News
The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.
We have rebranded and are now accepting orders for the first-ever printed ‘The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.’ T SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS, AND HOODIES. Pre-orders will be accepted until Saturday, October 11, 2025. All shirts must be picked up at Homecoming by a designated representative to distribute to your members. Chapters will need to collect payments from their members and send a single check, along with a completed order form, to the National Office at 1750 Jefferson St., P.O. Box 104762, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Alternatively, chapters can pay online at https://theeighteensixtysix.org/donate/ and email the check and order form to treasurerceg@theeighteensixtysix.org.
Contact Ms. Joanna Lewis at 314-600-7014 or mslewis218@gmail.com for further information.
News
Press Release: Lincoln University Alumni Association Announces Historic Name Change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lincoln University Alumni Association, Inc. Makes a Historic Move: Introducing “The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.”
During the summer of 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization formerly known as the Lincoln University Alumni Association, Inc. officially changed its corporate title. The association will now be recognized as “The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.”
78th National Alumni Convention: A Defining Moment
The 78th National Alumni Convention, held this year in the vibrant city of St. Louis, Missouri, proved to be both historic and momentous. Proud alumni gathered to celebrate, reflect, and, most importantly, conduct the vital business that ensures continued success and alignment with the association’s mission. This year’s convention stood out from previous years, as delegates from across the country united to address major decisions that will shape the organization’s future. The most significant matter discussed was the renaming of the association. After careful deliberation and a majority vote, it was announced that, effective August 1, 2025, the organization is now officially known as “The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.” The website address, https://theeighteensixtysix.org/home/, as well as the Facebook and Instagram pages, are listed below.
Reason for the Change
This change, although challenging, was necessary to ensure full compliance with the settlement agreement. between the University and the association. While the name has evolved, the mission remains steadfast: to uplift, support, and celebrate the legacy and future of Lincoln University and its alumni.
Convention Highlights and Spirit
Despite the serious nature of the discussions, a spirit of camaraderie and pride in the alma mater filled every room at the convention in St. Louis. Attendees reminisced, laughed, networked, and honored outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions both at Lincoln University and in communities nationwide.
Looking Forward
As the convention concludes, the association stands stronger, more united, and more committed than ever. Members are encouraged to share questions, suggestions, and ideas. The Board of Directors will meet monthly and continue to provide timely updates as the organization progresses with this historic transition. Together, members will honor the past, embrace the present, and prepare for a thriving future-as “The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.” To renew membership or join for the first time, please use the link below, https://theeighteensixtysix.org/donate, and follow the prompts.
Contact Information
With Pride and Purpose,
Dr. Sherman Bonds, President, The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.
Email: presidentsb@theeightteensixtysix.org-404-444-9530
News
The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.
We have rebranded and are now accepting orders for the first-ever printed ‘The 1866 Alumni Association, Inc.’ T SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS, AND HOODIES. Pre-orders will be accepted until Saturday, October 11, 2025. All shirts must be picked up at Homecoming by a designated representative to distribute to your members. Chapters will need to collect payments from their members and send a single check, along with a completed order form, to the National Office at 1750 Jefferson St., P.O. Box 104762, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Alternatively, chapters can pay online at https://theeighteensixtysix.org/donate/ and email the check and order form to treasurerceg@theeighteensixtysix.org.
Contact Ms. Joanna Lewis at 314-600-7014 or mslewis218@gmail.com for further information.
News
Every two years during the summer, the Association hosts a National Alumni Convention at a location and time selected by the Board of Directors. The date, time, and venue for these conventions will be announced to all alumni, associates, and friends at least six months in advance. The National Alumni Convention provides an opportunity for the Board of Directors and the House of Delegates to gather and discuss the Association’s business.
News
The 2023 National Convention took place at the prestigious Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, and was a huge success. Notably, the Association achieved a net profit of over $22,000 for the first time in more than twenty years. This accomplishment allowed the Association to combine the profit with the National Student Scholarship fund, leading to over $150,000 in scholarships awarded to students in financial need attending Lincoln University over the past three years. We are excited about the possibility of creating more meaningful moments in the future.
Looking ahead, the 2025 National Alumni Association Convention is planned to take place at the St. Louis Hilton Airport Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 26-29, 2025. The convention will include a variety of activities such as meet-and-greets, happy hours, raffles, business meetings, a distinguished alumni luncheon, a hall of fame banquet, and a memorial breakfast. We look forward to your participation in the event!