Gov. figures, local businesses, students to be present for welcome event
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
COATESVILLE – The Coatesville Ministers’ Alliance has organized an event to welcome Lincoln University students to Coatesville on Saturday from noon to 6 pm.
The “Welcome Lincoln University” day will be held at Gordon, the same building that will host the university’s classes in the fall.
State Rep. Tim Hennessey and state Sen. Andy Dinniman will be present, as will various officials from the city and county governments.
The day will start with a ribbon cutting, which will be followed by a variety of events, including a basketball game, an open house, awarding of scholarships, and a performance by the Lincoln University Jazz Ensemble. Food and arts and crafts vendors will also be present for the day.
Pastor Randall M. Harris of the Tabernacle Baptist Church said that he hopes that the day will be the first step in a positive relationship between Lincoln University and the city of Coatesville.
“We’re looking at about 800-1000 folks converging on the city, so it’s going to be a day that brings about a bunch of unity,” said Harris. “It’s going to be a great day, a great opportunity for the entire city.”
He also hopes the university will play a part in a revitalization of the area.
“Not only having a major university in our city but also with the addition of the new train station being built, additional housing being built – it’s going to be spectacular, and hopefully, it’ll draw even more businesses to want to come into our city,” he said
But Lincoln’s physical presence means more than just having a fiscal presence. Having a facility of higher education could give something for Coatesville students to aspire to.
“We’re hoping that a great population of our young folk will take advantage of the education opportunities,” said Harris.
Harris indicated that he is as hopeful for his city. He wants the day to be the one of many positive events with Lincoln and the university to be one of many positive changes for the city overall.
“It’s going to be a nice bright spot to see the town flourishing all over again.”
