Lynda Tolson: Delaware Nana, a Mentor to all

MEET Lynda Tolson ‘14, ‘24
CURRENT MAJOR: Bachelor of Arts, Human Services ‘24
EARNED: Certificate, Microsoft Office Suite Plus ‘14

From Harlem to Delaware

Number nine of 10 children to Elijah and Hayley Riley, Lynda Tolson grew up in Harlem, New York.
It was a busy household growing up in the 50s and 60s. Her parents worked hard and somehow managed to send the kids to summer camp and vacation in the Carolinas to show them the world beyond the streets of Harlem.

She later married James Tolson, raised a family and sent their daughters off to college. A career woman, she was a paraprofessional in New York City. “It kept me close to my children, and I was able to be home when they arrived home from school,” Tolson said. “But, after being in the city for so many years, I really wanted out. I was tired of the hustle and bustle of the city.”

In 1995, she happened to visit Delaware for a Memorial Day barbecue at her nephew’s home. They loved it and didn’t need much convincing to move. It was close to family and offered tax-free shopping. What more could you ask for?

Shortly after arriving in Delaware, Tolson landed a telemarketing position at MBNA America. “Remember, I’m number nine of 10 children,” said Tolson. “You don’t live in a household with that many people without having a personality of cooperation. MBNA recognized my ability to lead, to teach and to be teachable. I soon moved into a managerial position which I absolutely loved because I was working in the same atmosphere that I grew up in.”

Tolson remained at MBNA until she took an early retirement when the bank was sold to Bank of America.

Pursuing a college education

Following the loss of her job at MBNA, Tolson visited the Delaware Department of Labor for guidance and was given an opportunity to attend college. She had waited many years for her own children to finish college, and this was her moment to shine.

“College was a dream come true for me,” Tolson said. “My mother and father weren’t highly educated, but they were motivating. I realized how blessed I was to begin this journey.”

She enrolled at Goldey-Beacom in 2014 and began her journey. Ironically, Tolson was about to meet someone who would not only provide the academic guidance she needed but who would become a lifelong friend.

A friendship blossoms

During her first GBC class, Tolson met McConkie, a 15-year-old college student and daughter of Flora and Professor Robert McConkie.

As they began studying together, Tolson insisted that McConkie call her Miss Lynda. Well, that didn’t last because along with two other out-of-state grandmothers, McConkie had always wanted a Delaware Nana. So somehow, it was Lynda or Nana.

Unfortunately, the Department of Labor funding was limited and Tolson’s education journey took a hiatus after a few classes. But her friendship with McConkie flourished. It wasn’t until about five years later in fall 2020, GBC offered a new degree program in human services. This was exactly what Tolson was waiting for. She couldn’t call her advisor, Deb Harbaugh, fast enough. And seemingly overnight, Harbaugh made it happen. Tolson was back in College with McConkie cheering her on throughout the entire journey.

Tolson stepped back on campus as one of the most stylish students. With her flawless natural beauty and motherly, compassionate personality, it’s no surprise that students gravitate to her for a listening ear and an encouraging word. After all, Lynda Tolson was named after none other than Lynda Carter aka Wonder Woman. How did her mother know this high-energy, outgoing child would one day emulate that character by helping people and becoming a mentor to young people who wanted guidance?

“We don’t believe exactly the same thing, but we just have so much in common, and we both feel strongly that God brought us together,” said McConkie. “You know, it’s not a coincidence that I was in that class and she was in that class. And now almost a decade later, we’re still such good friends. We’ve helped each other through different challenges. And I just love her to pieces.”