The 188th Founders’ Day celebration at Cheyney University brought together alumni, students, and guests to honor the school’s long history as the first HBCU in the country. Among those attending were Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s presiding clerk Nikki Mosgrove and general secretary Christie Duncan-Tessmer, who were guests at the event. The celebration included speeches, music, and reflections on Cheyney’s past and future. Throughout the event, speakers mentioned Cheyney’s Quaker roots, recognizing the role Quakers played in helping to establish the school and its focus on education and opportunity.
During the Program, Nikki spoke to the attenders, representing PYM, saying, “I bring you greetings from the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, which is a collection of 105 Quaker congregations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania comprised of approximately 10,000 individuals.” She also shared the exciting news about PYM’s upcoming Annual Sessions. “We are so very excited to be able to gather here—on your campus this summer for our 345th Annual Sessions,” she added, “The Quakers are coming back!” Her words spoke to the relationship between the connection between Friends and Cheyney University.
This year, Annual Sessions will take place from Wednesday, July 23 – Sunday, July 27 at Cheyney University’s campus, offering a space for Friends to worship in community and practice our faith. The theme of sessions, Members One of Another, reminds us that our faith is not just about the places we meet, but the relationships we build, nourish, and support one another. Cheyney’s long history, gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we live our testimonies today.
Friends are also encouraged to participate in Spring Continuing Sessions, March 8th-9th 2025, For more information on sessions, please contact Tara Rubinstein, at trubinstein@pym.org or at (215) 241-7228.
Cheyney University Founder’s Day
A full video of the 188th Founders’ Day program can be found below.
