CEO. During his tenure, the Robin Hood Foundation distributed over $600 million toward lifting families out of poverty, including here in Maryland.
While the Robin Hood Foundation is headquartered in New York City, Wes and his family never moved from their home in Baltimore. Moore has also worked in finance with Deutsche Bank in London and with Citigroup in New York. Moore and his wife, Dawn Flythe Moore, have two children – Mia, 12; and James, 10.
Honorary Degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Vincent O. Carter ’50 (Posthumously)
Author and Artist
Vincent O. Carter was an author, artist, and spiritual seeker whose life was shaped by intellectual curiosity, creative expression, and resilience. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Carter graduated from Lincoln High School before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in France. His military experience broadened his worldview and influenced his later works.
Carter attended Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in English and graduated in 1950. During his time at Lincoln, he was deeply involved in campus life, serving as editor of The Lincolnian, the student newspaper, and participating in Glee Club, Drama Club, and Philosophy Club. His peers described him in the yearbook as “not of this world…ever in the world of becoming rather than the world of being,” reflecting his continuous pursuit of intellectual and personal growth.
After completing his studies, Carter moved to Bern, Switzerland, seeking an environment more receptive to his creative work. He faced racial discrimination in the U.S., where his artistic talents were often dismissed. In Switzerland, he found greater freedom to express himself. It was there that he began writing his books, including The Bern Book (completed in 1957 and published in the U.S. in 1973), an autobiographical narrative about a Black foreigner living in Switzerland. The book observes the city of Bern, its inhabitants, and their reactions to his presence. A German translation was published in 2021. His second book, Such Sweet Thunder, tells the story of a boy growing up in segregated Kansas City in the 1920s and 1930s. Although completed in 1963, it wasn’t published until 2003.
Carter’s time in Switzerland also allowed him the freedom to explore drawing, painting, and sculpture, transitioning into visual arts later in life. He became a practicing Buddhist, and his spiritual practices influenced his personal life and creative work.
Vincent O. Carter’s life was marked by his pursuit of authenticity and creative freedom. His decision to move to Switzerland, his literary achievements, and his exploration of visual arts stand as a testament to his resilience and courage in seeking a life true to himself.
Honorary Degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Donald Julian Reaves, Ph.D.
Leader in Higher Education and Finance
Donald Julian Reaves is a retired higher education leader with a distinguished record of achievements that spans nearly four decades. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1946, he graduated in 1965 from the segregated public schools. With no higher education aspirations, Reaves drove an 18-wheel truck. That changed in 1970 when he met Deborah Ross, a college graduate, who insisted that he attend college. Enrolling at Cleveland State, Donald earned a bachelor’s degree in 1976, and graduate degrees from Kent State, a master’s in 1978 and a Ph.D. in 1981. He quit driving a truck in 1977.
In 1980 he joined the political science faculty at Northeastern University where he taught for 13 years. Before joining Brown University in 1988 he was the deputy assistant commissioner for budget and costs at the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare. At Brown, Reaves served as budget director, vice president for finance, and executive vice president for finance and administration and CFO. In 2002 Reaves became vice president and CFO at the University of Chicago. Reaves was a trustee of Roxbury Community College, which serves the African American communities of Boston, and Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, experiences that prepared him for what came next.
In 2007 Reaves became Chancellor of Winston Salem State University (WSSU). His dream of leading an HBCU had come true, and he did so with the unshakeable belief that, unlike at Brown and Chicago, he could make a meaningful difference at WSSU. Chancellor Reaves’ highest priority was to improve academic outcomes. The curriculum was reformed, admission standards were raised, retention and graduation rates increased significantly, as did the number of students receiving degrees. By virtually every meaningful measure, Reaves’ tenure at WSSU was transformative. In recognition the trustees inscribed his name on the new student activities center building. Donald retired in 2015 with an honorary degree from WSSU and the title of Chancellor Emeritus. Reaves also served as chair or lead director on the boards of financial services corporations, including Amica Mutual, the William Blair Funds, Bank Rhode Island, and others. He also served on numerous not-for-profit boards.
In 2024 the full story of his journey from truck driver to university chancellor was recorded in The History Makers Collection which is housed at the Library of Congress.
Reaves and Deborah Ross married in 1973. They have two children and four grandchildren. They live in Lakewood Ranch, Florida and in Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard.
Honorary Degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Myrtle Potter
Biopharmaceutical Executive, Inventor, and Philanthropist
Myrtle Potter is one of America’s foremost healthcare leaders and innovators. She has a track record of building and leading companies that deliver blockbuster drugs that help improve and extend the lives of patients. She is also renowned for advancing women and people of color to corporate c-suite roles and to the board rooms of American companies.
Potter recently served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of the Board for Sumitomo Pharma America, a multi-billion-dollar company she started by consolidating eight U.S. biotechnology companies. Before this role she served as Chief Executive Officer for Sumitovant Biopharma, Inc., a global, multibillion-dollar biopharmaceutical company with five operating subsidiary companies that she also started. Prior to these roles Potter worked at Roivant Sciences as Vant Operating Chair in the Vant Governance Office that she established. In this role she oversaw the operations of thirteen biotechnology companies and was a core part of the team which sold five of the companies for $3.2 billion to another party.
Prior to Roivant, Potter served as Chief Executive Officer of Myrtle Potter & Company, a healthcare advisory firm that she founded. Prior to this role she served at Genentech as Chief Operating Officer and later as President of Commercial Operations. Under her leadership Genentech sales grew to $5 billion. The company also achieved record sales and earnings growth for nineteen of twenty consecutive quarters and launched seven breakthrough products in five years, including Avastin™, the blockbuster cancer treatment.
Prior to Genentech Ms. Potter was President of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s U.S. Cardiovascular/ Metabolics business where she oversaw a $4 billion operation and 3500 employees who brought numerous multibillion-dollar medicines to market to benefit patients. Potter began her biopharmaceutical career at pharmaceutical giant, Merck, where she designed and started the company Astra-Merck, Inc. which, through a series of transactions, later operated as a part of AstraZeneca.
Potter is a graduate of the University of Chicago and has served as a trustee of the university since 2011. She also serves on the boards of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Guardant Health and Opentrons Labworks (Chair), among others. She previously served on the boards of Amazon, Express Scripts, Axsome, and Insmed among others.
