Conferences & Events
Kente Graduation Celebration
26th Annual Fall 2023 Kente Graduation Celebration
Thursday, December 14 | 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: TBD
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. Pease 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). 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 Commons Garage (670
S Church St, West Chester, PA 19383). Students and their guests are strongly encouraged
to park in the Commons Parking Garage first for easier access to Hollinger Field House.
Accessible Parking:
Hollinger Accessible Parking - Guests with a university or state issued handicap placard
can park on Church Street via Sharpless Street. You make a left off of High Street
onto Sharpless Street and then another left onto Church Street. There will be parking
officers present to assist with this. If those spots are full, you can drop off at
Church Street and University Avenue (as close to the building as possible) and then
park in one of the garages.
What do I wear?
Please bring/wear your graduation gown and the purple and gold hood. You will not
need your graduation cap. Be sure to view the YouTube video to be familiar with the
proper way to wear your hood. 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
The 4th Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice and Civic Leadership will take place on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 9AM to 1:30 PM in Sykes Student Union. This year's theme is Race, Social Justice and Civic Leadership in the Arts.
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.
The keynote speaker for the 2022 Ruby Jones conference is Bryan Terrell Clark, a Yale and Temple University graduate and an accomplished actor and singer/songwriter. He has performed in hugely successful Broadway shows and a wide range of popular television programming for various networks. He is best known for his role as George Washington in the record-breaking Broadway hit Hamilton and as Marvin Gaye in Motown: The Musical. He received a 2014 Grammy Award nomination for “Best Musical Theater Album” and most recently appeared in Ava DuVernay’s 2020 Peabody Award winning Netflix mini series When They See Us. His other numerous appearances include CBS’s NCIS: New Orleans, Blue Bloods, CSI: NY and The Unit, Fox’s Empire, as well as BET’s The New Edition Story and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. As a singer, songwriter and producer, he has written with Mary J. Blige and has performed with such artists as Maxwell, Brandy, Ne-Yo, Anita Baker, Michael Bublé and many others. He is also the recipient of the 2018 VOICE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD From Rutgers University, the 2019 GALLERY OF SUCCESS AWARD from Temple University, HELP USA 2019 “Help Hero Award” for Volunteerism for his ongoing commitment to social change and activism.
Registration for this event officially closes on October 8, 2022 at 11:59pm.
*Because this event is taking place during class time; registrants have the ability to pick specific times in which they will be available to attend the conference. This way, all are able to enjoy the conference when their schedule permits.*
Brothers of Excellence Programs
Brothers of Excellence Luncheon 2023
Theme: Health, Happiness, and Harmony
Saturday, April 8 | Sykes Student Union- Ballroom
Join us in-person to connect and learn with other Men of Color!
*Men of Color includes men who identify as Asian American, Black or African American,
Desi American, Indigenous, Latinx, Mixed heritage, Native American, and Pacific Islander
WCU Student Registration
Non-WCU Group Registration
Lunch and prizes provided.
Schedule
Lunch/Welcome
Keynote Speaker: Reginald Howard
Big Brother Panel
Table Chats with Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Closing
Attire
Business casual to suit and tie. But everyone is encouraged to attend, regardless.
WCU Career Closet is available without appointment
8am-4:30 M-F | 225 Lawrence Center | cdc@wcupa.edu | 610-436-2501 | https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/careerDevelopment/
Conference Mission
The Brothers of Excellence Conference will provide college Men of Color with the knowledge
and community connections to:
- Identify a social issue that impacts Men of Color.
- Explore their civic leadership roles in connection with their multiple identities.
- Recognize resources and individuals to create a sense of community of support on campus.
Theme: Health, Happiness, and Harmony
This year's theme, “Health, Happiness, and Harmony” will focus on the importance of
unity amongst the community of Men of Color.
