Lincoln University - Lion Yearbook (Lincoln University, PA)

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Lincoln ittfeersitg LINCOLN UNIVERSITY PENNSYLVANIA 19352 Dedication to the Class of 1974: Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was reviewing your applications for admission into Lincoln and writing little notes of encouragement to you. Over the past four years, I have taught you, tutored you, counseled you and even disciplined you, always with the central purpose of helping you help yourself to realize the enormity of your potential, abilities and responsibilities. In a very real way, I have ambivalent feelings about graduation day 1974. Obviously, I will be immensely proud of you — my class — as you step forward to receive your baccalaureate degrees. On the other hand, I will feel a deep sense of personal loss upon realizing that the umbilical cord has been severed and that I cannot look forward to encouraging you, chiding you and working with you in September, 1974, as I have the previous four years. In no uncertain terms, you are the class dearest to me. May our bond be ever eternal. What words of wisdom can I convey to you my class , at this time? First, I would want you to be appreciative of the many people who have consistently given of themselves to make your undergraduate experience a meaningful one. Lincoln's faculty and administrative staff has been and continues to be concerned about your 4

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We have no self-doubt. In a society with more than 300,000 physicians, but with less than 6,000 of them Black, when 40,000 would be Black had there been true equality of opportunity, Lincoln knows its role clearly. And, of course, medicine is only an example — in engineering the situation is even worse: last year more than 44,000 degrees were granted in engineering with about 400 being earned by Blacks. Thus, you leave Lincoln at a time when the overall climate is filled with pessimism, but at a time when you and I know full well that your talents, your dedication, your involvement are needed now as much or more than they . have ever been before in our history. Hard work is a necessity: these things are beyond the reach of good intentions. • You have made the beginning. Somewhere I read, If a man neglects education, he walks lamely to the end of his life. Graduating from Lincoln you can stand tall and walk vigorously — but with conviction not with arrogance. Lincoln has been that supportive but non-restrictive community in which you have been able to explore, to experiment and even to fail, but you have been supported in a net of meaning so that a fall has not been forever, nor was a failure final. ( Very cordially yours. Herman R. Branson President

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total development. Second, please be cognizant of your responsibility to use the knowledge and ability you have gained here in a positive fashion. The benefits of your Lincoln experiences should and must be shared with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the nation and the world. Third, set your aspirations high. You have been provided with superb training, and you have received excellent opportunities to expand your mind — as well as your total being. To fall short of achieving all that you are capable of achieving will lead you to frustration and dismay in your later life. Fourth, do not be afraid to accept the many and great challenges that will confront you. Always remain an individual and never forget the humanistic orientation necessary for successful relations with people. As this phase of our relationship ends, know well that you will always have my best wishes. You have given me — and Lincoln — many fond memories, and we will always remember and be proud of you. Be strong, walk tall, keep your head high and in the immortal words of Reverend Purlie, ''Let your own dreams be your only boundaries. With sincere appreciation and warmest hopes for personal and professional success and happiness. I remain Very truly yours, .o%dr Robert L. Albright Vice President for Student Affairs