Lincoln's Legacy: Celebrating the Alumnae Who Shaped Our History
Lincoln University's rich history is interwoven with the stories of remarkable women who have defied expectations and carved pathways to leadership, scholarship, and service. It all began with Sarah Emlen Cresson, whose partnership with her husband, John Miller Dickey, led to the founding of Ashmun Institute in 1854—the institution we now proudly call Lincoln University.
Fast-forward to today, and we celebrate Dr. Brenda A. Allen, class of 1981, a true pioneer. As the first alumna president of Lincoln and its longest-serving woman president, Dr. Allen has championed an inclusive environment that empowers leaders since 2017.
In the decades between, Lincoln women have broken barriers in education, government, military service, and beyond, strengthening our university's legacy of excellence, empowerment, and progress. Hail, hail our Lincoln queens!
Lincoln University Alumnae
Lucy Craft Laney, Ruth Fales, and Gladys W. Walls
In 1901, Lucy Craft Laney received Lincoln’s first honorary degree awarded to a woman, a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Her achievement paved the way for Ruth Fales, the university’s first woman to graduate in 1953, and Gladys W. Walls, the first African American woman to graduate in 1955.
[Pictured: Lucy Craft Laney, Ruth Fales, and Gladys Walls]
Dr. Niara Sudarkasa, Delores Kirby Coleman, and Adrienne G. Rhone
Dr. Niara Sudarkasa made history as Lincoln's first female president, leading the university with vision and determination. This legacy of leadership continued with Delores Kirby Coleman (class of '72), who became the first alumna elected to the Lincoln University Board of Trustees. Furthering this trend, in 1999, Adrienne G. Rhone (class of '76) achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman to chair the Board of Trustees.
[Pictured: Dr. Sudarkasa, Delores Kirby Colemna, and Adrienne Rhone]
Lillian Fishburne and Saara Kuugongelwa
Lincoln alumnae have also made international history: In 1988, Lillian Fishburne ('71) became the first African American U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, and Saara Kuugongelwa ('94) was elected Namibia's first woman Prime Minister.
[Photos of Lillian Fishburne and Saara Kuugongelwa]
Soraya Coley, Blanche Carney, The Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver, and Cherelle L. Parker
Lincoln University alumnae have recently achieved several significant firsts.
Soraya Coley (‘72) became the first alumna president of a college or university, leading California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
In 2016, Blanche Carney ('92) became the first woman to be a Commissioner at the Philadelphia Prisons.
The Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver (‘74) was the first African American woman Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly (2010) and, later, the first African American woman Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey (2017).
Most recently, in 2024, Cherelle L. Parker (‘94) was elected the first woman Mayor of Philadelphia.
[Photos of Soraya Coley, Blanche Carney, Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver, Cherelle L. Parker]
Honorees: Marian Anderson, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole
Lincoln University has honored a remarkable array of women whose influence resonates globally. From the soaring vocals of internationally renowned singer Marian Anderson to the groundbreaking political career of U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and from the unwavering activism of Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks to the transformative leadership of Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, the first woman to lead both Spelman and Bennett Colleges, these honorees showcase the profound and diverse impact of women in history.
[Photos of Marian Anderson, Shirly Chisholm, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole]
Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society
In a historic move in 2015, Lincoln University became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to establish a "hall," or pre-law society chapter, of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. This groundbreaking achievement, known as "Lincoln University Hall," was organized and founded by remarkable student leaders.
Ms. Shereka Ellingon (‘18) and Mr. Gionelly Mills (‘18).
