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 Lincoln College opened 157 years ago as a faith
based university. The institution offered four-year degrees and was
officially registered as a university. During hard times, the
college shifted to offering two-year certificates for students
transferring to other locations to finish their four-year degrees.
The institution then became known as a 'college,' but maintained its
university status. To keep it's university status intact the college
awarded honorary doctorate degrees to citizens handpicked by the
Lincoln College Board of Trustees, and even after returning to
four-year degrees continued that practice.
This year, in addition to than 200 diplomas to the class of 2022,
two honorary doctorates were awarded to Springfield's Michael Phelon
and to Lincoln's own beloved Reverend Glenn Shelton.
The day began with a large audience made up of family and friends of
graduates and other members of the community.
Lincoln College student Shannon Cabit opened the ceremony playing
the Pomp and Circumstance as the Class of 2022 assembled on the
floor of the gymnasium in Lincoln Center. Faculty followed members
of the board of trustees and special guests, with College Vice
President Dr. Donna Bradley and President Dr. David Gerlach last to
enter the stage.
Associate Professor of Mathematics Jan Bowers convened the assembly
and called on LC Music Major Creighton Monroe to sing the National
Anthem.
LC Board of Trustees Chair Patrick Doolin welcomed all and
introduced Pastor Larry Crawford for the invocation prayer.
Greetings from President Dr. David Gerlach
President Dr. David Gerlach came to the podium to address the
audience. He said that it was a celebration for 235 students
graduating with a variety of degrees from Associate Certificates to
Bachelor or Master Degrees. He noted that on this day of
achievement, “It is a day filled with pride, or some relief to
parents and family who have sustained these students throughout the
course of their studies. It is entirely appropriate to recognize
them.” He then asked that all parents and family members stand for
recognition. The applause that filled the gymnasium was dominated by
the students who cheered their parents and called out quick
greetings of their own.
Gerlach then recognized staff and faculty for instruction and
support throughout each student's career.
The final recognition was offered to Lincoln College Trustees and
Trustees Emeriti. The audience offered cheers and applause.
Student speaker Jacilyn Gunderson
Dr. Gerlach introduced 2022 student speaker Jacilyn Gunderson. He
said that Gunderson would be graduating Summa Cum Laude with a
Bachelor in Organizational Leadership. Gunderson is a first
generation graduate and is currently the director of the Penguin
Project in Bloomington. She is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda
National Honor Society member for traditional college students. She
is a volunteer in many community service organizations and youth
groups.
Gunderson was the 2021 recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Civic
Engagement Award and became the Student Laureate of the Lincoln
Academy of Illinois.
Gunderson said she was honored to have been chosen to address the
graduating class on this historical day at the college. She had
written her speech long before the announcement of the closure of
the college, but even so, she felt it applied especially well to the
current circumstance.
To start, she did not believe in “Everything happens for a reason”
and even found the phrase irritating. At the same time, she said, it
was circumstances that led her to the stage on Saturday.
Gunderson said she had begun her college career, worked hard on her
course work while holding down a full time job. She was in her
senior year when she learned that she would not be able to finish
her bachelor's and be employed in a full time position at the same
time. The job would interfere with the necessary degree
requirements. She decided to 'take a short break' while she
re-assessed her plan. That short break turned into 10 years.
The break in Gunderson's education really had not been all that
worrisome. She had a good job with benefits, was content with where
she was in life and what she was doing.
But then, after nine years, the company she worked for let her and
83 other employees go as they went through a “downsizing.”
Gunderson said, “I was devastated and did not want to hear
‘everything happens for a reason.’ But you see, if that rug had not
been ripped out from underneath me, I would probably still be very
comfortable continuing down a path that was not my dream.”
She said, had she not gone through that devastation she would not
have had the where-with-all to look at herself more closely and make
the decisions she needed to make to further her dream, develop her
true calling and even serve in public office.
Gunderson was incredibly grateful for the opportunity that came out
of her devastating blow and felt that she was pursuing her dream at
long last, even though at the time she wasn’t ready for what she was
going through or where she was headed. She added, “But sometimes the
closest any of us ever get to being ready is feeling not ready, and
bravely doing it anyway.” She felt she had achieved success in spite
of her circumstance.
Gunderson dealt with her obstacles, and knew beyond a doubt that
many of the graduates had experienced their own obstacles and
struggles, but they had kept going forward bravely and even in times
of uncertainty. She said all of them including herself would
continue to have challenges, but they would address those challenges
and keep moving forward.
She finished saying a personal thank you to the faculty and staff
and noted that they had been very supportive throughout her two-year
journey to complete her degree, and she was confident that all the
students would join her in expressing appreciation to them.
When Gunderson exited the stage duet Katie Benson and Quinten
Breckenridge sang “If it’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder, accompanied by
students of the Lincoln College Jazz program.
Conferring of Honorary Degrees
This year there were two honorary doctorate degree awardees; Michael
Phelon and Rev. Glenn Shelton.
Doctor of Humane Letters
Michael Phelon
Founder and CEO of “The Outlet”
Compassionate mentor, recognized community member.