Ms. Potter’s business and leadership accomplishments have been recognized by BusinessWeek, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE Magazine, TIME Magazine, Forbes, Savoy, BlackDoctors.org, and Harvard Business Review. Potter and her husband have four adult children.
Honorary Degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Dr. Edmund W. Gordon Psychologist and Educator
Edmund W. Gordon is the John M. Musser Professor of Psychology, Emeritus at Yale University, Richard March Hoe Professor, Emeritus of Psychology and Education, at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Director Emeritus of the Institute for Advanced Study (former Institute Urban and Minority Education - IUME) at Teachers College, Columbia University. Professor Gordon’s distinguished career spans professional practice, scholarly life as a minister, clinical and counseling psychologist, research scientist, author, editor, and professor.
He has held appointments at several of the nation’s leading universities including Howard, Yeshiva, Columbia, City University of New York, and Yale. Additionally, Gordon has served as visiting professor at City College of New York and Harvard University. From July 2000 until August, 2001, he was Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean of Faculty at Teachers College, Columbia University. Gordon has been recognized as a preeminent member of his discipline.
He is an elected Fellow of various prestigious associations including the American Psychological Association, American Society of Psychological Science, the American Association for Orthopsychiatry, and Fellow and Life Member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
In 1979 he was elected member of the National Academy of Education and in 2017 he was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Among his most recent honors are: being named Honorary President of the American Educational Research Association in 2021, the Edmund W. Gordon Chair for Policy Evaluation and Research created by the Educational Testing Service to recognize his lasting contributions to developments in education including Head Start, compensatory education, school desegregation, and supplementary education. In 2005 Columbia University named its campus in Harlem, NY the Edmund W. Gordon Campus of Teachers College, Columbia University.
Between 2011 and 2013, Gordon served as the organizer and chair of the Gordon Commission in the Future of Assessment in Education. Gordon has been named one of America’s most prolific and thoughtful scholars. He is the author of more than 400 articles and 25 books.
Honorary Degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Rev. Dr. Ethelyn Taylor Minister and Educator
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rev. Dr. Ethelyn R. Taylor graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1951. She began her higher education at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music as a piano major before transferring to Lincoln University in 1953 on a Senatorial Scholarship. At Lincoln, one of only three female students on campus, she studied under Dean McRae and did volunteer work in the office of Dr. Horace Mann Bond.
In 1955, after her husband, Herbert Taylor, graduated from Lincoln University, the couple moved to Washington, D.C., where Ethelyn continued her education at Howard University’s School of Music while working as a secretary at Howard’s School of Medicine. In 1959, they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Calvin College in 1963 and taught in the public school system for two years.
Returning to Philadelphia in 1965, Ethelyn became the organist and choir director at the Reeve Memorial Presbyterian Church, where her husband pastored. She taught in the Philadelphia School system from 1966 to 1990. She also spent 11 years training student teachers at the University of Pennsylvania and pursued graduate studies at both Temple University and Penn. She later studied theology at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1992. Ordained in 1994, Ethelyn served as pastor of the Oxford Presbyterian Church for 30 years, retiring in 2023.
A lifelong leader in the Presbyterian Church, Ethelyn held numerous roles at the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly levels, becoming the first African American female pastor to lead the Presbytery of Philadelphia as its moderator in 2003-2004. She has mentored over 18 seminarians from Princeton, Lutheran and Eastern Theological Seminaries. Honored with multiple awards, Ethelyn received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Eastern University/Palmer Seminary in 2022. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Juliana Taylor and Marilou Watson, and four grandchildren.
Academic Regalia
The pageantry of commencement exercises dates from the Middle Ages and the traditions of Europe’s first universities. The origins of academic attire are obscure, but the ordinary dress of the scholar, whether student or teacher, was the dress of a cleric. The gown appears to be an adaptation of the robe of a priest or friar; the hood and the mortarboard evolved from the cowl and skullcap worn by monks and friars. The gowns, hoods, and caps are different for each degree level - bachelor, master, and doctoral.
GOWN: The bachelor’s gown is a yoked, closed-front garment with long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown can be worn open or closed and has long sleeves, usually closed but slit above the elbow to allow the forearm to protrude. Gowns for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees are untrimmed. The doctoral gown has full, bell-shaped sleeves and is trimmed with velvet panels down the front with three velvet bars on each sleeve. Although black velvet is proper trimming for all doctoral gowns, the color of the velvet panels and bars is sometimes varied to indicate the academic discipline in which the degree was earned. For the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, the dark blue color is used to represent the mastery of learning and scholarship in any field and is not intended to represent the field of philosophy.
HOOD: The hood is worn around the neck and drapes down the back. It varies in length from three feet for the bachelor’s hood to four feet for the doctoral hood. Only the doctoral hood shall have panels at the sides. The hood is lined with the official color or colors of the college or university conferring the degree. Thus, the hoods of graduates of Lincoln University are orange and blue. The edging of the hood is velvet or velveteen and may be either black or the color that corresponds to the academic discipline. Lincoln University uses white for the Bachelor of Arts, gold for the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science degrees, light blue for the Master of Education, citron for the Master of Arts, and drab for the Master of Business Administration.
TASSEL: An integral part of the headdress, the tassel varies widely in its use and color. The doctor usually wears a gold tassel, although black is acceptable. Tassel colors often correspond to the color of the academic discipline. At Lincoln University, the school colors, orange and blue, are used for the tassel.
CAP: The mortarboard cap is generally recommended. The soft tam is reserved for the doctoral degree.
COLORS: Although there is variation among different universities, the following colors are common: science - gold; education - light blue; the arts and humanities - white; human services and social workcitron; business administration - drab.
MEDALLION: The ceremonial medallion, worn by the University president during Commencement and other academic ceremonies, features the Lincoln University seal. The name of each Lincoln University president is inscribed on an individual plate around the chain.
MACE: The ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal and wood that is carried by the marshal ahead of the president and platform-party dignitaries during Commencement and other academic ceremonies to represent authority. Lincoln University’s mace features the University seal. The practice dates back to medieval times when knights carried maces during processions for kings.
