ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: From Campus to Command

Q: To start, could you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is Emmanuel Chuku. I’m originally from Enugu State in the eastern part of Nigeria, of the Igbo tribe. I studied Industrial Chemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. After graduating, I worked in real estate and contracting. While I made some mistakes along the way, those experiences taught me valuable lessons about business, risk, and decision-making.

Q: What motivated you to leave your home country and pursue studies in the U.S.?

I realized I needed proper business training to grow. The U.S. offered not only excellent education but also diversity and exposure to different perspectives. I chose California not only because of its climate, which reminds me of home, but also because of its cultural diversity and dynamic business ecosystem. Within California, I was particularly drawn to business schools with strong faculty-to-student engagement and hands-on, practical learning led by experienced professionals, not just theory. Lincoln University came highly recommended by friends who had studied there and were excelling in their careers, so I decided to do my own research. What I found convinced me that it was the right place for me. I saw it as the next step, a foundation for refining my business acumen and positioning myself to make a lasting impact in both local and global markets. The admission process was smooth, and before long, I was in the U.S., beginning classes.

Q: When you think back on your time at Lincoln, what stands out as the most meaningful part of your experience?

For me, it was the accessibility of the professors. They were not just academics, but seasoned professionals with years of business success. Yet they taught with humility, clarity, and a genuine interest in engaging students. That combination left a big mark on me.

I also deeply appreciated the Student Affairs department. They helped international students like me adjust, whether it was housing, library tours, or organizing activities. They made sure we felt at home.

Q: Being an international student comes with its own challenges. What were some of the hardest moments for you, and how did you get through them?

The hardest part was homesickness and culture shock. I missed family, friends, and the familiar rhythms of Nigeria. The U.S. social environment was different, and at times I felt out of place. But I had already learned to be open to change. That mindset, along with finding a supportive church community and building friendships with fellow Nigerians, helped me adapt. I also found a wonderful church community at Vive Church, which gave me spiritual support and a sense of belonging. I even started a ‘Nigerians in Lincoln’ group so we could share opportunities and encourage each other. And today, I serve in the United States Navy.

Q: When you first arrived, did you ever picture yourself in the U.S. Navy? What was it that inspired you to take that path?

Honestly, no. But the dream was always there. Back home, I admired the Nigerian Navy and even worked with military officers. When I moved to the U.S., I had a quiet desire to serve, but I wasn’t yet qualified. Years later, the opportunity came again.

The Navy offered both a pathway to citizenship and a chance to serve a nation that had given me so much. Boot camp was the toughest experience of my life. It pushed me beyond my limits. The only thing that sustained me was my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Serving in the Navy has shaped my resilience and deepened my love for this country.

Beyond the personal challenge, I also felt compelled to give back to the nation that had allowed me to live, study, and thrive. Through that, I developed not only resilience but also a deep love and sense of patriotism for this great nation, with all its complexities.

Q: Were there any professors, classes, or moments at Lincoln that really shaped the way forward for you?

Absolutely. I was blessed to learn from phenomenal professors, among them were Dr. Mohamed Tailab in Finance and Accounting, Prof. ThemistoclisPantos in Business Administration, Dr. Arthur Ashurov in Marketing, Prof. Michael Guerra, Prof. Uday Ghosh, Prof. Igor Himelfarb in Statistics, Mr. Abhishek Vaidya in Management Information Systems, and Prof. Jeannine Stamatakis in Psychology, whose guidance especially helped ease my first days on campus. Each contributed uniquely to my growth. Their mentorship and generosity went beyond academics; they helped shape me as a person.

Q: Looking at your journey so far, what’s been the toughest challenge you’ve had to face?

Breaking free from what I call the “immigration mindset.” For many immigrants, the early years in a new country are shaped by policies and visa restrictions that can unintentionally box people into survival mode. Instead of dreaming big or pursuing long-term opportunities, it becomes easy to focus only on getting by.

That limited thinking delayed progress for me. The real breakthrough came when I shifted my mindset to see possibilities instead of restrictions. Now I am stepping into the fullness of what is possible, believing, daring, and pursuing with a renewed focus on the future rather than the constraints of the past.

Q: And on the other hand, what moments or achievements in your Navy career make you feel most proud?

The top ones are joining the U.S. Navy, earning my American citizenship, and starting my own consulting company, The David & Company LLC. I’ve also earned professional certifications like PMP and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Each milestone represents resilience, growth, and God’s grace.

Q: What are your hopes and dreams as you look ahead to the future?

Academically, I plan to pursue a doctorate in business, and professionally, I aim to transition to the officer ranks in the U.S. Navy. Beyond personal goals, my heart is set on raising a new generation of purposeful and strategic young people, youth who are humble, honorable, and marked by dignity, character, and virtue. I long to see communities flourishing in joy, peace, and prosperity. This vision is bigger than me; it will take many hands and hearts working together. With faith, commitment, and collaboration, I believe we can make it a reality.

Q: Finally, thinking of today’s international students at Lincoln who might feel unsure about their path, what advice would you share with them?

Don’t lose your dream. It may be delayed, and there will be distractions, but stay focused. Balance humility and the willingness to learn, with courage and the confidence that your dream is yours alone to pursue.

Stay spiritual. The world is deeply spiritual, and true wisdom is found in faith, especially faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Dare to step out, dare to be different, dare to try, and you’ll be amazed at how far it can take you.