Sponsor: Lincoln College Trustee Judith Morley
Morley introduced Phelon.
Phelon is the founder and director of The Outlet, a nonprofit
serving young men and boys through mentoring. He started the venture
in 2004 with a goal of helping youth in Springfield with life
changing decisions and implementation of spiritual values. His work
includes helping young men explore their gifts and determine their
future paths for career and personal achievement.
Morley read the many accomplishments of Phelon including numerous
awards and recognitions from Springfield organizations such as The
Rotary, Greater Springfield Interfaith Association, Illinois State
Treasurer with the Community Service Award, and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation Director’s Community Leadership award.
Dr. Gerlach then conferred the degree and performed the hooding
ritual.
Phelon said he was honored to receive the doctorate.
He then recounted that as a youth in high school he heard many a
time from his teachers that he was not destined to succeed in life.
“I can remember in high school when teachers would say Michael, you
are not cut out for college. Michael, you will never go anywhere.
You can’t do anything. I would love to tell that teacher or that
counselor to kick rocks; look at me today!”
Phelon told the graduates that they should be very proud of the
things they have accomplished. He said that each one had more than
likely faced struggles and challenges in the educational journey,
but they had made it to the end and were now graduating. He said it
didn’t matter if they had a grade point average or 4.0 or much less,
it was still a source of pride to receive that diploma. The GPA is
not recorded on your diploma. He then drew laughs when he said “but
it is on your transcript, so you might want to hide that thing.”
Phelon spoke about his connections in life that had brought him to
founding 'The Outlet.' He kept moving forward working to achieve his
dream of helping others.
He told the students that they too should keep moving forward in
life, even when they experience fear, uncertainty. He said when some
tells you, you can’t, you need to know that you can. And you should
keep moving forward.
He said that when he was in college, his goal was to succeed, to
pass. He said that is the dream of those here today, but he hoped
that through their education they have developed new dreams for the
future that they will now work to achieve. He said continually
throughout his address that no matter what, it is a matter of “keep
moving,” always working, always striving to achieve.
[to top of second column] |
 Doctorate of Humane Letters
Rev. Glenn Shelton
Retired Pastor Second Baptist Church
Lincoln College Honorary Trustee
Community Public Servant
Sponsor: Lincoln College Trustee Laura Beltchenko
Beltchenko introduced Rev. Shelton.
Rev. Shelton served as the pastor of the Second Baptist Church in
Lincoln for 40 years. He has served as an alderman on the Lincoln
City Council. He was a charter member of the Lincoln YMCA, served on
the board of Habitat for Humanity, served on numerous boards and
committees within the Baptist Church, was a Lincoln College Trustee
retiring from that position in 2020 and is currently serving as the
Chairman of the Logan County E-911 Board of Advisors.
He was also recognized for the impact he has had on Lincoln College
students as co-founder of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
program.
Dr. Gerlach then conferred the degree and performed the hooding
ritual.
Rev. Dr. Shelton stepped to the podium, subdued, and humbled by what
was happening in the moment. He asked for just a moment, stood
silently for a few seconds before addressing the students and staff
of Lincoln College.
He began by saying that as he achieved the accomplishments that were
read aloud, he never at anytime in his life thought, ‘Look at me,
look what I have done.' He said he lived his life going forward with
God, and what he has achieved in his life is to the glory of God. He
said he was humbled by the doctorate. He strove to offer the college
and the board of trustees his deepest gratitude for the honor they
had put on him.
He recited a poem for the graduating class:
Sometimes I get to thinking
As my labors I review
That I should find some higher place
With greater things to do.
But I come to the conclusion
When evening is still
That the place in which God has me
Is the place he wanted me to fill.
And there isn’t any service
That I can render
That I should scorn
For it may be just the reason
That God allowed me to be born.
Rev. Shelton was also the keynote speaker for the graduation
ceremony and went immediately into his address to the students.
He spoke with great passion, challenging and encouraging each
graduate.
He was also entertaining, bringing loud laughter and applause when
he pulled a cigar out of his pocket and stuck it in his mouth for a
visual interpretation of Winston Churchill.
Rev. Dr. Glenn Shelton shares the Three ‘C’s of life
After receiving his Honorary Doctorate Degree at the Lincoln College
Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Rev. Dr. Glenn Shelton was
called upon to deliver the graduation address to the students of the
Class of 2022.
He began by telling the graduates that they have accomplished
something great. He noted that they were not only a graduating
class, they were a history making class. He said that they had
prepared for this moment, some since last August, and some since
they were in kindergarten.
He said that now that graduation is upon them and they are ready to
go and begin their adult life of work, career, responsibility; they
are certainly being asked by many “What are you going to do now?”
He said that some knew that answer, others were not yet certain. He
called out one student in the group and said the young man has a
plan, a couple of options he intends to pursue.
Rev. Dr. Shelton said no matter what lie ahead for the graduates,
plan in plans, or yet formulating, it was important that all of them
follow the 'Three C’s of life.'
He said three things that would speak to each person in the room.
“The first thing you should do before you make any decision is count
the cost. Everything in life costs something - time, energy, effort,
money, practice, tests, more education, did I mention money? You’ve
got to know that there is a price to be paid.”
