Honoring Lincoln’s Legacy: Meet the Inspiring Alumnae Who Shaped Our History

Lincoln University has a remarkable history shaped by incredible women. It started with Sarah Emlen Cresson, who co-founded Ashmun Institute in 1854, now known as Lincoln University. This legacy of strong female leadership continues today with Dr. Brenda A. Allen, the first alumna president and longest-serving woman in the role since 2017. She’s fostered a welcoming environment that helps leaders grow.

Throughout the years, many Lincoln women have shattered barriers in various fields like education, military, and government, enhancing the university’s reputation for excellence.

**Notable Alumnae**

Lucy Craft Laney, a trailblazer, received Lincoln’s first honorary degree for women in 1901. This moment opened doors for Ruth Fales, the first female graduate in 1953, and Gladys W. Walls, the first African American woman to graduate in 1955.

Dr. Niara Sudarkasa made history by becoming Lincoln’s first female president, embodying leadership. Following her, Delores Kirby Coleman, class of ’72, was the first alumna elected to the university’s Board of Trustees. Adrienne G. Rhone (class of ’76) further broke new ground by being the first woman to chair the Board in 1999.

International achievements also shine through Lincoln’s alumnae. In 1988, Lillian Fishburne became the first African American U.S. Navy Rear Admiral. Saara Kuugongelwa, from the class of ’94, made history as Namibia’s first female Prime Minister.

Recently, several Lincoln alumnae have achieved significant milestones. Soraya Coley (’72) was the first alumna president of a university, leading California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Blanche Carney (’92) became the first woman Commissioner at the Philadelphia Prisons in 2016. The Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver (’74) broke records as the first African American woman Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly in 2010 and later became the Lieutenant Governor in 2017. In 2024, Cherelle L. Parker (’94) made history as Philadelphia’s first woman Mayor.

**Honorees**

Lincoln has celebrated influential women such as Marian Anderson, an iconic singer, and Shirley Chisholm, a groundbreaking Congresswoman. Rosa Parks, revered for her civil rights activism, and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, the first woman to lead both Spelman and Bennett Colleges, further illustrate the university’s rich legacy of female empowerment.

**Historical Achievements**

In 2015, Lincoln became the first Historically Black College or University to create a chapter of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society, thanks to student leaders like Shereka Ellingon and Gionelly Mills (both from the class of ’18). This milestone showcases the university’s commitment to fostering legal excellence among its students.

In summary, Lincoln University’s history is filled with pioneering women who continue to inspire future generations. Their achievements remind us of the power of courage, perseverance, and community support in shaping a brighter future.

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