School of Adult and Continuing Education
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES
Business Administration - Finance
Kenneth Elijah Barrow** Willingboro, NJ
Steven William Blunt** Philadelphia, PA
Anthony G. Copeman Jr.* New York, NY
Bryan Exum** Chester, PA
Denée A. Holbrook* Philadelphia, PA
Mona Lisa Myers** Philadelphia, PA
Taylor Milan Norman** Philadelphia, PA
Afeez Orisunmibare Oloko Epe, Lagos, Nigeria
Brendan Paul Roberts** Wilmington, DE
Adriona Michelle Smith** Mooresville, NC
Marcus E. Steel II** Toledo, OH
Eunide Merline St-Fleur* Philadelphia, PA
Joseph J. Warrick Jr.** Philadelphia, PA
Luther K. Wood Philadelphia, PA
Business Administration - Human Resources Management
Elias Pere Ajuwa* Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Kendalle Kristina Freeman** East Stroudsburg, PA
Tenika Sharmaine McGinnis Jackson* Detroit, MI
Kristy Love Matlock* Elkins Park, PA
Edwin Roberto Santana Sr.* Bronx, NY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Early Childhood Education
Montez E. Brown** Philadelphia, PA
Rachel Victoria Tharpe* Philadelphia, PA
School of Adult and Continuing Education
Early Childhood Education and Special Education
Norland E. Bailey** Coatesville, PA
Ceani Natalia Beaden** Steelton, PA
Phylicia Stephanie Danielle Branch Philadelphia, PA
Nakia L. Brown Philadelphia, PA
Quadrese M. Glass Philadelphia, PA
Arielle O. Harding Park Ridge, NJ
Ciera T. Hussey Philadelphia, PA
Matthew Cardell Jefferson Jr. Philadelphia, PA
Porsheia A. Lake Philadelphia, PA
Thomasina Lee Philadelphia, PA
Monique L. McNeely** Philadelphia, PA
Sojourner Truth Parks Philadelphia, PA
Jazmine Madison Stevenson Washington, DC
Moses Varney Togbah** Atglen, PA
Jabarie Waters Philadelphia, PA
Britney N. Wilson-Penny** Philadelphia, PA
Karen L. Worrell Philadelphia, PA
Educational Leadership
Aaricka Alexandria Brownn Philadelphia, PA
Yasmeain Nijia Hill Collingdale, PA
Tanika Hines** Philadelphia, PA
Satira Kennae Holiday Philadelphia, PA
Eugene Lett Jr. Philadelphia, PA
Jacyra A. Moore** Philadelphia, PA
Kalima Ruby Skief** Lansdowne, PA
Talya L. Watson** Cheltenham, PA
Tiffany Joyce Williams Yeadon, PA
Special Education
Patrina Natalie Clarke-Stewart Philadelphia, PA
Nisa Jabbar-Bey Wilmington, DE
Cahlin Louis Spearman Philadelphia, PA
School of Adult and Continuing Education
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Human Services
Shawn D. Anderson Sr. Philadelphia, PA
Nya Monáe Bell** Philadelphia, PA
Latisha L. Bradley** Galloway, NJ
Larisha-Nichole Aleska Capers Abington, PA
LaNier Chantal Lewis** Philadelphia, PA
Haziz R. Nelson** Philadelphia, PA
Sierra Jasmine Pace-Pinckney** Philadelphia, PA
Miracle A. Porter** Philadelphia, PA
Jason Tadlock** Philadelphia, PA
Linquoia Walker** Philadelphia, PA
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Human Services
James Junior Bowman** Kennett Square, PA
Marsha Charetta Brown Philadelphia, PA
Yavonka Bryant** Lindenwold, NJ
Tiffinie S. Carter Philadelphia, PA
Jason Uriah China Philadelphia, PA
Mark Anthony Crowder** Philadelphia, PA
Regina Diane Eskridge** Philadelphia, PA
IndiyaSiddiyqa Frazier Camden, NJ
Nyasia L. Gardiner** Philadelphia, PA
Sinyon Linette Hargust** Philadelphia, PA
Dawn Tyesha Isom Philadelphia, PA
January Tamia Jefferson Philadelphia, PA
Kristina Lane Philadelphia, PA
Alecia Ayanna Miller** Philadelphia, PA
Brandon Ruff Sr. Philadelphia, PA
Valencia Lynn Thompkins Secane, PA
Latiffa Zakkiyyah Welch** Philadelphia, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
THE COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Biology
Folasade B. Adeyiga Coatesville, PA
Astaree Meshelle Broadway-Springette Pittsburgh, PA
Rachel Destiny Christina Brown Nassau, The Bahamas
Nephtalie Charles Brooklyn, NY
A'niyah Janae Christmas Philadelphia, PA
Francheska Jada Couyoute Hillside, NJ
Cailyn Nicole Dove Annapolis, MD
Mikyla Christine Grant Philadelphia, PA
Tyrique A. Grant** Newark, DE
William B. Harris Jr. Clifton Heights, PA
Damyron Anthony Harvey Philadelphia, PA
Chinemere Nnenna Ihejirika Sharon Hill, PA
Isaiah Justin Johnson East Stroudsburg, PA
Jaida Denise Lumpkin Middletown, DE
Jamal Fernando Maloney Jr.** Dothan, AL
Elizabeth McDaniel Pittsburgh, PA
Daja Lashawn Moultrie Pittsburgh, PA
Aniyah Kalari Oxendine Lancaster, PA
Alexis J. Reed Bronx, NY
Delonte Amari Scarborough Washington, DC
Lotanna Claire Udoye* Washington, DC
Environmental Science
Gabriel Kofi Bedford Oakland, CA
Shekinah Lynia Vann* Philadelphia, PA
General Science
Jaelyn M. Brodie Baltimore, MD
Camren D. Jones Philadelphia, PA
Queda Tena Martin Brooklyn, NY
Sasha Simone Price Philadelphia, PA
Cai'asia S. Taylor Philadelphia, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES
Accounting
Sydney Immanuel Brooks Detroit, MI
Jude Mputu Butumbi Philadelphia, PA
Ramata Diallo New Castle, DE
Shaniyah Ellison* Prospect Park, PA
