As Lincoln University celebrates a milestone birthday, plans for the future chart the way for continued success.

When you reach the ripe old age of 150, embracing change might not be at the top of your bucket list. After all, you’ve seen and done enough. But as M.F. Ryan wrote, “Each of us has the opportunity to change and grow until our very last breath. Happy creating.” Embracing change and creating something new is exactly what Lincoln University is doing this year on the cusp of its biggest milestone ever. Lincoln is 150 years old. While it might seem like a perfect time to look back and reflect on a rich academic history, Lincoln is spending this banner year making progress toward the future.

The first notable change for Lincoln is a brand launch with a new logo, look and positioning statement. This rebranding project began last spring when they brought onboard a local communications firm to conduct a brand analysis by organizing focus groups to gather key information on current perceptions of the school. It was an insightful process that helped to formulate a better understanding of where they wanted to go in the future.

“The entire process has been exciting,” says Misty Young, director of Lincoln University relations. “It’s been fun to see the feedback from the interviews. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves.”

The new logo, which will feature the distinctive archways of the library, was unveiled to the public in February and will be rolled out with all new collateral materials this spring. Graduates of Lincoln will also notice a new presidential seal on their diplomas, which pays homage to the soldiers of the 62nd United States Colored Infantry that took the first steps to establish Lincoln in 1866.

A new brand is not the only big shift happening on the Lincoln campus. The university continues to pursue important partnerships in the community, including a prominent new construction project being built from the ground up near the football field. This year, major work will be completed on a new University Wellness and Parks Multi-Purpose Recreational Center, which opens in the spring of 2017.

A mutually beneficial interchange between community and the university is The Boys & Girls Club of the Capital City, which became an intricate partner when the decision was made to move it on campus. Ground was broken on this new facility earlier this year, and it will provide a unique opportunity for university students to positively impact the lives of youth in our community.

As a way to expand overseas opportunities for students and faculty, the administration is working diligently with universities in Korea, China, Cuba, Jamaica and Brazil. These relationships provide invaluable opportunities to study and teach abroad.

Although Lincoln is busy looking ahead, it’s also making time to celebrate this 150-year milestone with monthly events in collaboration with the National Alumni Association.

There will be key activities in Jefferson City, including Founders’ Day, Feb. 11; President’s Gala, April 16; Commencement, May 14 and Homecoming, the week of Oct. 2. It will be full year of celebrations. It will also be a full year of changes and forward momentum toward exciting new things on the horizon.

For more information visit www.lincolnu.edu