I Love Coppin Week Celebrates Legacy, Leadership and Campus Connection
Annual celebration brings Eagle Nation together to honor Coppin’s namesake and the relationships that shape the student experience
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University celebrated I Love Coppin Week, October 12–16, 2026, with activities highlighting student leadership, university traditions and the connections that make Coppin feel like home.
From the coronation of Mister and Miss Coppin and the Royal Court to a celebration honoring Fanny Jackson Coppin, the week brought students, faculty, staff and alumni together to celebrate the university's history, strengthen campus connections and demonstrate their Eagle pride.
“I Love Coppin Week celebrates the people who make this university special,” said President Anthony L. Jenkins. “Our students bring these traditions to life. Each gathering is an opportunity to strengthen their connection to Coppin, support one another and recognize the legacy they are helping carry forward.”
Celebrating Student Leadership
The week opened with the coronation of Mister and Miss Coppin and the Royal Court in James Weldon Johnson Auditorium. The ceremony recognized student leaders who serve as ambassadors for the university, promote student engagement and represent the values of Eagle Nation.
For Danielle Stafford, the 95th Miss Coppin State University, the honor represents both a personal milestone and a responsibility to the campus community.
“Being crowned the 95th Miss Coppin State University means more than wearing a crown; it represents a commitment to leadership, service, and being a voice for the Coppin community,” Stafford said. “During my reign, I hope to create meaningful connections, empower first-year students, and inspire others to recognize their potential while leaving a legacy rooted in dedication, innovation, and service.”
Honoring Fanny Jackson Coppin’s Legacy
The October 15 birthday celebration at the Fanny Jackson Coppin statue honored the university's namesake and the enduring influence of her work as an educator and advocate for educational opportunity.
During the celebration, Dean Dorothy Parrish-Harris reflected on three principles embodied by Fanny Jackson Coppin: persistence, education and service. Her remarks encouraged the campus community to consider how those values continue to guide the university and the students preparing to make an impact in their communities.
The gathering also recognized the connection between Coppin's history and generations of supporters who have helped preserve its legacy. University System of Maryland Board of Regents member Dana B. Stebbins, Esq., whose parents are Coppin alumni and contributed financially to the development of the Fanny Jackson Coppin Plaza, was among those in attendance.
The celebration served as a reminder that Fanny Jackson Coppin's legacy extends beyond the university's name. It remains visible in the opportunities students pursue, the leadership they demonstrate and their commitment to serving others.
Building Connections Across Campus
Throughout the week, activities including Scary Movie Night, Battle of the DJs and CSU All Star Day created opportunities for students to connect with classmates, enjoy shared experiences and celebrate their Eagle pride.
Health and wellness were also part of the celebration. On Tuesday, October 13, First Lady Toinette Jenkins and President Jenkins hosted the fifth annual First Lady's Wellness Walk in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Under the theme “Boots on the Ground” and the message “Women & Men — Stronger Together,” the walk brought the campus community together to promote health awareness, encourage wellness and demonstrate support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
Together, the week's activities reflected the importance of campus engagement in shaping the student experience. Whether participating in university traditions, supporting a shared cause or spending time with classmates, students had opportunities to build relationships and create memories beyond the classroom.
Celebrating What It Means to Be an Eagle
More than a series of campus events, I Love Coppin Week celebrated the people, experiences and traditions that shape the university community.
From honoring the trailblazing legacy of Fanny Jackson Coppin to recognizing today's student leaders, the celebration connected Coppin's history with the experiences of a new generation of Eagles.
As the week concluded, one message remained clear: Eagle pride extends beyond any single celebration. It is reflected in the relationships students build, the opportunities they embrace and the lasting connections they carry with them beyond Coppin State University.