Keynote Speaker: Reginald A. Howard
Reginald A. Howard is a suicide attempt survivor turned health equity activist. He
captured much of his early life in his self-published book entitled; Suffering into
Success: A Paradigm Shift Of Struggle To Achieve Happiness. Reggie’s dedication to
healing provoked him to start the Black Mental Health Podcast which currently has
200,000 downloads and earned media attention from the Philadelphia Tribune, Women’s
Health Magazine, and various other media outlets. He uses his life experiences to
ignite, inspire and empower others to prioritize health equity in their lives.
Other Programs and Events
February
Jeopardy & Activities
Friday, February 10 | 6pm-8pm | Sykes 255
Study Night
Monday, February 13 | 4pm-7pm | Sykes 252
March
Let’s Talk About Time Management
Thursday, March 9 | 6pm-7:30pm | Sykes 255
Study Night
Monday, March 20 | 4pm-7pm | Sykes 255
GAINING STATUS AND PATHWAYS TO CITIZENSHIP Information Session with Immigration Attorney
Rachel Silver
Week 9: Wednesday, March 22 | 5pm-6:30pm | RSVP for zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/info23DMC
Resumes and Snacks for Success Event
Week 10: Tuesday, March 28 | 4pm | Sykes 209
Women’s History Month Cycle Class
Week 10: Thursday, March 30 | 7:30pm-8:30pm | Rec Center – Studio C
April
Community Organizing Through Art: An Evening with M. Carmen Lane
Week 11: Tuesday, April 4 | 6:30pm-7:30pm | Main 168
In It to Win It Round 2
Monday, April 10 | 6pm-7pm | Sykes 255
Money Talk with Amanda with PSECU
Week 12: Tuesday, April 11 | 1pm – 2pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
Study Night
Wednesday, April 19 | 4pm-7pm | Sykes 254
Let’s talk about Race & Queerness
Week 13: Thursday, April 20 | 1pm-2pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
Financial Literacy Session
Week 13: Thursday, April 20 | 2pm – 3pm | Room 257
Cultural Heritage Months
Latina/o/x Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
2023 Calendar of Events
Conversation Series on Latinx Environmental & Community Issues
Tuesdays – September 19 + October 10, 2023 | 1pm – 2pm | DMC – Sykes 003
Join us for a series of conversations about various social justice issues impacting
Latinx communities. Food and Prizes will be provided.
Sponsored by Dowdy Multicultural Center. No Registration Required. For more info,
contact the Dowdy Multicultural Center, 610-436-3273
Latinx Heritage Month Events
Bingo: Latin X Edition | Thursday, September 21 | 3pm-4pm | DMC – Sykes 003
Join us for a fun game of bingo and learn about Latinx culture and history. Bingo
winners have a chance to snag a cool gift card!
Café & Pan | Tuesday, September 26 | 12pm - 1pm | DMC – Sykes 003
Join the Dowdy Multicultural Center and the Global Engagement Office for some Pan
Dulce and coffee while learning about study abroad funding and upcoming study abroad
opportunities in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.
Sponsored by Dowdy Multicultural Center and the Global Engagement Office.
Watch Party Wind Down | Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 12pm – 1pm | DMC – Sykes 003
Join the Dowdy Multicultural Center for a fun afternoon of creativity and cinema!
15th Annual Latinx Communities Conference | September 28th | 12:30pm | Sykes Student
Union
Each year, this interdisciplinary conference provides a creative space to enhance
the understanding of Latina/o/x issues, contributions, and cultures. They pride themselves
on serving as a link between academia and local communities, institutions and organizations.
Please email Dr. Daniela Johannes: djohannes@wcupa.edu or Dr. Emily Aguiló Pérez:
eaguilo@wcupa.edu for more information.
Native American Heritage Month (November)
2023 Calendar of Events
Native American Heritage Month Social Justice Education Conversation Series
Monday, November 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | Dowdy Multicultural Center – Sykes 003
This event serves as a safe and educational space to talk about the history of the
Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins. During this conversation,
participants will have the opportunity to learn about the origins of the team's name
and discuss the significance and controversy around the name being changed. After
the discussion, participants will enjoy snacks and play a game of Kahoot, where three
lucky winners will have the chance to take home cool prizes!
