Lindsay Jenkins, a senior at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) majoring in fashion marketing and innovation, has received a $10,000 scholarship from the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund. Jenkins, who is from Detroit, is one of 60 African American students recognized this year for their contributions to the fashion industry. The scholarship provides recipients with financial support for their college education as well as professional development and networking opportunities.
Virgil Abloh, founder and chief executive officer of Off-White, established the scholarship to improve access and mentorship for students interested in fashion careers.
“Fashion became my way of telling stories, exploring identity, and expressing culture,” said Jenkins. “It’s never just been about clothes. It’s about how people feel when they put something on and finally feel seen, confident, and powerful. That belief is what drives both my academic work and my brand.”
Jenkins operates her own fashion brand, LYNZI, while studying at EMU for a degree in fashion management. She plans to use the scholarship to further develop her business and expand her skills in creative direction.
“Lindsay approached her work with a level of purpose, focus, and resilience that was truly inspiring,” said Holly Mosher, full-time lecturer of fashion marketing innovation at EMU. “She consistently demonstrated that she wasn’t just completing assignments; she was investing in her future with clarity and conviction. Her willingness to engage fully, ask thoughtful questions, and push herself creatively made a memorable impact on our classroom environment.”
As part of the scholarship program, Jenkins will be able to apply her coursework directly to real-world projects.
“EMU has given me the tools to think critically about branding, consumer behavior, retail strategy, and cultural impact, and this scholarship helps me make the most of that education,” said Jenkins. “This scholarship stands for creativity without limits, questioning systems, and investing in students who are shaping the future of fashion with purpose. I don’t take that responsibility lightly, and I plan to honor it through work that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and lasting.”
The Fashion Marketing and Innovation program at EMU aims to prepare students for careers in the fashion industry by teaching textile science, design fundamentals, manufacturing processes as well as sales strategies. Seniors have opportunities to present their portfolios to professionals during an annual portfolio show.
In addition to operating its main campus in Ypsilanti https://www.emich.edu/, EMU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and minors along with various graduate programs https://www.emich.edu/. The university began in 1849 as an institution focused on teacher preparation but has since grown into a comprehensive public university recognized nationally for excellence across several fields including education and health sciences https://www.emich.edu/.
Jenkins intends to connect with global brands in the future while mentoring upcoming designers.
For more information about the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund or EMU’s Fashion Marketing and Innovation program visit their respective websites.
