Lincoln graduates get some very good advice

Embrace change, throw away the idea of a career ladder and build a solid financial future.

LOWER OXFORD >> The 420 graduates at Lincoln University’s 158th commencement on Friday received good advice from the speaker:

Embrace change, throw away the idea of a career ladder and build a solid financial future.

Roger W. Ferguson Jr., the president and chief executive officer of TIAA, the leading provider of retirement services to academic and scientific fields, told his audience that in a world of change, they couldn’t “spend four years at college and spend it for 30 years.”

And to a mass of millennials seated in front of him, he added, “Check your egos at the door.”

He emphasized that continuing to learn is vital throughout life.

As his second of two important points, he told them to throw away the notion of a “career ladder.” View life as a rock climbing wall rather than a ladder, he said, and do that by being flexible.

From his own experience he said that he would not be where he is now if he had followed an earlier idea to become a lawyer. Instead, he has achieved much, becoming the chairman of many boards both scientific and financial. He also served on President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, among other position.

As his third piece of advice, Ferguson told the graduates to get themselves a firm financial education. “Save and invest,” he said.

The commencement was held on the green at the

campus under cloudy skies.

Everyone seemed relieved that the early week predictions of rain did not materialize, and even University Chaplain Intern Rev. Emmanuel Philor praised the Lord for keeping the rain at bay.

Board President Kimberly Lloyd, ‘94, praised the graduates who had already begun to give back to the university financially. She also took the opportunity to praise the master’s degree students who had endured the traffic and lack of parking spaces at the Philadelphia extension campus.

The valedictorian was Perewari Victor Pere from Nigeria, who graduated with a perfect straight A average.

He took the opportunity to tell his classmates that he loved Lincoln and has learned that people create their own futures and jobs.

“Life as we know it has no limits,” he said.

He added that life always presents opportunities even if they are as obscure as the chance to help someone else achieve their goals.

“It is one thing to dream and another to achieve,” he said.

The doctorate of humane letters was bestowed upon Ferguson and Kenneth E. Scott, the president and CEO of Beech companies.

Scott is known throughout Philadelphia for his support of and commitment to community service. He has received many acknowledgments in his career including being recognized by the White House, the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. In 2007 he received Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell Award.

President Richard Green told the class that they are shining examples of LIjcoln University’s special expression of the school’s educational objectives and mission to graduate students who possess the knowledge, attitudes and competencies to make significant differences as leaders in the world. world.

Lincoln University was founded in 1854 and is the nation’s first degree granting Historically Black College and University.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA LINCOLN UNIVERSITY Student express jubilation as their status as graduates is announced.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Bachelor’s degree candidates place the hoods signifying their graduation upon the students sitting beside them.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The cameras were clicking as relatives photographed students processing to graduation.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Kenneth E. Scott receives the hood signifying his honorary doctorate of humane letters, as Lincoln President Richard Green, right, looks on.