Sponsored by Dowdy Multicultural Center. No Registration Required. For more info,
contact the Dowdy Multicultural Center, 610-436-3273
Monday, November 20 | 2:00pm –3:00pm | Dowdy Multicultural Center – Sykes 003
This event serves as a safe and educational space to explore Native American History
and the origins of Thanksgiving. Attendees will be encouraged to share their understanding
of the origins of Thanksgiving and what they have learned during this event. Attendees
will also have a chance to talk about this season of thankfulness and share what they
are thankful for in a fun and creative way! Snacks will be provided.
Sponsored by Dowdy Multicultural Center. No Registration Required. For more info,
contact the Dowdy Multicultural Center, 610-436-3273
Native American Heritage Month Events
Watch Party Wind Down | Wednesday, November 29 | 2:00pm –3:00pm | DMC (Sykes 003)
Join us as we watch the Disney movie “Pocahontas”! This classic Disney movie is a
romanticized version of a young Native American woman and her encounter with an English
colonial settler. After viewing this movie, we will discuss the true story of Pocahontas,
the Powhatan people, and reflect on some of the issues emulated in the movie. Many
of these issues can be connected to the current struggles many Native American groups
face today.
Sponsored by Dowdy Multicultural Center. No Registration Required. For more info,
contact the Dowdy Multicultural Center, 610-436-3273
Black History Month (February)
2023 Calendar of Events
Black History Month Social Justice Education Conversation:
Thursday, February 16 | 12:10 PM – 1:30 PM | DMC (Sykes 003)
Food will be provided.
Topics:
February 16: Let’s Talk about Queer & Black Spaces
Join us to view and discuss video clips about historical and present Queer Black spaces
created by and for community.
Black History Month Events
Join the DMC in working up a sweat to some of your favorite Trap, Hip Hop, Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeat songs!
Join the DMC in making a delicious meal and putting a healthy spin on some infamous African American comfort foods!
Join the DMC as we relieve anxiety through craft-making! You will have the opportunity to color, make bracelets, use gimp, mix relaxing essential oils, and paint tote bags. Take a second to de-stress, calm down, and create crafts!
With a career spanning nearly six decades—from his landmark victory in Brown v. Board of Education to becoming a household name as the “Great Dissenter” and first African American to serve on the Supreme Court—Thurgood Marshall devoted his life to the pursuit of a more just world. Please reach out to the DMC for tickets to this event.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (April)
2023 Calendar of Events
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month Events
* (APIDA) Asian Pacific Islander Desi American
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month Events
Celebrated nationally in May, but honored in April at WCU.
APIDA Heritage Month Trivia Night
Monday, April 3 | 5pm-6pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
Asian Student Association - Anthropology Club's Food and Culture Series
Wednesday, April 5| 6pm-7pm| Anderson 211
APIDA Heritage Month Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, April 12 | 12pm-1pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
Beyond Boba, Anime, and K-pop: Gentrification of APIDA Neighborhoods
(Collaboration with the Asian Student Association)
Thursday, April 13 | 1pm-2:30pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
APIDA Heritage Month - Calming Crafts
Monday, April 17 | 12pm-4:30pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)
Asian Student Association - Traditional Filipino Dance Workshop
(Collaboration with the Filipino Student Alliance)
Monday, April 17 | 6pm-8pm | E.O. Bull Center - Room 114
Asian Student Association - Traditional Outdoor Asian Games
Monday, April 24 | 6:30pm-7:30pm | Academic Quad
Giving up on Pretty: APIDA Women Experiences
(Collaboration with the Asian Student Association)
Thursday, April 27 | 1pm-2pm | Sykes 003 (DMC)