Lincoln University - November 2019

I was honored to be asked to speak at Lincoln University, founded in 1866, the only university founded by Civil War veterans, as well as the only university founded by African American veterans of any conflict. 

We had a terrific time.  The students were totally engaged and asked great questions. Audience participation was enthusiastic!  The entire football team showed up, and they all wanted their pictures taken with me!!

A short excerpt from my speech:

The men who founded this great university had a dream, that at the time seemed impossible.  But they created something that is so American and unlike what you will find anywhere else int eh world.  African American soldiers, joined with a handful of white Union soldiers to found a university that welcomes all – regardless of color, gender.  It is the American story – a melting pot society, a land of opportunity where everyone has freedom and equality.

Ronald Reagan went to a small college in the Midwest, similar in size to Lincoln university, it gave him the values and tools he needed to go out into the world and succeed, while maintaining his principles and core values.

Ronald Reagan once said “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

You have within you the qualities of the greatest generation and you will need them. You won’t have it as easy as my generation has had it – but having met a few of you here today, I think you’re up to the challenge.  You better be, we’re all counting on you!

Thanks to Dr. Marcus Chanay, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (see photo), who served as an amazing liaison and ensured all went swimmingly!