Eastern Michigan University fashion student awarded prestigious Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship

YPSILANTI — Lindsay Jenkins, a senior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in fashion marketing and innovation from Detroit, Michigan, was awarded a $10,000 college scholarship from the Virgil Abloh “Post⁠-⁠Modern” Scholarship Fund. Scholars receive professional development and networking opportunities, as well as multi-year financial support toward their college degree. 

Virgil Abloh, the founder and chief executive officer of the fashion brand Off-White, created the scholarship to provide access and mentorship to students in the fashion industry. This year, 60 African American students who have made contributions to the fashion industry were awarded scholarships. 

“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 is a student entrepreneur who runs her own fashion brand, LYNZI, while attending EMU for a degree in fashion management. This scholarship provides Jenkins with the opportunity to continue growing her brand and to expand her skills in personal development and 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, Jenkins can engage deeply with her coursework and treat each project as a real-world opportunity.

“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.”

EMU’s Fashion Marketing and Innovation program prepares students for real-world success in the fashion industry through knowledge in textile science, design, and manufacturing, as well as sales skills. Additionally, seniors can market their portfolios to industry professionals and employers at the program’s annual portfolio show.

In the future, Jenkins hopes to connect with global brands and mentor the next generation of designers. 

For more information about the Virgil Abloh “Post⁠-⁠Modern” Scholarship Fund, visit the website. To learn more about EMU’s Fashion Marketing and Innovation  program, visit the website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is the second-oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 12,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. More than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are offered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its Graduate School. EMU is nationally recognized for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. With a strong focus on career readiness, the University equips students with the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and personalized support, EMU prepares graduates to launch meaningful careers and make an impact in their communities.

Visit the University’s points of pride to learn more. For additional information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.