Jeremiah D. Fofie Willingboro, NJ
Jayda N. Green Pittsburgh, PA
Javier S. Hall-Soto Burlington, NJ
Rickelme R. Harper** Middletown, DE
Clement Fiyinfoluwa Julius Abeokuta, Nigeria
Lamir Lawrence Widman Philadelphia, PA
Finance
Khari J. Black Newark, NJ
Maison A. Burton Frederick, MD
Torrie Kay Carter* Baltimore, MD
Jelani-Malachi Muallim Hall Roosevelt, NY
Akaya M. Henry-Riley Philadelphia, PA
Grace N. Jean-Baptiste** Long Island, NY
Pujan M. Patel Cherry Hill, NJ
Raja Wakil Rothwell** Philadelphia, PA
Kyia Nicole Smith Houston, TX
Taylor L. Snowden Philadelphia, PA
Makhi Semaj Williams Philadelphia, PA
Information Technology
Kevin Carter Jr.** Chester, PA
Phaedra C. Peal** Philadelphia, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
Management
Dante K. Anglin** Brookhaven, PA
Amaree Lynette Armstrong Toledo, OH
Tiana Bennett* Orange, NJ
Brian K. Black Philadelphia, PA
Khari J. Black Newark, NJ
Yalani Monet Carmichael Brooklyn, NY
Imani Aliya Carter* Philadelphia, PA
Ayanna E. Deshields** Willingboro, NJ
Blue Josie Ferdinand New York, NY
Leah Ciara Freytas Union, NJ
Ethan Elijah Garita Trenton, NJ
Kaniya A. Goodman Chester, PA
Kenneth Lattimore Jr. Los Angeles, CA
Mehki Kevin McClam Washington, DC
Antonio Kevin Prioleau** Atlanta, GA
Cesar A. Roscoe Union, NJ
Peter P. Sorber Trenton, NJ
Kayla Morgan Stephenson Burlington, NJ
Zahna D. Stribling Willingboro, NJ
Emmanuel O. Toha Newark, NJ
Issa M. Traore* Philadelphia, PA
Kenneth A. Watson** Newark, DE
Austin Jared Wilson** Jersey City, NJ
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Da'Veyanna A. Bivens* Folcroft, PA
Rachel Destiny Christina Brown Nassau, The Bahamas
Joan Chiemenam Ojukwu Mbaise, Imo, Nigeria
Chemistry
Nicole M. Williams* Long Island, NY
Chemistry - Forensic Science
Xavia Tarae Pough Philadelphia, PA
Engineering Science
Mikayla Araminta Clements** Bowie, MD
Andrew Jesse Moreland** Philadelphia, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Mass Communications
Miguel Antonio Agramonte III Castiac, CA
Thyago Hector Alvarez Lancaster, PA
Jaleel Baako** Queens, NY
Dwayne A. Davis Jr. Upper Marlboro, MD
Rontay Warren Dunbar Easton, PA
Oseremen Etua Ebataleye Upper Darby, PA
Tahaj Z. Francis Philadelphia, PA
Cannon I. Grinage Brooklyn, NY
Johnnie Hightower* Springfield, PA
Wesley Martin Hogan Washington, DC
Reginald J. Hudson Bronx, NY
Angel M. Hunter Lansdowne, PA
Asia Hill Philadelphia, PA
Khaliya I. Jernigan** Pittsburgh, PA
Zahki R. Jimerson Chester, PA
Tamia Rosamae Johnson Philadelphia, PA
Kirsten Kinard Winston-Salem, NC
Talia Shabli Lavender Lancaster, PA
Dayonna Sole Looney** Philadelphia, PA
Malik M. Malloy Washington, DC
Jordan Istafa Marshall Central Islip, NY
Semaj E. Mills** Philadelphia, PA
Sade Elyse Mitchell Neptune, NJ
Vivica L. Mitchell Wyandanch, NY
Saaniya Murray Brooklyn, NY
Kyrah L. Page Pittsburgh, PA
Maya A. Pollard Philadelphia, PA
Eusebio Jordan Refuse Jr. Brooklyn, NY
Vincent C. Ricciardi Queens, NY
Hunter Terrell Washington, DC
Dah'mear Lamar Triplett Elkton, MD
Danielle Lynn Vignovich New Castle, PA
DeWarren Asaad Watkins Jr. Somerset, NJ
Roosevelt L. Wright Philadelphia, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Science
Oluwapelumi Michael Adekunle Baltimore, MD
Feranmi Paul Adepoju** Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Jahuan N. Blackwell Poughkeepsie, NY
Amelia Jashmin Crawford Bronx, NY
Tanisha Mary Phimerlus Hyppolite** Union, NJ
Iteoluwa Jesutoromo Ibitoye Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Brandon Anthony Isaacs Queens, NY
Tovi Q. Mack Philadelphia, PA
Okechukwu John Nnuji-John Philadelphia, PA
Chinyere Obiageli Offor Nsukwa, Delta, Nigeria
Osoname Fortune Omonagbe** Ososo, Edo, Nigeria
Samuel Oseni Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Valerie Wonderful Otutu Apo, Abuja, Nigeria
Ravyn Leigh Pleasants Richmond, VA
Ogowarifaa Temitope Princewill** Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Marshall Roberson Charlotte, NC
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCE
Health Science
Asiyah Rae Abdullah Philadelphia, PA
Taylor Alea Allen Willingboro, NJ
Edjanea Brianna Anderson Philadelphia, PA
Jefry M. Azcona** Trenton, NJ
Aiden Champion Bailey Brooklyn, NY
Mya Livonne Barnett Brooklyn, NY
Ann Marie Berry-Grant New Castle, DE
Makaylah Alisse Black Wilmington, DE
Richelle E. Blue New Castle, DE
Taylor Monet Julianna Brice Brookhaven, PA
Taylor J. Brown Waldorf, MD
Tyneah K. Brown Philadelphia, PA
Victoria Brown Nassau, The Bahamas
Jaibreon Lillian Bunyon-Nelson Philadelphia, PA
Angeline Emily Cadichon Union, NJ
Delainey E. Carpenter Pittsburgh, PA
NiYell I. Clifford Pottstown, PA
Janelle K. Cooper Newark, NJ
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
Health Science, continued
Kaley Alyse Croom** Pittsburgh, PA
Sydney N. Davis Harrisburg, PA
Dominique Michelle Duvil Valley Stream, NY
Aaliyah M. Ellis Philadelphia, PA
