Dowdy Multicultural Center

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.

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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.

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!

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!