Lincoln University Celebrates Top Academic Achievements at 2026 Honors Convocation

Lincoln University of Missouri students, faculty, staff, family and friends celebrated the achievements of the university's top academic students at the 2026 Honors Convocation at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, in Mitchell Auditorium, Richardson Fine Arts Center on the LU campus.

"Today, take pride in what you've accomplished," said President John Moseley in his address to students. "You've earned this recognition. But understand this - this is not the finish line. It is the standard. Keep raising it. Keep challenging yourselves. Keep stepping into opportunities that stretch you, test you and move you forward. Because what you are building here does not stop with you. It continues through you - in your careers, in your communities and in the lives you will impact."

Natalie E. Hudson, a native of Jefferson City and daughter of two Lincoln University of Missouri alumni, is the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a trailblazing legal leader. A graduate of Arizona State University and the University of Minnesota Law School, she has built a distinguished career across public and private practice, academia and government service. Hudson made history in 2002 as the first Black woman appointed to a Minnesota appellate court, joined the state's highest court in 2015 and became chief justice in 2023 - the first person of color to lead Minnesota's judiciary. Beyond the bench, she is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and community engagement within the legal system.

During her address, Hudson told students that, despite a time of turmoil, she remains encouraged "because of universities like Lincoln and young people like yourself."

"What you've learned here at Lincoln has more than prepared you to engage with others in this manner to have healthy debates where you listen to one another respectfully and work collaboratively to solve problems and enrich your communities," she said. "This is your time on the world stage. This is your time to lead our country on the next leg of this journey towards a more perfect union."

Offering more than 35 different degree programs for associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, Lincoln University is known for its supportive academic environment, including academic coaching and small class sizes to ensure students receive personalized attention and support. Lincoln also offers flat-rate tuition, financial aid and scholarship support to help students succeed. For more information on academic life at Lincoln University, please visit our Academics page.

View more photos from the 2026 Honors Convocation here.