He said that in the Bible, Jesus knew there would be a cost. And
when he spoke to his disciples he told them “Before you join me,
consider the price you will have to pay.”
Rev. Dr. Shelton said the second ‘C’ is "Commitment." He said the
students would have to be committed to what they do. He said, “Life
is going to throw some things at you, and if you are not committed,
you may lose.”
Moving on, he said that after considering the cost, making the
commitment, then the final ‘C’ is to “Continue.” He said again,
times would get hard, the price paid might be high, but the goal was
worth the effort and students must continue on through the tough
stuff and get to the other side.
He drew on the words of Dr. Phelon, paraphrasing the first
doctoral's words, that no matter what, one has to “keep moving.”
Rev. Dr. Shelton said even those who achieved great things faced
failures along the way.
He spoke of Albert Einstein and asked if the students were aware
that as a child he flunked mathematics. Ironic, but he had not let
that dissuade him from moving forward and continuing in his work.
Babe Ruth was another example. While the Babe is known for his
homerun record in baseball and his ability to point out ahead of
time where his hit would land, he also held the record for the most
strikeouts by any one player.
He spoke about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. He said that Keller
was blind, hearing and speech impaired. Keller was a lost cause for
everyone but Annie Sullivan. Rev. Dr. Shelton said that Sullivan
knew she could help Keller. Some of the best experts had told
Sullivan not to bother, that someone like Keller, so severely
impaired was a hopeless case. But Sullivan did not give up, she
stayed committed and continued on with Keller until the two achieved
success.
“My hero, Jackie Robinson, signed a contract with the Brooklyn
Dodgers of the White National League. He played in the Negro Major
League. The Brooklyn Dodgers took a chance on Jackie. Jackie broke
the color barrier.”
Rev. Dr. Shelton said that he saw Jackie as motivator for himself.
Rev. Dr. Shelton loved baseball and he strove to be as good as or
better than Jackie Robinson.
He said that Robinson’s career was plagued with challenges and
prejudice starting with the team manager Peewee Reese, who had
Robinson’s locker pulled out of the team area and placed next to the
latrines. He said that fans booed him and “called him the N-word,
more often than you’ll ever hear again, but that did not stop Jackie
Robinson.”
Robinson was not deterred by all that negativity. He set his sights
on being a good baseball player and he surpassed even what he strove
to achieve, becoming Rookie of the year, Most Valued Player for the
team, and honored with a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rev. Dr. Shelton moved on to share a story about Sir Winston
Churchill. He drew a cigar from his pocket and stuck it in his mouth
for a visual interpretation of the great man, who was known
throughout England and the world for his influence in winning World
War II.
In his time, Churchill was asked to address a graduating class at
Columbia University. He said yes he would attend and address the
students.
On graduation day, Churchill was not there when the processional
began. He was not there at the heart of the ceremony. As the
ceremony was drawing to its close, Churchill was not there. The time
was near that the pastor should deliver the benediction, when up
pulled a long black automobile with Churchill inside.
“Out steps Winston Churchill, chomping on a big cigar.” When he went
to the podium he gave the shortest address. He said three words.
"What were those words? I’m glad you asked. Churchill said, "Don’t
give up."”
Rev. Dr. Shelton left the podium and as he walked to the side stage
looking intently at the students in the graduating class he boomed
out at them, “Don’t you ever, ever, ever, ever, give up!”
The rest of Rev. Dr. Shelton’s words were lost in the outburst of
applause and cheers, and a standing ovation for the dynamic speaker
as he bowed slightly and walked back to his seat on the stage.
With the audience already in a fervor, Quentin Brackenridge and the
students of the Lincoln College Gospel Choir, music students and
jazz students delivered a knee slapping, dance-along version of “Oh
Happy Day.” Everyone in the audience felt the move of the music and
the joy that it represented. Around the gymnasium people stood,
clapping in rhythm with Brackenridge, dancing in place and singing
along.
When the song was over, the exhausted crowd sat down and the
conferring of degrees began. Dr. Donna Bradley offered the
“Presentation of Class” and Dr. Gerlach provided the “Conferring of
Degree.”
Students crossed the stage, shaking hands with Trustee Board Chair
Patrick Doolin while accepting their diplomas. As they exited the
stage they were greeted, congratulated and often times offered a big
hug by Rev. Dr. Shelton, before returning to their seats.
With the confirmation of their degrees, Brackenridge was called to
the stage for one last performance. He sang the college song,
“Lincoln College Alma Mater.”
Pastor Crawford offered the benediction followed by the recessional
drawing the afternoon to a close.
In all it was a joyous day for everyone in the gymnasium. Students
shared their joy with decorations on their graduation caps. Parents
and family members held up cardboard prints of their graduate faces,
cell phones all over the building glowed as the event was recorded
for personal history, and the cheers and laughter that filled the
room from time to time was an indication, that this class was filled
with happy young people, ready to go out and face the next chapter
of their lives head on, thanks to the efforts of all those at
Lincoln College.
Congratulations to the last and the 155th graduating class of
Lincoln College.
[Nila Smith] |
