WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University will feature a currently enrolled student as the speaker for its annual Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture for the first time on October 20, marking a change in the seven-year-old program’s history.
Aiden N. Tilery, a senior majoring in business management, will deliver the lecture at 3 p.m. in Philips Autograph Library inside Philips Memorial Building, at South High Street and University Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.
His presentation, titled “Self-Empowerment through Education: Becoming 21st Century Students of the Scholar Frederick Douglass,” will examine education and personal development through the legacy of the abolitionist, writer, and statesman.
Tilery’s selection also carries a family connection to the lecture’s origins. He is the great-grandson of Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, West Chester Borough’s first African American mayor, whose financial contribution established the annual program.
His aunt, Lillian L. DeBaptiste, currently serves as mayor of West Chester Borough.
A lifelong West Chester resident and graduate of West Chester East High School, Tilery plans to enter his family’s funeral business after completing his undergraduate degree.
Following his anticipated graduation in May 2027, he intends to pursue funeral and mortuary science studies at Northampton Community College before joining DeBaptiste Funeral Home.
Alongside his university studies, Tilery has worked full-time as a store manager. His interests include literature, writing, music, mental health advocacy and community service.
The Frederick Douglass Institute hosts the annual lecture to examine contemporary social justice issues through Douglass’ historical contributions and emphasis on education.
The program also commemorates Douglass’ final public lecture at West Chester University. A statue honoring him was erected on campus in 2013 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The October 20 presentation will be the seventh installment of the lecture series and the first delivered by a student still pursuing a degree at the university.
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