GDW EVENT ALERT: The 19th Annual Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman Awards, April 16, 2022

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Why I Love Frank Tick Coleman - Lincoln University's Icon and Patron Saint

Why I Love Frank Tick Coleman - Lincoln University's Icon and Patron Saint

On Saturday, April 16, 2022, Lincoln University's Alumni Association of Philadelphia will host its annual Dr. Frank Tick Coleman Scholarship and Achievement Awards Luncheon/Fundraiser.   And, believe me, it's a labor of love on the part of our Alumni volunteers who strive to do him honor by selecting people who exemplify those same principles and passion that have made him a legend. 

The event is being held at the Springfield Garden Country Club, and will honor the following illustrious LU Alumni:

Eric J. Becoats, Ed.D. ‘88

Sandra M. Harmon, '81

Rev. Dr. Calvin S. Morris, '63

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, '74

Richardean Smalls, '75

This years' keynote speaker will be Richard Gordon, VI, Lincoln Alumni Class of '94, three-time National Principal of the Year, Pennsylvania State Principal of the Year Award Winner, and N.A.S.S.P. National Distinguished Principal Awardee. Gordon is currently  Principal at the distinguished Paul Robeson High School, in Philadelphia. You're going to make your reservations now, either virtually or in person for this gala - as we pay tribute to a man who did ordinary things in extraordinary ways, and has left his mark on the hearts and minds of so many who knew and loved him, and inspired those who never met him, but know of his legendary works. 

So, before I tell you why I/we love Tick Coleman, click on the link below to make your reservation - or, if you can't attend, make your contribution to the Frank Tick Coleman Scholarship Fund:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aalu-phila-chapter-19th-annual-frank-tick-coleman-awards-luncheon-tickets-292522311107?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

I hope you made your reservation -  so that I can tell you why so many of us, including, and especially yours truly, love Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman:

Nearly every college has a legendary figure students remember fondly long after they've graduated and moved into the world of work and corporate ladder climbing.  And Lincoln University is no exception.  Our legend, and official Patron Saint,  is Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman, who graduated from Lincoln University in 1935. 

A Philadelphia native, Tick made his mark as a counselor, primarily working with such Black youth as Ed Bradley at the Christian Street YMCA. And later with students in the Philadelphia school system, inspiring them to greatness.  Working with and guiding students to success was a lifelong labor of love for him.  He remembered them all fondly; but if there was anyone of which he was extremely proud, it was the late Ed Bradley.  I remember his saying how he had taken Ed from nearly becoming a street kid, to one who came into his own talents under his guidance.

Years later I met Ed Bradley, who by then was anchor on 60 MINUTES, who told me that had it not been for Tick, he would have never pursued his career and become the first Black Anchor on 60 Minutes the acclaimed television news and documentary show, headed by Mike Wallace.  Bradley said there was nothing he wouldn't do for Tick.

There are many other Lincoln grads who likewise attribute their success to his influence and guidance.  With all his responsibilities and commitments, Tick always found time to devote to the students who came behind him at Lincoln University, and would frequently drive out to the campus to meet and converse with new students at the then all male University. 

I first met Tick when I transferred to LU in 1965 as a "rising junior," after having been expelled from Hampton Institute for being too militant.  Interestingly enough, that was the first year Lincoln accepted female co-eds on campus.  There were many Lincoln Alumns who objected to the transition.  Lincoln was originally an all male school and their official "mancave."  Established in 1854 by John Miller Dickey, who was looking to provide college educations to former slaves living in the Pennsylvania area (it was still against the law to teach Black people to read). 

In 1965, over 100 years later, it was decided that they should open the doors to female students to bolster their financial status, or close down forever.  There were just over 600 students on the campus, of which 16 were we females, who were carefully selected.   However, some of the male students were not too happy at the thought of having to share their "man caves" with us, and were threatening to stage a boycott.  It was Tick who came out to  Lincoln to transform them from "adversaries to ambassadors." and make life easier for us who were actually moving into "primitive" situations.  Black then Lincoln had no street lights, sidewalks, women's restrooms, etc.  Tick managed to persuade the guys that it would be the brotherly thing to help us maneuver around the mud and dust while things were being modernized.  He especially prevailed on his younger Fraternity Brothers of Omega Psi Phi to look out for us.  Those Friendships that are now going into our 57th year!

