We join in welcoming members of the Lincoln University Alumni Association who have gathered here this weekend for the national convention.
This year's installment - the 73rd national convention - began Thursday evening with a reception and concludes with tonight's Hall of Fame Banquet.
Jefferson City enjoys a double distinction this year. In addition to serving as host city, Jefferson City High School graduate Kenneth D. Dean becomes the most recent Central Missourian inducted into the Lincoln University Alumni Hall of Fame.
After graduating from JCHS in 1964, Dean graduated magna cum laude from LU in 1969 and went on to receive his juris doctorate (J.D) degree from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1976.
Dean's distinguished career is indicative of the many LU alumni who continue to serve their professions, families, churches and communities.
In this forum earlier this month, we wrote: "Almost 5,000 graduates still live here, and many more people have earned credit hours from LU over the years. They work in our banks, serve as nurses, teach our kids and perform admirably for dozens of employers in the Mid-Missouri region."
At that time, our purpose was twofold.
First, to acknowledge the hard work by members of the Jefferson City Chapter of the LU Alumni Association to plan for the convention.
Second, our aim was to encourage LU alumni who are not active participants to get on board.
Alumni associations energize schools and their students, while providing fellowship and opportunities for members.
Alumni groups bolster participation and support at athletic events. They help raise money for academic and institution needs. And, they strengthen the link between university and community by personifying that partnership.
With the local chapter energized from convention planning and a new school year beginning, now is an optimum time for LU alumni to get involved and get active.