Elisabeth Bellevue, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania- c/o 2020, Communications
Name : Elisabeth Bellevue
HBCU : Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
Graduation Year : 2020
Major : Communications
Minor : African American Studies
Email : elisabethxbellevue@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was originally born in Haiti. I moved to America as a baby to get open heart surgery. I was then raised in New Jersey but due to my father wanting to start his own church, my family moved to Harrisburg, PA in 2012.
I was introduced to HBCUs on my own. I was at a college fair at my high school, Central Dauphin East HS and Lincoln University of PA was one of the HBCUs represented.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because for one, the first HBCU I was introduced to happened to also literally be the FIRST historically black college and university to grant degrees. Also, I visited the campus as a junior in high school and the atmosphere was welcoming.
I felt at home and at the time I was exploring my identity as a young Black girl. Attending an HBCU was the ideal choice.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Coming into my HBCU, I had a plan and I had a vision. I was always the student who was involved. This was me in high school. I then transferred that energy to Lincoln University where I was given the opportunity to join many different organizations as well as serve on different boards.
When I first came to Lincoln my freshman year, I ran for my freshman class Vice President and was elected to serve. I had the chance to work under my school’s Student Government Association which then motivated me to run for the position of SGA Executive Secretary as only a freshman. From there I saw that this was where I belonged.
I ran again for Vice President of SGA but didn’t have a successful race. But this was all in God’s plan! Within that time frame I joined organizations such as NCNW, Thurgood Marshall Law Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, the Lincoln University Concert Choir, Pan-Africana Student Union and much more.
Then I recently ran my campaign for the position of SGA President which I was elected for this past March. My experience at MY HBCU has been extraordinary and I believe it has prepared me for post-undergrad in so many different ways. I am living the legacy life..advancing in Character, Leadership and Service. I am making my mark not just for myself but for generations to come.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
A first time experience at my HBCU would definitely be gaining a beauty sisterhood through membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This is a first for me because although I was blessed with two siblings, I never truly had an older sister to look up to. This sisterhood has allowed me to gain lifelong bonds with amazing women whom I will forever be thankful for.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Poe who was my Pan-Africana Studies 101 Professor was a motivating force for me. He pushed me to my limits in a positive way. He stressed the importance of academics, service and leadership to me. He never gave up on me even when I was ready to give up on myself. He showed me how important it is to value our HBCUs.
Name 1-2 Global Majority (“melanin-efficient”) people that have inspired you. And why? (e.g. Oprah, Malcom X, Marcus Garvey, etc.)
I look up to Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I discovered my passion in life during the time when the killings of our innocent Black men and women were happening. I used my twitter and my poetry as a platform to advocate for my people. That’s when I realized that I am called to advocate.
Are you a member of a sorority?
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Zeta Omega Chapter
Comments
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
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Students: 1,902
- Athletics: Lincoln University of Pennsylvania participates in the NCAA as a Division II institution. Lincoln has won 17 NCAA Division III Track & Field championships since 1985. Lincoln competes as a Division II member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and, the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Lincoln Lions compete in intercollegiate athletics in the following sports: Baseball, Soccer (Women), Basketball (Men & Women), Volleyball (Women), Indoor Track (Men & Women), Outdoor Track (Men & Women), Cross-Country (Men & Women), Softball, and Football.
- Notable Alumni: Ebenezer Ako-Adjei Ghanaian politician, member of the United Gold Coast Convention and The Big Six** Nnamdi Azikiwe 1930 first President of Nigeria** Cab Calloway 1930 entertainer, bandleader** Archibald H. Grimke 1870 lawyer, journalist, public speaker, member of the Niagara Movement** Langston Hughes 1929 poet** Larry Neal 1961 Black Arts Movement leader in the 1960s** Kwame Nkrumah 1939 first President of the modern Ghana** Dr. Joseph C. Price 1879 founder of Livingstone College** William Drew Robeson I 1876 minister, father of Paul Robeson** James H. Robinson 1935 founder of Operation Crossroads Africa (a model for the Peace Corps); Chapters 8, 9 and 10 of Robinson's 1950 autobiography, Road Without Turning, describe life at Lincoln in the early 1930s** Gil Scott-Heron attended, early 1970s, activist, singer-songwriter** Clive Terrelonge 1994 Olympic track and field athlete from Jamaica** Mose Penaani Tjitendero 1968 Namibian politician; former Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia ;Chairman, SWAPO Central Committee** Tjama Tjivikua 1983 Rector of the Polytechnic of Namibia** Albert H. Wheeler 1936 first African American Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan**
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