Lincoln University
01/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/16/2025 15:43
25 in ’25 – Lincoln University Celebrates Founders’ Day
Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr., Lincoln University Class of 1993 and associate university librarian and chief diversity officer for the Harvard Library, delivered the keynote address for the 2025 Founders' Day convocation.
As the new year kicks off, Lincoln University of Missouri is rolling out "25 in '25" points of pride to build on last year's momentum and keep propelling the University to future success.
Today, Lincoln University celebrated the 2025 Founders' Day Convocation, a cherished tradition that honors the University's rich history and celebrates its enduring mission of education, diversity and service.
This annual event commemorates Lincoln's founding in January 1866 by Civil War veterans of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries. Lincoln Institute opened in Jefferson City on Sept. 17, 1866, with two students. In 1887, Lincoln added college-level classes to the curriculum.
ROTC Cadet Kaili Norwood '27 and Lincoln University President Dr. John B. Moseley present the laying of the wreath, an LU tradition to honor the University's founders.
Under the second Morrill Act of 1890, the school became a land-grant institution. A name change in 1921 to Lincoln University accompanied the school's expansion to a four-year institution; graduate studies were added in 1940. In 1954, the historically Black university opened its doors to all students and today serves a diverse student population with an array of academic offerings.
"This annual day of remembrance and celebration is unique among other colleges and universities," said Lincoln University President Dr. John Moseley during the convocation. "Every day, we live out (our founders') dream on this campus. I am proud to stand here today and see the great student success for which our founders laid the foundation 159 years ago."
The 22nd Mister Lincoln University Jesse Canamore '26 and the 100th Miss Lincoln University Yessnia Austin Dixon '25 welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Lincoln to the 2025 Founders' Day convocation.
Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr., associate university librarian and chief diversity officer for the Harvard Library, delivered the keynote address during the convocation. Dr. Offord serves as president of the 62nd & 65th Regiments Legacy Foundation and is a 1993 LU graduate.
"When you walk past that Soldiers Memorial, remember you are here because of them," Dr. Offord said during his address. "They gave us the roadmap to Lincoln's success. You are the Soldiers' Dream. We are the Soldiers' Dream."
Lincoln University Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Grant Winrow (left) and President Dr. John B. Moseley (right) congratulate the LU Family of the Year honorees, Ruth and Robert Newton (center).
As part of this year's Founders' Day celebration, Lincoln also honored its 2025 Family of the Year, Robert and Ruth Newton, members of the Class of 1968. Their recognition highlights the enduring impact and contributions of Lincoln's alumni community.
"Reimagining the Soldiers' Dream provides us with an opportunity to reflect on LU's history with a new and more empowering lens," Dr. Offord said.
Stay tuned for the rest of the month with more of Lincoln's 25 in '25.