Zoe Mila Febo Brooklyn, NY
Imani M. Francis New York, NY
Jayda Avion Goodwin New York, NY
Aniya Shadae Green Baltimore, MD
Zidani Dane' Hunt** Aldan, PA
Denyzha Monah Hunter Newark, NJ
Morshay L. Jackson Philadelphia, PA
Sierra Alexis Jarvis Irvington, NJ
Tyshani Chanè Jenkins East Orange, NJ
Daejarie Monique Jones* Bronx, NY
Kevyn Mattison Jones Baltimore, MD
Heaven Monae Lewis Pittsburgh, PA
Cate S. Liskey** Richland, PA
Atasia Nevaeh Little Pittsburgh, PA
Salayya S. Martin Newark, NJ
Jaelyn Saneeyah McCarter Philadelphia, PA
Kurtrina Amani McDowell Brooklyn, NY
Brianna Leilani McKenzie** Teaneck, NJ
Naomi Michelle Miller White Plains, MD
Ayanna N. Mitchell Philadelphia, PA
Breanna Denae Mitchell Philadelphia, PA
Kai Yvonne Moore Philadelphia, PA
Onjelay Arie Nixon* Pottstown, PA
Adowa K. Ofori-Opoku Staten Island, NY
Praise Olalekan** Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
Sijya Deyon Parker Baltimore, MD
Dalen T. Payne-Washington Pittsburgh, PA
Ricky Taylor Perez Queens, NY
Saniyyah T. Ray Philadelphia, PA
Irlynn Monae Richardson Pittsburgh, PA
Nasya Monae Robinson Philadelphia, PA
Shantelle J. Rose** Washington, DC
Melanie Aniyah Simmons Bronx, NY
Kaila Tyemera Smith New Castle, DE
Kylah Jade Smith Bloomfield, NJ
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
Health Science, continued
Laila Nicole Snyder Easton, PA
Quianna R. Sumpter Old Bridge, NJ
Jayannah S. Tribble** Philadelphia, PA
Calah N. Walton Harrisburg, PA
Taylore Faith Webber* Brooklyn, NY
Mariah Latrice Webster** Detroit, MI
Mia Whetstone Elizabeth, NJ
Kantrayle L. Williams Harrisburg, PA
Eryca Khynnedi Winder Baltimore, MD
Crae Menique Wise Philadelphia, PA
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
History
Jeninya Aaliyah Holley Jersey City, NJ
Terence Walker Raspberry Spring Hope, NC
Nia Nkenge Smith** Brooklyn, NY
Philosophy
Amir R. Gerald Washington, DC
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
English Liberal Arts
Kenneth Hawkins Fenner Jr. Baltimore, MD
Grace J. Quiah Philadelphia, PA
Evelyn Angelica Rodriguez Cochranville, PA
Spanish
Katia Ayala-Morales Oxford, PA
Kevyn Mattison Jones Baltimore, MD
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Mathematics
Iteoluwa Jesutoromo Ibitoye Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Chinyere Obiageli Offor Nsukwa, Delta, Nigeria
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
Music
Amiri C. Bell Nyack, NY
Natrona Nancy Burroughs Philadelphia, PA
DEPARTMENT OF PAN-AFRICANA STUDIES
Pan-Africana Studies
Jeninya Aaliyah Holley Jersey City, NJ
Nia Nkenge Smith** Brooklyn, NY
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science
Tea H. Brown Glen Mills, MD
Leilani M. Bryant Farell, PA
Hashone M. Carry Jr. Pittsburgh, PA
Danielle E. Green* Pittsburgh, PA
Kaliyah J. Greene Baltimore, MD
Makenzie Kali Hanks Los Angeles, CA
Marquis E. Jemmott Brooklyn, NY
Zion Demetri Mackey* Philadelphia, PA
Drake Mitchell Smith Odenton, MD
Kyia Nicole Smith Houston, TX
Asia Janee Tilghman Downingtown, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AND HUMAN SERVICES
Human Services
Howard Alvin Bonner Clinton, MD
Katia Ayala-Morales Oxford, PA
Kyler R. Burgin** Queens, NY
Aniyah Adrionna Rain Capers Severn, MD
Bakir J. Cleveland Newark, NJ
Janaie A. Coates Newark, NJ
Sariyah Colter Brooklyn, NY
Garrett Davis Elmira, NY
Makir I. Davis Philadelphia, PA
Caiya J. Edwards-Walker** Jersey City, NJ
Brandon Christopher Frierson Philadelphia, PA
Camryn L. Harrell Pittsburgh, PA
Atiya Kai Hone New Brunswick, NJ
Najai T. Jones Coatesville, PA
Davon Noel Lilly Queens, NY
Monai Zaniyah Lomax York, PA
Haley Jordyn Loper Middletown, DE
Kimmbley M. McBean Brooklyn, NY
Abigail Starr Momo** Union, NJ
Ciani Hope Montgomery Philadelphia, PA
Ahzeem Quadree Moore Philadelphia, PA
Joie Edele Narcisse* Piscataway, NJ
Evanchris Djabetey Narh** Baltimore, MD
Leshay Roland Woodlyn, PA
Monet L. Taylor Drexel Hill, PA
Ronald E. Thomas III Englewood, NJ
Sierra-Rae Monet Thompson Queens, NY
Jayden Rainier Turner Philadelphia, PA
Dimon J. Turnipseed** Brooklyn, NY
Kaniyah E. Warren Newark, NJ
Rahmir David Watson Philadelphia, PA
Avarie Nichelle Young Reading, PA
Rowan Aria Zellars* Pittsburgh, PA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
Psychology
Dalecia Amaya Ashley Englewood, NJ
Anazha Monet Baskerville Chester, PA
Asia Z. Bey Philadelphia, PA
Aleafa Fatima Brooks Philadelphia, PA
Per'rys Calisa Brown Baltimore, MD
Tia T. Brown Newark, NY
Aniyah Adrionna Rain Capers Severn, MD
Aisha Ashley-Anne Carrington Reisterstown, MD
Kataijah Dayona Council Aliquippa, PA
Aalayia Davis Hatfield, PA
Imani D. Davis Union, NJ
Carmen Morgan Delaney Middle Island, NY
Kevine L. Dupree Jr. Philadelphia, PA
Ebony I. Edwards Philadelphia, PA
Anyssa Jaelin Fields Long Branch, NJ
Shayla T. Freeman Wilmington, DE
Shaelyn Di'nese Greene Philadelphia, PA
Jordan Jeremiah Hall Baltimore, MD