The first time I actually met him I had my head buried in a book on W.E.B. DuBois at the Vail Memorial Library, which housed all of Lincoln's  books and papers on Black/African History and Culture.  And yes, I was a total bookworm/geek!  He took the time to ask me how I was enjoying Lincoln thus far - and asked the typical question, "how did you get to Lincoln from Oklahoma?"  He also asked why I didn't go to Lincoln in Missouri (which I had never heard of, by the way).  I asked him how he knew I was from Oklahoma?  To which he remarked, "There were no secrets here at Lincoln.  Everybody knew everybody, and looked out for everybody.  We knew you were coming before you got here.  I just wanted to see what a young lady from Oklahoma looked like."  That was my intro to Tick Coleman.  As it turns out, most of the teachers and faculty served as mentors in one way or another.  He gave me a little known fact that DuBois was the first Black sociologist to write about Philadelphia Blacks (The Philadelphia Negro), and that "Philadelphia has more streets named after Black people than any other city in the United States; and it was a main conduit for the Underground Railroad.  Somehow or another he knew I was a history buff.  He immediately got my attention.  We became friends from that point on.  At Lincoln, Black then, our professors and many of the administrators also doubled as mentors.  As a transplant to Lincoln U,  little did I know that I and my other co-ed classmates were to become lifelong members of the Lincoln Family.  This year marks my 55th Anniversary of graduating from Lincoln University - and  the 57 year anniversary of meeting Tick Coleman.  Both dates are so special to me. 

Tick was a legend at Lincoln long before  I arrived there in 1965. He was on the varsity football team, and participated in so many other events, he was LU's all around man.  I would see him occasionally walking around the campus, talking to the students, encouraging them; interfacing with the faculty and staff.  He was always smiling, energetic, and dedicated to Lincoln and her students,  Tick  was instrumental in establishing transportation between the campus and Philadelphia via Greyhound Bus so we could get back and forth from the city to the campus - and helped with carpools for those all important "Philly Runs!"

I graduated from Lincoln University in 1967 - and over the years basically only went back for class reunions and special occasions, so didn't see him much for over 30 years. Fast forward to 1999, and my youngest daughter entered Lincoln as a freshman.  Who was there to make sure she got everything she needed?  Tick Coleman!  I was totally blown away to see this now elderly brother, just as spry and energetic as if he was still a student himself!!  He introduced himself to my daughter, and told her about my Lincoln U days, and assured me that he would look after her to make sure she got what she needed while she was there.  I couldn't believe my eyes!  He was nearly 90 then!  Moving with the speed of a teenager!  True to his word, he helped her with transportation between Philadelphia and the campus.  Made sure she had the appropriate classes and credits, and was sounding board when she had problems.  When she graduated in 2003, he was one of the proudest in the audience to cheer her on. 

If Tick loved Lincoln, he loved his Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi even more.  He served as Dean of Pledgees for Omega Psi Phi's Beta Chapter, and  was guiding light to the Lampados for decades.  Tick's exuberant  integrity was an inspiration for the members of Beta Chapter, who revere his memory to this day. 

When he became head of Alumni Relations in 1981, Tick was such a drum major for Lincoln that he partnered with Sam Brown, the founder of Our Children's Foundation, a Harlem youth organization, to make Lincoln one of the first stops on his Black College Tour.  Brown conducted the tour free of charge in the spring of every year, until Tick's passing.  He brought between 250 to 300 youth to visit the campus, meet the students, faculty and administrators, and learn the value of getting a college education.  Tick Coleman, who was animated and inspiring, was the first person they'd meet.  As a result of this 20+ year collaboration, more than 500 students from the Foundation attended and graduated from Lincoln. The Foundation provided financial aid and scholarships necessary for them to succeed, breaking the chain of ignorance and poverty for many a family.  And they were blessed to have had Tick Coleman as a mentor to guide them through their educational careers.  

Henry Lancaster, one of Lincoln's distinguished Alumnus, class of 1976, said: 

"More than anybody I ever met, Tick Coleman intentionally engaging, and loved by just about everybody at Lincoln U.  I personally will never forget him. "

Tick's love went above and beyond that of formality, rank, or job description.  He often personally helped students with their financial aid; at times digging into his own personal account to make up the difference.  He was Mr. LINCOLN - the heart and soul of Lincoln University. 

 

When he made his transition in 2008 at the age of 97,  his homegoing service was so packed, many stood outside around the church to pay him homage.

However, just paying him homage was not nearly enough.   We, the Lincoln Alumni who knew  and loved him, vowed to continue his mission of generosity by providing scholarships for students who had financial needs.  The Frank Tick Coleman Scholarship Luncheon was formulated to carry forward and provide even more funds for worthy students who were academically capable, but did not have the financial wherewithal to complete their education.  The Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman Luncheon is our premier fundraising event, and one of the ways we try to carry his mission forward.  

 

BTW he was nicknamed Tick while a kid in Philadelphia because he could get things done faster than the Tick of a clock.  I.e., by the time it got to "tock" he had done it!!  

I/We truly hope you will join us on this special occasion and share in the love that so many have poured into this event.

Remember to click on the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aalu-phila-chapter-19th-annual-frank-tick-coleman-awards-luncheon-tickets-292522311107?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

 

PS:  To all you Lincoln Alumns out there, show your Lincoln Pride by wearing your ORANGE & BLUE - 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson