Happy Thanksgiving from Lincoln University

Happy Thanksgiving from Lincoln University.

From all of us at Lincoln — may your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, family and friends, and good food.

Campus will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29. Normal campus operations will resume Monday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m.

Thank you for all the responses to Dr. Winrow's request to share what you are thankful for about Lincoln University. Each one is a reminder of how our university has made an impact on our students, alumni, faculty and staff — and why we continue our mission to move Lincoln forward.

Scroll down to read a sampling of the responses.

As the season of thankfulness approaches, I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunities and support Lincoln University has provided. From the dedicated faculty who inspire success to the lifelong connections I’ve formed, my time here has been productive and transformative. I am especially thankful for the sense of community that fosters personal and academic growth, allowing students like me to pursue meaningful goals and contribute to a brighter future. Thank you, Lincoln University, for shaping not only my journey but also the lives of so many others. — Prabesh Koirala '25, graduate student 

Lincoln University created an everlasting bond of fellow classmates and friends as well as a prideful academic experience. It prepared me to take on the world with confidence and determination. LU Love! — Janice Porter Posey '73

I wanted to go to the Army for 4 years before entering college, but my mother's advice was to go to Lincoln now. My mother's advice proved to be prophetic. My years at Lincoln (1964-1968) were life-changing. I received a solid education that positioned me to compete on a national stage. Dr. Pawley and Dr. Blue provided me with a road map to becoming a conscientious student and my educational experience accelerated. I joined my beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and met my best friend in life, who also is an Alpha man. l enjoyed every minute at LU, especially the skating parties on Thursdays. I met my life partner and sweetheart my junior year and married Pamela J. Brown my senior year. We are going on our 57th year of marriage with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I have used my Lincoln gift to advance my education. My post-graduation years have been filled with supporting Lincoln in any way I can. I will continue to freely give of my time, our treasure and resources to ensure Lincoln's future, so LU can take its rightful place among the top 20 HBCUs! — Victor Pasley '68, curator and lifelong donor

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and receive my degree from Lincoln. I met so many wonderful friends along that journey, some I still keep in contact with 50 years later. Thank you, LU!!! — Gwendolyn Knight-Ford '76 

I am thankful to work at Lincoln University because I am excited to come to work every day and be able to teach our great students! Plus, how cool is it that I get to teach political science in the capital city of Missouri? — Dr. Elizabeth Dorssom, assistant professor of political science

Choosing only one thing that I am thankful for during my time at Lincoln is almost impossible. There are so many things that fill me with pride whenever I reminisce about my time on the hill in the 80s, but if I had to choose one thing that had the biggest impact on my life, I would have to say that I am thankful for the Eta Sigma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on Lincoln's campus. It allowed me to learn and practice leadership skills that have served me well throughout my professional career as an educational administrator. It also gave me lifelong friends who have helped mold and shape me into the success I am today. For those reasons, I will forever be grateful to Lincoln University. — Joe Groves '86

I am thankful for the many connections that I have made at LU that continue to help me grow and learn in capacities I never saw myself reaching. — Arionne Ross '25

As a freshman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lincoln University helped me mature into a woman with goals and ideals. Dr. Thomas D. Pawley was my mentor, and much of what I have accomplished in life is due to his teaching and dedication. I became a theatre professor because Tom Pawley taught me the value of teaching lies in training students to make the world better than they found it. He was great! I also had wonderful teachers like Rosemary Hearn, Mary Louis Savage, Lou Sirois and Dean Thomas. Lincoln was a wonderful, caring home for 4 years, but it prepared me for a wonderful life. I will always be grateful for all the teachers and workers at Lincoln University. — Ethel Walker '64, retired professor (1968-1977)

The life-long friendships, skills and knowledge I gained in only 4 short years. — Donna Cavitte '73

I am grateful for my students. It is a rewarding experience to see them learn, grow, find employment in the field of school counseling and thrive as helpers in the K12 educational setting. — Kim Connor, professor of education

I am thankful for the opportunity to not only work here but also take classes and better my future. I love how Lincoln provides time away from work, without having to take PTO, to attend classes. Also, the tuition reimbursement is a plus as well! Without it, I wouldn't be able to afford college. — Ashley Blankenship '29, facilities & planning program coordinator