Janae Andrea Hassim Pittsburgh, PA
Briana LaShea Hatcher Newark, NJ
Melissa Mareena Herbert Queens, NY
Salai S. Hoyle Philadelphia, PA
Jesse Kimahri Jackson Washington, DC
Tah'Diyah Ameena Jackson Philadelphia, PA
Laila Janaé Johnson Lansdowne, PA
Jordyn Michai Jones-Branham Philadelphia, PA
Aleah L. Langley Philadelphia, PA
Tamia D. McCoy Baltimore, MD
Cortney J. Obasi Kansas City, MO
Brianna Ashanti Reid Queens, NY
Yahkirah Shalisha Robins Dickinson, TX
Alexis Robinson Scranton, PA
Latanya Denise Salters Philadelphia, PA
Jazmin Monique Savage** Philadelphia, PA
Talia J. A. Simpson Elkins Park, PA
Amir Donell Smith Philadelphia, PA
Cailin A. Stringer Philadelphia, PA
Reanna Zyna Toon Brooklyn, NY
Stephana Williams Springfield Gardens, NY
Olivia M. Wright Atco, NJ
Kayla McKenzie Young Boston, MA
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Criminal Justice
Kiah M. Benjamin Baltimore, MD
Askyla Bryanna Bennett-Banks Brooklyn, NY
Ally Renee Cheatham Bushkill, PA
Jazlynn N. Church Wilmington, DE
Rayonna N. Clayton Philadelphia, PA
Samantha Marie Cockrell** Washington, DC
Caleb Coles Upper Darby, PA
Malik D. Davis Baltimore, MD
Alyssa E. Florence* New York, NY
Samir Raheem Green Philadelphia, PA
Angelo G. Greene Jr. Willingboro, NJ
Christian James Alexander Hill Philadelphia, PA
Jada A. James Philadelphia, PA
J'Ayana Jenkins Washington, DC
Marvin Samuel Latortue Brooklyn, NY
Antonia D. Lindsay Queens, NY
Trésean A. Maurice Elmont, NY
Ida Rose Korotoum Moore Bear, DE
Imani D. Muhammad** Pittsburgh, PA
Alexis Robinson Scranton, PA
Anyia Lynae Shanks Nottingham, MD
Zahira A. Sills Richmond, VA
Ashanta Monique Smith Darby, PA
Arian J. Speight-Wertz East Stroudsburg, PA
Kayla S. Taylor Baltimore, MD
Tairaye R. Tedder Red Lion, PA
Samia Ashley Thomas** Garnerville, NY
Antonio M. Totten Wesley Chapel, FL
Cheyenne Simone Townsley Bronx, NY
Jayda Marie Truss Trenton, NJ
Gabrielle A. Veecock** Brooklyn, NY
Semaj Amirah Walker Philadelphia, PA
Kairi N. Webster Chester, PA
Alleeya S. Wilson Lodi, NJ
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
Sociology
April Lannice Brown Philadelphia, PA
Jayla R. Etheridge East Stroudsburg, PA
Khiya Nykole Punter** Orlando, FL
Quameir D. Robinson Camden, NJ
Drew C. Stephens Roselle, NJ
D'Nashia Nacole Townsend Camden, NJ
Latiffa Zakkiyyah Welch** Philadelphia, PA
DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts
London Tarae Banks Pittsburgh, PA
Asia Nile Bonds Baltimore, MD
Kanesha L. Bowden Philadelphia, PA
Sai-Aja A. Bradley-Cross Harrisburg, PA
Jayana Unique Frances China Philadelphia, PA
Nasir J. Folk Philadelphia, PA
Kamani S. Johns Chester, PA
Embrasia Parker Chicago, IL
Freddie Young Jr. Trenton, NJ
* August 15, 2024 graduate **December 15, 2024 graduate
PROGRAM NOTES
As final requirements cannot always be completed by the time this program is printed, these lists of degree and prize recipients are tentative. The student's transcript is the official record of the university.
Latin Honors
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Feranmi Paul Adepoju
Gabriel Kofi Bedford
Kiah M. Benjamin
James Junior Bowman
April Lannice Brown
Marsha Charetta Brown
Rachel Destiny Christina Brown
Natrona Nancy Burroughs
Hashone M. Carry Jr.
Jason Uriah China
Jayana Unique Frances China
Caiya J. Edwards-Walker
Jayda N. Green
Kaliyah J. Greene
Jeninya Aaliyah Holley
Iteoluwa Jesutoromo Ibitoye
Chinemere Nnenna Ihejirika
Laila Janaé Johnson
Tamia Rosamae Johnson
Clement Fiyinfoluwa Julius
Cate S. Liskey
Atasia Nevaeh Little
Monai Zaniyah Lomax
Haley Jordyn Loper
Jaida Denise Lumpkin
Sade Elyse Mitchell
Katia Ayala-Morales
Okechukwu John Nnuji-John
Chinyere Obiageli Offor
Joan Chiemenam Ojukwu
Praise Olalekan
Osoname Fortune Omonagbe
Samuel Oseni
Valerie Wonderful Otutu
Pujan M. Patel
Ogowarifaa Temitope Princewill
Brandon Ruff Sr.
Ashanta Monique Smith
Kaniyah E. Warren
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Oluwapelumi Michael Adekunle
Amaree Lynette Armstrong
Amiri C. Bell
Asia Nile Bonds
Kanesha L. Bowden
Sydney Immanuel Brooks
Taylor J. Brown
Yavonka Bryant
Maison A. Burton
Tiffinie S. Carter
Amelia Jashmin Crawford
Kaley Alyse Croom
Mark Anthony Crowder
Aalayia Davis
Garrett Davis
Oseremen Etua Ebataleye
Regina Diane Eskridge
Ethan Elijah Garita
Tyrique A. Grant
Makenzie Kali Hanks
Sinyon Linette Hargust
Janae Andrea Hassim
Akaya M. Henry-Riley
Melissa Mareena Herbert
Asia Hill
Grace N. Jean-Baptiste
J'Ayana Jenkins
Kamani S. Johns
Kevyn Mattison Jones
Jamal Fernando Maloney Jr.
Alecia Ayanna Miller
Vivica L. Mitchell
Saaniya Murray
Brianna Ashanti Reid
Evelyn Angelica Rodriguez
Melanie Aniyah Simmons
Jayda Marie Truss
Crae Menique Wise
Latin Honors
CUM LAUDE
Miguel Antonio Agramonte III
Thyago Hector Alvarez
Richelle E. Blue
Howard Alvin Bonner
Kyler R. Burgin
Aniyah Adrionna Rain Capers
Delainey E. Carpenter
A'niyah Janae Christmas
Dwayne A. Davis Jr.
