Alverno College's Bestowing of the Kente Will Celebrate 25 Years
December 5, 2019
Alverno College's Bestowing of the Kente is one of the oldest ceremonies of its kind
in Wisconsin, and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on December 8.
The Bestowing of the Kente is a rite of passage recognizing African American students
who are graduating seniors, earning a master's degree, or completing a certification
program. Each honoree is presented with a Kente cloth - a hand-woven ceremonial stole
featuring bright colors that honor West African heritage. During the ceremony, the
students honor and thank the loved ones who have supported them on their educational
journeys. The event is a way for African American students and their families to celebrate
their heritage as well as their achievement. To date, more than 750 people have taken
part in the ceremony. A reception in honor of the 25th anniversary will take place
immediately following the ceremony.
Alverno is one of only a handful of colleges in the U.S. that recognize African American
graduates with the Bestowing of the Kente ceremony separate from graduation. In all,
18 women will be honored at this semester's Bestowing of the Kente ceremony.
Published on December 5, 2019 | Categories: Newsroom migrated press release