Opening (Fall) Convocation

Special Events

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Opening (Fall) Convocation
Thursday, September 5, 2024


Mitchell Auditorium
Richardson Fine Arts Center

 

Fall Convocation is a special gathering formally kicking off the school year at Lincoln University. New students will experience honored traditions like the oath, song, and alma mater. They'll also hear greetings from Lincoln leaders like the president, members of the Board of Curators, and student leaders. 

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Keynote Speaker

Darren Smith profile pictureDarren Smith, a Kansas City native, is currently an on-air talent and sports director at Fox Sports Radio in Kansas City.

After graduating from Kansas City’s Central High School, Smith began his journey at Lincoln University in the fall of 1996, where he became freshman class president. In his role as president, Smith spearheaded a voter registration drive that included the Missouri governor, treasurer and secretary of state registering students for the presidential elections. His leadership was evident when he was selected to serve on the Lincoln presidential search committee, which resulted in the hiring of the University’s 17th president, Dr. David B. Henson.

In his sophomore year, Smith was appointed by Gov. Mel Carnahan as the student representative on the LU Board of Curators for a two-year term. During his first year, he successfully advocated for changing the University’s flat $10 activity fee per student to $5 per credit hour, which significantly increased the activity fee budget that benefits students today. His work on the board also saw the construction of Anthony Hall, home to the Honors College, and reinstatement of the football program and marching band. In the summer of 1999, Smith became the first student selected to receive a fellowship at the White House, working directly under President Bill Clinton.

After graduation, Smith worked at the University for three years as a photojournalist and assisted the athletic department in broadcasting its football and basketball games while also performing with the marching band.

After leaving Lincoln University, Smith worked in some political campaigns before joining the radio broadcast field. He now covers the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Sporting Kansas City and the University of Kansas football and basketball teams. He has covered the last six Super Bowls, two World Series, two Final Fours, world title fights and more.

Smith has won numerous awards in journalism, including a 2020 Kansas Association of Broadcasters award for program of the year for his show focusing on the death of George Floyd.