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 In February 2000, to honor the memory of distinguished Lincoln University alumnus, Lucille Jordan Gayle, members of the Washington, D. C.  Alumni Chapter voted unanimously to establish a scholarship fund in her name.  Subsequently, the proceeds from several fund raising events and activities conducted during 2000 have been earmarked for the scholarship fund which will be used to provide financial assistance to deserving students who are or will be attending Lincoln University.   The Chapter's goal is to establish an endowment of $25,000 with the Lincoln University Foundation.  Interest earned by the funds in the endowment will be used to finance the award of a one-year scholarship at the beginning of each school year to a Lincoln University student.    The Chapter intends to make the initial scholarship award for school year 2001/2002.  Criteria for awarding the scholarship will be established by the Chapter, and the Lincoln University Foundation will select the individual recipients.  The Spring Gala scheduled for April 28, 2001 is the major fundraiser for 2001.  Charitable contributions also are being solicited from alumni and friends of Lincoln University.   Lucille Gayle was a longtime member of the Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapter and an active member of numerous civic and professional organizations.  A mentor to many and an inspiration to all, she was an extremely talented and well trained educator who was dedicated to educating.  Extracts from her obituary and from an article by Gloria M. Herbert that appeared in the November 1999 edition of the publication "Black Meetings and Tourism" are provided below. 

Lucille Jordan Gayle

OBITUARY

Lucille Jordan Gayle was born in Leegate, Tennessee, June 10, 1920, and early in her life moved to Alton, Illinois where she came under the influence of her godmother, a teacher in the public schools of Alton, Illinois.  She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1942 from Lincoln University (Missouri), the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York (1949) and a Professional Diploma in Guidance at Columbia University, New York (1954).  She continued her education at many universities and colleges, including the University of Kansas City, MO., DC Teachers College, American University, Washington University, Howard University and Fordham University.  The highlight of her career was an Agnes Myer Fellowship in 1956 for study at Digby College, Roehampton, London, England.          

 Lucille began her teaching career at Agee School, Dalton, MO., and from there went to the Washington School, Jefferson, Michigan.  Seeking educational opportunities, she taught at Lowell School, Alton, IL., Attucks School, Kansas City, MO. and Grimke School, Washington, DC.  She retired in December 1976 as Assistant Director of Guidance and Counseling, District of Columbia Public Schools. 

 Lucille and her beloved husband, Robert E. Gayle of New Orleans, La. were married in 1950 and were long-time residents of Washington, DC.  During her life, Lucille held leadership positions in over twenty professional and community organizations.  She was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, a worldwide traveler and lover of bridge.  She taught bridge to Howard University student nurses and to the young people of the YWCA.  Lucille was one of the founders of the VIP Bridge Club.  Nationally, she severed in many capacities, establishing a project leading to a scholarship fund and served as the ABA Awards Coordinator for over 30 years, retiring in 1992. Lucille served as the Ward 4 Commissioner on Aging, until her death.  

 Lucille Gayle was associated with the following organizations: National Council of Negro Women, Day Care Board - Metropolitan Church, Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council, Inc. Timothy Bible Class, National Black Convention Planners, DC Chapter of Minority Political Women, National Education Association, American Personnel and Guidance, Friends of Juvenile Court, Over-the-Hill Gang and Chums, Incorporated.  She served as the National President of Chums from 1988 - 1992.

 Lucille was the recipient of many honors and awards.  She was an active member of the Lincoln University Alumni, Washington, DC chapter and served as chairperson for the 1994 and 1999 national alumni convention souvenir journals.  She frequently provided generous financial contributions to her beloved Lincoln University.  Lincoln returned her love by awarding her the Lincoln University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1974, and the Washington, DC Chapter honored her with an Outstanding Service Award in 1999, shortly before her death on August 25, 1999.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE:

Over the past decade, there have been very few National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMB) conferences that were not attended by Lucille Jordan Gayle.  From 1988 - 1992, Lucille served as the national president of Chums, an organization devoted to charitable, educational and religious activities, with 34 chapters in 19 states.  With her career roots very firmly grounded in education, Lucille was honored by numerous organizations and was the recipient of a long list of awards.  In July 1999, just weeks before her death, she received the Lincoln University Alumni Outstanding Service Award.   

Among Lucille's great loves was playing the game of bridge.  She taught bridge to student nurses at Howard University and to various youth groups.  As one of the founders of the VIP Bridge Club, Lucille was instrumental in establishing a club scholarship fund.  

In spite of all of her many endeavors, Lucille always had time to give a word of encouragement, a comment of praise, or a good thought to those whose paths crossed hers.  

While the presence of this lovely lady will be greatly missed, the essence of her bright star continues to illuminate the work she did and the lives that she touched.