Conferences & Events
Kente Graduation Celebration
32nd Annual Spring 2024 Kente Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 9 | Celebration Time: 6PM-7:30PM | Hollinger Fieldhouse | Doors Open
at 5PM and close at 6:30PM
The Dowdy Multicultural Center is excited to coordinate the Kente Graduation Celebration, known affectionally by students and alumni as “Kente” which is an event that was created in the fall of 1992 to “honor and celebrate the achievements of multicultural students”. Kente has become a “true West Chester University tradition”.
As the student body at West Chester University has grown in its cultural diversity, so has the event itself. Today, Kente is an event that affirms and celebrates the cultural identity of students who identify as Alaskan Native, Asian and Asian American, Black and African American, Caribbean American, Desi American, Latina/o/x, Native American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Multiracial.
REGISTRATION LINK AND DEADLINE
Please check your email for the link. Only those that are anticipated to graduate
and we have received information from the registrar will receive the email.
Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 14, 2024 by 11:55pm
No exceptions will be made. This deadline will allow the office to finalize orders
and make the necessary arrangements for this large-scale event. We appreciate your
cooperation.
Submitting form: You must hit the “Submit” button on the bottom right-hand side of the form. If you
have difficulty viewing the submit button, you may need to minimize your browser.
It is recommended that you use a laptop or desktop to submit this form.
More information: You will receive a confirmation within 4 business days after your registration. Please
be sure to check your email for this.
STOLE OPTIONS
During registration, you will be given the option to select from a variety of stoles.
We will place an order for these stoles based on your selection and timely registration.
DEDICATION/ EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION
In the registration process you will have the opportunity to provide a dedication
or expression of appreciation that will be included in the program. There is a 38-word
limit.
SEATING
Students:
Graduating students have reserved seating which will be marked. Kente volunteers will
be on site to assist students in finding their seats. Accessibility accommodations
can be made for graduating students who require them. Please reach out to us at multicultural@wcupa.edu
to request an accommodation.
Guests:
Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We suggest that students limit
their number of guests to a total of six (6). NO TICKETS ARE REQUIRED to gain entry into the Kente Graduation Celebration. Live streaming will be available
in the case that the Hollinger Fieldhouse reaches seating capacity. Due to safety
concerns, guests will not be permitted to stand during the graduation celebration.
LIVE STREAM
Live stream is available for those that are unable to attend at: www.wcupa.edu/commencement
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are in need of any accommodations to fully participate in this event, please
reach out as soon as possible to multicultural@wcupa.edu. A staff member will return
your email.
FAQ’S AND STAY UP TO DATE
Email Communication: You will continue to receive emails through your wcupa.edu account
as the primary source of communication. “Kente Graduation Celebration” will continue
to be in the subject line. You may receive communication directly from one of the
DMC Staff members (Secretary, Assistant Director, or Associate Director) or from the
multicultural@wcupa.edu email.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s): tinyurl.com/DMCprograms
DMC Kente Graduation Information Page: tinyurl.com/DMCprograms (Feel free to place a bookmark and check for updates.)
Reach us: For questions that are not answered in the FAQ’s, you can contact our office
at (610) 436-3273, or email us at multicultural@wcupa.edu
Follow us: Instagram page: @dowdymc_wcu
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)
What time do I arrive?
All graduates need to arrive at Hollinger Fieldhouse (Purple gym area), 150 University
Ave, West Chester, PA 19383 no later than 5 p.m. to check-in, receive hood prep assistance if needed, and to line up for the celebration.
We will begin the event promptly at 6 p.m.
Where do I park?
General Parking:
During the Kente Graduation Celebration, parking is free in the Sharpless Street Parking
Garage (15 Sharpless St., West Chester, PA 19383), and the New Street Parking Garage
(704 S. New St., West Chester, PA 19383). Students and their guests are strongly encouraged
to park in the Sharpless Parking Garage first for easier access to Hollinger Field
House.
