FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
 

Donning of Kente celebration, processional is May 1 at MU

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University’s Center for African American Students’ Programs has invited African and African American graduates to the Donning of Kente Celebration of Achievement. 

This traditional and historically significant event takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 1, on Buskirk Field at the center of the Huntington campus. The celebration and cap-and-gown ceremony will commence with a processional that will include graduating students, university deans and Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, president of Marshall University. 

The Kente cloth, which resembles a stole and is worn with the academic regalia, is a symbol of accomplishment that has its roots in a long tradition of weaving in West African countries. Marshall instituted the tradition of presenting Kente cloths to graduating African American students several years ago, and approximately 50 students are expected to participate Thursday along with university deans, faculty and staff.

“Wearing the Kente cloth is a symbol that our students wear with pride,” said Maurice Cooley, director of the center. “Each cloth is unique in its design and color and will represent the different levels of degrees our students have earned.”

The following woven cloths will be awarded: Owia Repue for associate degrees; Babadua for bachelor’s degrees; Kyemfere for master’s degrees; and Akyem Shield for post-master’s degrees.

Keynote speaker will be the Bishop Samuel Moore, an educator and recent recipient of the Milken Award, a national award acknowledging an educator’s crucial contributions to our national well-being.

Dr. Sarah Denman, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, will participate in the event. Senior Christabel Danbey-Cobbina will make remarks on behalf of the undergraduates. Marshall alumna Janis Winkfield also will speak. Dr. Alfred Akinsete, an associate professor of math, will make closing remarks and lead the processional.

African music will be provided by the Marshall University African Dance and Drum ensemble. A reception will follow on the Memorial Student Center plaza for all participants and those in attendance.

In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Don Morris Room in the Memorial Student Center.

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