Imani D. Davis
Ramata Diallo
Mikyla Christine Grant
Danielle E. Green
Jelani-Malachi Muallim Hall
Zahki R. Jimerson
Najai T. Jones
Heaven Monae Lewis
Davon Noel Lilly
Kurtrina Amani McDowell
Imani D. Muhammad
Cortney J. Obasi
Kyrah L. Page
Sijya Deyon Parker
Xavia Tarae Pough
Grace J. Quiah
Vincent C. Ricciardi
Irlynn Monae Richardson
Zahira A. Sills
Kyia Nicole Smith
Nia Nkenge Smith
Taylor L. Snowden
Kayla S. Taylor
Reanna Zyna Toon
Jayannah S. Tribble
Gabrielle A. Veecock
Mariah Latrice Webster
Eryca Khynnedi Winder
Olivia M. Wright
*HONORS
Dawn Tyesha Isom
Kristina Lane
Valencia Lynn Thompkins
DeWarren Asaad Watkins Jr.
Graduating seniors in good standing who have earned at least 60 credit hours from Lincoln University, and who have attained a final cumulative average of 3.40 to 3.59 shall graduate cum laude. Those meeting the same conditions with final cumulative average of 3.60 to 3.79 shall graduate magna cum laude. Those meeting the same conditions with final cumulative average of 3.80 or higher shall graduate summa cum laude.
*Graduating seniors who have earned less than 60 credits from Lincoln University and who have attained a final cumulative average of 3.40 or higher shall graduate with honors.
Distinctions
THE HORACE MANN BOND HONORS PROGRAM
Howard Alvin Bonner
Delainey E. Carpenter
Ramata Diallo
Chinemere Nnenna Ihejirika
Atasia Nevaeh Little
Vivica L. Mitchell
Cortney J. Obasi
Pujan M. Patel
Eryca Khynnedi Winder
PRE-LAW CERTIFICATE
Hashone M. Carry Jr.
Samantha Marie Cockrell
Makenzie Kali Hanks
Tea H. Brown
Leilani M. Bryant
Ally Renee Cheatham
Rayonna N. Clayton
Samir Raheem Green
J'Ayana Jenkins
Zion Demetri Mackey
Cortney J. Obasi
Zahira A. Sills
Ashanta Monique Smith
Kyia Nicole Smith
Drake Mitchell Smith
Asia Janee Tilghman
Gabrielle A. Veecock
Honor Societies
ALPHA KAPPA DELTA INTERNATIONAL SOCIOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Malik D. Davis
Zahira A. Sills
Ashanta Monique Smith
Kayla S. Taylor
ALPHA MU GAMMA NATIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE HONOR SOCIETY
Katia Ayala-Morales
Kaliyah J. Greene
Kevyn Mattison Jones
Clement Fiyinfoluwa Julius
Grace J. Quiah
Evelyn Angelica Rodriguez
BETA BETA BETA NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL HONOR SOCIETY
Rachel Destiny Christina Brown
Cailyn Nicole Dove
Tyrique A. Grant
Chinemere Nnenna Ihejirika
Jamal Fernando Maloney Jr.
Daja Lashawn Moultrie
Joan Chiemenam Ojukwu
Delonte Amari Scarborough
PI GAMMA MU INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Nya Monáe Bell
LaNier Chantal Lewis
Sierra Jasmine Pace-Pinckney
KAPPA DELTA PI INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY
Phylicia Stephanie Danielle Branch
Montez E. Brown
Nakia L. Brown
Patrina Natalie Clarke-Stewart
Quadrese M. Glass
Arielle O. Harding
Tanika Hines
Satira Kennae Holiday
Ciera T. Hussey
Nisa Jabbar-Bey
Porsheia A. Lake
Thomasina Lee
Jacyra A. Moore
Kalima Ruby Skief
Jazmine Madison Stevenson
Moses Varney Togbah
Talya L. Watson
Tiffany Joyce Williams
Britney N. Wilson-Penny
Karen L. Worrell
CHI ALPHA EPSILON NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Kanesha L. Bowden
James Junior Bowman
Marsha Charetta Brown
Tiffinie S. Carter
Jason Uriah China
Mark Anthony Crowder
Regina Diane Eskridge
Sinyon Linette Hargust
January Tamia Jefferson
Tovi Q. Mack
Alecia Ayanna Miller
Honor Societies
PI SIGMA ALPHA
NATIONAL POLITICAL SCIENCE
HONOR SOCIETY
Hashone M. Carry Jr.
Kaliyah J. Greene
Makenzie Kali Hanks
Kyia Nicole Smith
PSI CHI INTERNATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY HONOR SOCIETY
Aniyah Adrionna Rain Capers
Aalayia Davis
Carmen Morgan Delaney
Jordan Jeremiah Hall
Kayla McKenzie Young
SIGMA BETA DELTA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION
Graduate
Steven William Blunt
Anthony G. Copeman Jr.
Bryan Exum
Kendalle Kristina Freeman
Denée A. Holbrook
Kristy Love Matlock
Afeez Orisunmibare Oloko
Brendan Paul Roberts
Edwin Roberto Santana Sr.
Adriona Michelle Smith
Marcus E. Steel II
Joseph J. Warrick Jr.
Luther K. Wood
Undergraduate
Amaree Lynette Armstrong
Sydney Immanuel Brooks
SIGMA TAU DELTA INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY
Ally Renee Cheatham
Samantha Marie Cockrell
Kataijah Dayona Council
Malik D. Davis
Kaliyah J. Greene
Asia Hill
Grace J. Quiah
Evelyn Angelica Rodriguez
Zahira A. Sills
Jayda Marie Truss
Semaj Amirah Walker
Kaniyah E. Warren
Board of Trustees 2024-2025
Officers
Mr. Gerald Bruce ’78 – Chair
Mr. James W. Jordan ’88 – Vice Chair
Ms. Jalila Parker – Secretary*
Mr. Henry Lancaster II ’76 – Parliamentarian
Ex Officio Trustees
Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor*
Dr. Carrie Rowe, Acting Secretary of Education**
Dr. Brenda A. Allen ’81, President
Mr. Robert L. Archie Jr. ’65
Mr. Steven Board ’81
Mr. Owen Cooks
Mr. Van Corbin ’81
Ms. Lorella Dicks ’80
Mr. William F. Dunbar ’05
Dr. Tanya I Garcia
Mr. Michael Hancock ’88
Dr. Tiffany L. Harrison ’08
Ms. Lisa MB Johnson ’85
Dr. Mary Johnson-Osirim
Ms. Nandi Jones-Clement ’94
Mr. Steven Kenric Lewis ’94
Trustees
Dr. Wilbert LaVeist ’88
Mr. Bertram L. Lawson II ’98
Mr. Everett Love ’94
Ms. Tamara May ’89
Mr. John “JP” Petty III ’09
Dr. Rodney S. Ridley ’87
Dr. Charmaine Spence Rochester
Mr. Jose Sabastro
Ms. Sandra F. Simmons
Ms. Jayla Turner, Student
Mr. Kevin E. Vaughan
Dr. Corey D.B. Walker
Emeritus Trustees
Dr. William E. Bennett ’50
Dr. Walter D. Chambers ’52
Dr. Theodore Robb
Dr. Kenneth M. Sadler ’71
Faculty Representative
Dr. Karen Baskerville
Governor’s Representative*
Secretary of Education’s Representative**
President’s Cabinet
President
Brenda A. Allen, Ph.D.