Accessible Parking:
Guests with a handicap parking placard can park in the Commons Garage (670 S Church
St, West Chester, PA 19383), using the entrance off Church Street. If you do not
have a handicap parking placard, guests can drop off anyone with mobility issues in
front of Hollinger and circle around to park in the garage referenced above. Golf
Carts will also be available outside of the Commons and Sharpless garages for guests
with accessibility issues/handicap parking placards.
What do I wear?
lease make sure to pick up your cap and gown from the campus bookstore BEFORE the
Kente Graduation Celebration. You will need to bring/wear your graduation gown and
the purple and gold hood. However, you will not need your graduation cap. You can
view this here: Commencement | How to Properly Wear Your Graduation Gown. We have faculty and staff to assist with making sure you hood is worn correctly
if needed. Traditionally, graduates dress up for the Kente Graduation Celebration,
but we do also encourage you to come however you feel most comfortable or are able
to, including as you are. No storage space will be provided. Please do not bring any
extra items that will require storage.
How do I order/what is the information about my cap and gown?
You can find information about your cap and gown, diplomas, honor cords and other
special regalia here: https://www.wcupa.edu/Commencement/student.aspx
Cap, gowns, and hoods will NOT be available at the Kente Graduation Celebration.
Will food be available?
No food will be available. Please plan accordingly.
Will there be pictures taken?
Legacy Photographics will take photographs of each graduate as they shake hands with
the dignitary and as they exit the stage. There is no obligation to purchase pictures
and each graduate will receive an email proof within 48 hours of the ceremony. For
more information visit www.legacyphoto.com.
Can I pick up my stole before the ceremony?
No. Stoles will be presented at the celebration. You must be present at the celebration
in order to receive the stole.
What if I cannot participate and desire to receive a stole?
In order to receive a stole, you must participate in the celebration.
How many graduates and participants will be there?
Over 350 graduates and 1,800 guests.
Who will place the stole on me?
There will be a designated staff or faculty who will do this.
Are masks required?
In keeping with current health and safety protocols, mask wearing is optional. We
encourage individuals to make their own decisions regarding mask usage. Our expectation
is that everyone will be respectful of individuals' choices on the matter.
Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice & Civic Leadership
Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice & Civic Leadership
Friday, October 25, 2024
The 6th Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice and Civic Leadership will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 9AM to 2PM in Sykes Student Union. The goal of this conference is to create an educational environment where students can engage in learning that will raise awareness and promote action-oriented dialogue about racial, cultural and social issues that impact how students experience life on campus, in communities and in society.
The conference is named in honor of Professor Ruby Jones. Professor Jones was a West Chester University alumna and the first Black faculty hired at the institution. She was a K-12 educator prior to becoming a professor at WCU. Professor Ruby Jones was actively involved with the NAACP, American Association of University Women, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa. She has been described as an educator, humanitarian and civic leader.
Keynote Speaker:
Justin Brown is a well-known author, speaker, and diversity instructor in education.
He is a qualified leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with strong creative
and analytical skills. With over 15 years of experience, Brown has developed a deep
understanding of how to lead organizations with diverse perspectives. He worked in
student affairs at West Chester University for 10 years, where he cultivated his passion
for supporting students. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in public relations
at Slippery Rock University, he became actively involved on campus. During this time,
he created the Diversity Awareness Program (D.A.P), which focuses on raising awareness
about the importance of diversity. Brown continued to nurture D.A.P during his graduate
studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania while earning his master’s degree in
student affairs.
He is now the CEO of two companies: "Diversity Awareness Program LLC" and "Onward and Upward." The Diversity Awareness Program serves as a unique diversity training institution in the country. In his 17+ years of experience, Brown has facilitated over 1,500 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities.
Registration for this event is open now!
Brothers of Excellence Programs
Brothers of Excellence Conference 2024
Saturday, March 30, 2024
You're invited to our 8th Annual Brothers of Excellence Conference! This conference takes place Saturday, March 30th from 10am-4pm in Sykes Student Union (110 W. Rosedale Ave., West Chester, PA 19832). Males who identify as Asian American, Black or African American, Desi American, Indigenous, Latinx, Mixed heritage, Native American, and Pacific Islander are strongly encouraged to attend. This conference is free to college students. Individual and groups of students from area campuses are welcome to attend. Advance registration is required. Must register via RamConnect.
