Paul 'Larry' Lancaster ’66, ’69 is the 10th recipient of the award, named for Elizabeth “Jennie” Adams Carter, Class of 1881, the University’s first African-American graduate. The honor is given to a person who exemplifies her spirit, resilience and leadership.
Paul 'Larry' Lancaster smiles after being presented as the 2018 Jennie Carter Award recipient.
A Cal U graduate who became a leader in the classroom and the community received the Jennie Carter Award on Sept. 14 during a luncheon in Kara Alumni House.
Paul “Larry” Lancaster taught in Cal U’s Department of Special Education for 35 years, serving as department chair for 10 years prior to retirement in 2004. He was also the University’s NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) for 10 years.
“It’s because of Jennie Carter that many individuals of color have been able to become educated,” said Lancaster. “When I came to campus there were so few blacks on campus, and I can’t imagine what she went through back then.
“She set the standard and led the way.”
Lancaster has been active in the community. He serves on the board of Cross Keys Human Services Inc., in Brownsville, Pa., which supports seniors and people with behavioral health issues. His wife, Dr. Adrienne Lancaster ’69, is the board president.
For many years Lancaster served as a rape counselor for the Women’s Resource Center of Fayette County.
“If we are to follow in the footsteps of Jennie Carter, and act with her courage, we need to be more active in our communities,” Lancaster said. As a first step, he urged those at the award presentation to vote: “We need to get involved.”
Participating in the award presentation were University President Geraldine M. Jones and Sheleta Camarda-Webb, director of Multicultural Affairs, University LGBTQA Initiatives, and Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services.
President Jones reflected on the legacy of Jennie Carter, who became a respected teacher, school administrator and orator after graduating from Cal U.
“Jennie’s success as a student was not only a significant achievement for the African-American community, but also a noteworthy sign of the changing role of women in America,” she said. “Her memory continues to inspire our campus community.”
William Carter, the great-grandson of Jennie Carter and a Maryland resident, was unable to attend the ceremony because of Hurricane Florence. He asked that Camarda-Webb read his prepared remarks.
Carter described his ancestor as a woman dedicated to educational excellence for African Americans of all ages and a role model of giving.
“This award honors today’s and tomorrow’s leaders — those who are already carrying on Jennie’s legacy through the work they are doing,” he wrote. “Professor Lancaster represents the very best of that ideal.”
The Lancasters, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, live in Hiller, Pa., and have two children, Paul ’93, ’95 and Christopher ’00. Both of their wives — Janine ’96 and Lauren ’01 —are Cal U alumni. Two grandsons, Hunter and P.J., attend Cal U.
“I’m very honored, but when you think of all the past recipients, it’s very humbling to be included in that group,” Lancaster said. “I believe the University is becoming much more diverse — not just the student body, but the faculty as well.”