Message from the President: New Era of Alumni Engagement

Dear Lincolnites,

Lincoln University has always thrived because of the loyalty and commitment of its people, especially our alumni. From our founding through today, generations of Lincolnites have built lives of service, achievement and impact, carrying forward the dream that began with our founders.  

Now, Lincoln University is ushering in a new era of alumni engagement, designed to help every Lincolnite stay connected and make an even greater impact.

Our goals are simple: to support our alumni, support our students and amplify the collective power of together, always working for the good of the University and our LU family.

As alumna Joyce McClellan '79 beautifully describes Lincoln in an interview with Columbia University's Elder Project, “Lincoln is a place where folks will wrap their arms around you and make sure you’re successful, and you’ll have fun while you’re doing it.”

In this spirit, we begin our work building opportunities and experiences to further the connection between our alumni, our students and our Lincolnite family.  

Joyce was one of many who met during Homecoming to help organize affinity groups and build upon the special Lincoln connectivity we all share. Below, Joyce gathers with Lincoln alumni interested in affinity groups.

Moving forward, you will see alumni engagement opportunities intentionally open to every person who attended Lincoln University. Friends and neighbors, fans and parents, faculty and staff who have given of their time, talent or treasure are also counted among us. No dues, no barriers, just a lasting opportunity for connection to the legacy and purpose that unite us all.

Whether your engagement with Lincoln means showing up with friends to cheer for our amazing athletic teams, regularly attending campus or regional events, or sharing your expertise or time as a volunteer, we are building programs and experiences to help you grow your connection to and support for Lincoln.

This new alumni relations program will start out by building volunteer experiences focused on:

• Student support (recruiting, mentoring, career coaching). Expanding the existing mentoring programs and finding ways for alumni to support student recruitment and career connectivity are the priorities.  
• Alumni affinity (chapters and affinity groups). Bolstering existing chapters and affinity groups through ideation to event execution, volunteer recruitment and event toolkit support.  
• Traditions (homecoming, awards, celebrations and storytelling). Enhancing existing traditions for our community and finding ways for those passionate about Lincoln’s legacy to lend their expertise.  
• Philanthropy (Lincoln Fund, scholarships, Blue Tiger Athletics). Expanding and supporting Blue Tiger Athletics volunteers and creating opportunities for community members who are passionate about raising funds in support of Lincoln through annual campaigns and special initiatives.

As we work to offer new experiences and opportunities, we are committed to ongoing assessment and alumni input, ensuring that the time and talents invested achieve intended impacts and reflect what matters most to those engaging with these programs.

In the months ahead, we will invest in the structural pieces needed. We will hire a director of engagement and annual giving to guide the program, work with existing leaders like Joyce McClellan and appoint inaugural volunteer leaders to help lift the initial areas of priority. Simultaneously, we will open recruitment for alumni to join teams focused on student support, alumni affinity, traditions and philanthropy.

If you would like to get involved or have ideas to share, please express your interest via this brief online form. Members of our advancement team will gather responses and follow up as interest is expressed.  

Scroll down to read a message from the Lincoln University Board of Curators and find FAQs submitted by community members to help those with detailed questions.

Thank you in advance for your patience and excitement as we organize and begin down this path together!

With gratitude, enthusiasm and Blue Tiger pride,

John B. Moseley, Ed.D.
President