Conference Mission:
The Brothers of Excellence Conference will provide college Men of Color with the knowledge
and community connections to:
- Identify social issues that impact Men of Color
- Identify resources and individuals to create a sense of community of support on campus.
- Explore their civic leadership roles in connection with their multiple identities.
Conference Details:
- Theme: Masculinity & Breaking Barriers
- Attire: Business casual to suit and tie. But everyone is encouraged to attend, regardless.
- Lunch and prizes will be provided.
If you may have any questions, please contact event organizers Ace Walker - awalker2@wcupa.edu or Chancey Page - cpage@wcupa.edu
Cultural Heritage Months
Latina/o/x Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
2024 Calendar of Events
Global Hispanic Film Festival 2024
Monday, September 16 - Sunday, October 20
The 6th Annual Hispanic Film Festival will be going on here at WCU virtually! The
Global Hispanic Film Festival exposes students to a wide range of diverse realities
concerning Hispanic cultures of Latin America, Spain, Africa, and Latinx communities
in the United States. LASO has the privilege of being apart of this experience alongside
Dr. Iliana Pagán-Teitelbaum and Dr. Jason Bartles with the College of Arts and Humanities
(CAH) and the Department of Languages and Cultures. This is a unique opportunity to
engage, learn, and reflect on the experiences and stories that shape our communities.
Let’s come together to celebrate Hispanic culture, deepen our understanding, and spark
meaningful conversations. Don’t miss out on this enriching and eye-opening event with
LASO!
For more information on the Film Festival go to wcupa.edu/cine or sign up on Ram Connect!
Multicultural Mixer: Latin Heritage Month
Wednesday, September 18 | 12 pm - 2 pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
Join the Dowdy Multicultural Center to celebrate the start of Latin Heritage Month!
Don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about the diverse Latin community! There
will be great music, a Taco Bar, and the chance to win a snack basket!
Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking Myths about US Immigrants
Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 3pm – 4:15pm | Sykes Student Union Theatre
This talk will evaluate some of the commonly held myths about the impact of immigration
today in the U.S. Presentation by Dr. Miguel Ceballos, WCU Sociology Department.
Meet the Greeks
Friday, Sept. 20th | 7pm | Hollinger Gym
Come learn about the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek
Council (MGC).
L.A.S.O and the Psychology Club
Monday, Sept. 23 | 3:15pm | Wayne 104B
This program will highlight Hispanic History and its ties with psychology. All are
encouraged to come out and learn about how they correlate!
Native American Heritage Month (November)
2024 Calendar of Events
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples. Throughout November, communities across the nation come together to recognize the significant impact that Native Americans have had on our history and continue to have on our society. Events and activities during this month include educational and celebratory programs that highlight the traditions and achievements of Native American communities.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to engage with and learn more about the vibrant heritage of Native Americans!
Black History Month (February)
2024 Calendar of Events
Black History Month
Black History Month is a dedicated time to honor and reflect on the profound contributions, rich cultures, and enduring legacies of Black Americans throughout history. Celebrated every February, this month highlights the achievements and struggles of Black individuals and communities, offering a chance to explore and appreciate their role in shaping our society. Throughout the month, various events such as lectures, cultural exhibitions, and performances will be held to commemorate and educate people about Black history and heritage.
Be on the lookout for upcoming events that will provide opportunities to engage with and celebrate the significant impact of Black Americans!
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (April)
2024 Calendar of Events
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month
Celebrated nationally in May, but honored in April at WCU.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Desi Americans. Observed every May, this month honors the rich culture of these communities and their significant impact on our nation’s history and culture. Throughout APIDA History Month, various events such as cultural festivals, educational workshops, and performances will highlight the achievements and experiences of APIDA individuals.
Stay tuned for a range of exciting events designed to engage and educate about the vibrant heritage of the APIDA community!