Provost and Dean of Faculty
Patricia A. Joseph, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Success and Dean of the College
Dorcas L. Colvn, Ed.D.
Vice President of Finance and Administration
Wilbourne Rusere, M.S.A.
Vice President of General Counsel and Secretary
Venus D. Boston, Esq.
Vice President of Human Resources
Jake Tanksley, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Executive Director of the Lincoln University Foundation of Pennsylvania and Director of Athletics & Recreational Services
Harry O. Stinson III, MS-SA
Vice President of School of Adult and Continuing Education
Edison Freire, M.Ed.
Vice President of Facilities & Program Management
Yeda Auten Arscott, PMP
Associate Vice President of Student Success, Health and Wellness and Chaplain, Director of Religious Activities
Frederick T. Faison, M.Ed., M.Div., Ed.D.
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management
Maya Mapp, M.Ed.
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Mel Fenner, MBA, Ph.D.
Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety
Marc R. Partee, M.S.
Deputy Athletic Director
Joshua Dean, M.S.S.
Interim Chief of Staff
RaVonda Dalton Rann
Acknowledgements
Candidate Announcers
Dr. Nora Lynn Gardner
Dr. Gervais Gnaka
Marshals
Dr. Linton Williams, Head Marshal
Dr. Susan Safford, Lead Faculty Marshal
Dr. Oladipo Aina
Ms. Marion Bernard Amos
Ms. Brandi Berry
Dr. Tedra Booker
Dr. Dafina Diabate
Ms. Yoli Echevarria
Ms. Crystal Faison
Ms. Natasha Faison
Dr. Bouchaib Falah
Dr. Carla Gallagher
Dr. Nora Lynn Gardner
Dr. Thomas Gluodenis
Dr. Gervais Gnaka
Dr. Tara Harper
Dr. Yvonne Hilton
Ms. Terri Joseph
Ms. Jernice Lea
Dr. Michael Lynch
Dr. Marlayne Manley
Mr. Anthony Ruffin
Ms. Leonie Waters
Dr. Sam Williams
Acknowledgements
Commencement Coordination
Ms. Yeda Arscott
Ms. Marion Bernard Amos
Ms. Valerie Berry
Mr. Mario Bowler Sr.
Mr. Alan Box
Ms. Diane M. Brown
Ms. Destiny Chambers
Mrs. Lorna Chambers
Mrs. Lyndsay Christia
Ms. Renee Clark
Ms. RaVonda Dalton-Rann
Dr. Maphiua Deas
Ms. Tina Dischinger
Mr. Brian Dubenion
Ms. Yoli Echevarria
Rev. Dr. Frederick T. Faison
Mr. Mel Fenner
Dr. Dana Flint
Ms. Cecila Gatheca
Ms. Tonya Gibbs
Ms. Angela Grove
Ms. Donna Hess
Ms. Nancy Hicks
Mrs. Pamela Higgin
Dr. Yvonne Hilton
Mrs. Althea Holton
Dr. Harrison Johnson
Dr. Patricia A. Joseph
Ms. Tynae Lamb
Ms. Jernice Lea
Ms. Renee LeClerc
Ms. Caprice Love
Dr. Michael Lynch
Dr. Lloyd Malloy Jr.
Dr. Marlayne Manley
Ms. Annette Matthews
Ms. Maria McGill
Ms. Jennifer McKaughan
Mr. Justin McKenzie
Ms. Jackie McNeil
Ms. Waineen Morgan
Ms. Diane Neikam
Mr. Antonio Ortega
Mr. Marc R. Partee
Ms. Theresa Pepe
Mr. Charles Ricketts
Ms. Shari Rose
Mr. Fred-Rick Roundtree
Ms. Maria Sanchez
Ms. Nancy Smith
Mrs. Tiffani Smoot
Ms. Sandy Sweet
Ms. Baeti Tucho
Ms. Soortuu Tucho
Ms. Dee VanSant
Ms. Leonie Waters
Dr. Adolph Wright
Anthem
Lift Every Voice and Sing James Weldon Johnson (1871 – 1938)
Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun or our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
Alma Mater
A
Dennee Bibb, 1911
Dear Lincoln, Dear Lincoln, To Thee we'll e'er be true. The golden hours we spent beneath The dear old Orange and Blue, Will live for e'er in memory, As guiding stars through life; For thee, our Alma Mater dear, We'll rise in our might.
For we love ev'ry inch of thy sacred soil, Ev'ry tree on thy campus green; And for thee with our might We will ever toil That thou mightiest be supreme. We'll raise thy standard to the sky, Midst glory and honor to fly. And constant and true We will live for thee anew, Our dear old Orange and Blue. Hail! Hail! Lincoln.
Lincoln University Campus Emergency Procedures
Lincoln University is excited to welcome you to our beautiful campus. Your safety is a priority, please read the emergency plan below to help better prepare you for commencement.
Evacuation
Should the need arise to evacuate the area all participants should immediately exit the venue following instructions provided via the public address system or event staff and emergency responders.
Shelter
You may need to take shelter during a severe weather event. During an incident requiring individuals to take shelter, visitors will be directed to locations and/or buildings closest to the area. Instructions will be provided via the public address system or event staff and emergency responders.
Mobility Impairments
Persons with mobility impairments who need assistance evacuating will be assisted by event staff and emergency responders.
Medical Emergencies
Call 484-365-7211 if assistance is needed for medical emergencies.
For more information on campus safety, go to: www.lincoln.edu/public-safety/