Chasity Strickland received the Alumni Merit Award from Lindenwood University in April.
The Alumni Merit Award, presented annually, recognizes alumni who have enhanced the prestige of Lindenwood through their character, integrity, career, and personal accomplishments. Traditionally, the award has not been given in recognition of a single remarkable achievement. Still, it has been reserved for those alumni who have attained and maintained extremely prominent levels in their chosen career paths and in their service to society.
Strickland graduated from what was then called Lindenwood College for Individualized Education, where she earned two degrees - a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications in 2004 and an MBA in 2005.
Strickland has been with the Boeing Company for nearly 20 years. During the evenings and weekends, she is an entrepreneur with her companies: As U Wish Event Planning, Strickly Taxes, and Travel by Chasity. Her favorite charity to donate and volunteer is the Ronald McDonald House.
"This is my 20th anniversary since receiving my first degree from Lindenwood," Strickland said.
"If you would've asked me 20 years ago a question in regard to receiving the Alumni Merit Award - I probably would've said, 'Me? No, never. 'Today, I am more confident and even more aware of how hard I have worked for such achievements. I was humbled by the nomination and (am) now emotional about the recognition.
"I just want to continue to make my family proud and to be an inspiration for others to follow. I am just a little girl from the northside of St. Louis, that wanted more - and went after it. I am my ancestors' wildest dream!"
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her graduation from Lindenwood, Strickland expressed her gratitude for a program existing that focused on adult learning and allowed her to earn her degree. The University remains committed to serving the needs of adult learners and developing pathways for students, just like Strickland, to succeed.
