The Occasion

Now, as you will note on your programs, I have been given the monumental task of expounding upon this grand occasion, which I will attempt to do, while according it the prominence and importance it holds in the history of this great institution, the oldest Historically Black University in the nation.

It is a special honor and pleasure to be a participant in the opening of this Sesquicentennial observance.  I can’t help wondering what John Miller Dickey would feel if he were here with us this morning.  Would he recognize the splendor of this gathering—and the expanse of this campus—as extensions of ideas he conceived one hundred and forty nine years ago, when Ashmun Institute was granted its charter to deliver courses of instruction in science, literature, the liberal arts, classics and theology.

On April 29th 1854, a fire was kindled on the alter of learning that has never been extinguished.  And now, we daily warm ourselves by that fire which grows ever brighter as we shape and mold the lives of young people who choose to enroll and take the journey so well defined.  It is indeed an honor and a privilege to raise the curtain and start the celebration and the count down to our 150th Anniversary, a celebration paying tribute by honoring our brightest and best - the honor students of Lincoln University.

Different and very personal voyages of discovery have brought each of us to this opening celebration today.  But we all have at least two things in common.  Each of us has a share and knowledge of the rich and storied successes of the graduates of this university. And our knowledge of these successes brings to us the personal history of a small but decisive moment when education had a transforming effect on our lives.  Everyone here has experienced the thrill of that “aha” moment.

How priceless is Lincoln University.  In itself what a rich legacy.  The University has not been impaired by age and the University’s value has increased with its use.  More than 14,000 young men and women have graduated and enjoyed the rewards of a Lincoln education.  Ours is an ancient enterprise committed to being an ever more inclusive expression of what we set out to be - A place of opportunity for all those with determination and ability.  The idea of Lincoln University has been tested and refined over the course of 149 years.   And today, I tell you with all certainty that Lincoln’s days of greatest triumph and glory lie not in the past, but in the future.  Certainty derived for my belief and confidence in the potential of the many outstanding students who will grace this stage today; young men and women who have exhibited the determination and ability that was apparent to many of us at Lincoln University; young men and women whose determination and ability have earned them the privilege of special recognition on this special and grand occasion.

Today, with a solid foundation, unprecedented support from our graduates, and great aspirations, we begin a yearlong celebration recognizing the contributions of those who have made this day possible.  If our future looks bright, it is because of the dedication and hard work of so many who are with us today and so many who have come before - educators, alumni, and friends of this university.

As quoted in the Executive Summary of the Mid-Year Report to the Middle States Association, "As Lincoln University begins its yearlong sesquicentennial celebration, it looks back on its rich and distinguished history with pride while looking ahead with confidence.  The University is entering its 150th year having reaffirmed in new mission, vision, goals and philosophy statements, its commitment to those principles on which it was founded, principles of academic excellence and leadership development for descendents of those historically denied the liberation of learning.  It began as, and remains, a place where dedicated teachers and inspired learners meet in an atmosphere of high expectations, intellectual openness and active inquiry."

Let every friend of Lincoln University whether student, alumnus, neighbor or government leader, mark this as a day of renewed commitment to this university.

Let every member of the administration mark this as a day of renewed commitment to better serve our students.

Let every member of the faculty mark this day as a renewed commitment to creating intellectual excitement in the classroom.

Let every student mark this as a day of renewed commitment to the quest for excellence.

Let every trustee mark this as a day of renewed commitment to our most noble mission.

Let us all mark this day as a day of renewed commitment to the traditions we have inherited.  And let us begin today to create tomorrow through advancing the Lincoln legacy.

As the twelfth president of Lincoln University, I assure all of those who care about this institution, and all of those who love this institution, that we will nurture the values for which we have always stood even as we seek new forms of contribution and extended levels of recognition in the century that lies ahead.

Happy Sesquicentennial Celebration Lincoln University.  I cannot think of a more fitting way to begin this celebration than to recognize and honor our most accomplished students.  The future looks bright as we approach our 150th year.  And just as our founders looked to the 19th and 20th Centuries with anticipation, we too can look to the 21st Century with optimism and pride as we advance the legacy of Lincoln University.

Closing Remarks

My last task of the afternoon is to give the closing remarks.  But before I do that, I must acknowledge and thank all those who have made this day possible: our staff who continue to pull these grand occasions together and who provide essential services for our students during the year; our faculty who challenge the students in the classroom; the parents of these bright students who provided the foundation upon which we continue to build; and the members of the community who have supported the University throughout the years.  Thank you for all you do.

Now - What a spectacular occasion.  To honor so many brilliant young men and women and at the same time celebrate the legacy that has given rise to untold triumph and glory spanning 149 years.  Lincoln University will continue to write history, producing leaders and learners who will shape this new millennium.  Today we begin another chapter, one that will further support Lincoln's place in history as a premiere institution of higher learning.  One hundred and fifty years of producing leaders is a noble reason for celebration.  Young men and women who exhibit the qualities of excellence and who continue to uphold the Lincoln legacy are the products of this grand institution.  And, the promise of the potential for even greater triumph and achievement in the years to come is definitely cause for celebration.  We thank you for your presence today as we remember and celebrate our past, honor our present and look forward with great expectation to our future.  What an illustrious day to mark the beginning of Lincoln University's Sesquicentennial.  We ask that you join us throughout this year and next, as we celebrate our 150th birthday through all of our University activities.  Thank you.

Ivory V. Nelson, Ph.D.
President