Dowdy Multicultural Center

33rd Annual Spring 2025 Kente Graduation Celebration

Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Celebration Time: 6PM-7:30PM | Hollinger Fieldhouse | Doors Open at 5PM and close at 6:30PM

The Dowdy Multicultural Center is excited to have you register for the Spring 2025 Kente Graduation Celebration! Created in the fall of 1992, the Kente Graduation ceremony is a true West Chester University tradition in which participants are publicly recognized and presented with a special stole as a symbol of their achievement.

Those who wish to participate in this event will need to complete the registration form below by Friday, April 18th 2025 at 11:55pm EST!!!
***Confirmation of your registration will be sent to you within 3-5 business days.***

REGISTRATION LINK AND DEADLINE

Only those approved spring 2025 commencement are eligible to participate in spring 2025 Kente Celebration. The status of each registrant will be confirmed with the registrar.

Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025

Register

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 3 to 5 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 (Administrative Assistant, 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?

Please 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.

Who will place the stole on me?

There will be a designated staff or faculty who will do this.

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 instructor in education. He is a qualified leader 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 and has facilitated over 1,500 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities in his 17+ years of experience.

Registration for this event is open now!

Learn More and Register

9th Annual Brothers of Excellence Conference 2025

Saturday, March 22, 2025 10am-4pm

Conference Mission:

The Brothers of Excellence Conference will provide students with the knowledge and community connections to:

• Identify social issues that impact our community
• 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:

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 Raekwon Bates - rbates@wcupa.edu

Brothers of Excellence Conference 2025 Registration

Call for Proposal will be released during the first week of classes.

Please follow our Instagram @dowdy_wcu for more information.

Sisters of Excellence Conference 2025

Saturday, March 1, 2025

The mission of the Sisters of Excellence Conference is to create a transformative space where students can come together to connect, cultivate a sense of belonging, and receive the support they need to thrive. We are committed to empowering one another through shared experiences, fostering personal growth, and promoting community care as a cornerstone of well-being. Our goal is to inspire and uplift, ensuring that every participant leaves feeling more confident, supported, and equipped to excel in all areas of their lives.

Sisters of Excellence Conference 2025 Registration Presentation Proposals

The Dowdy Multicultural Center is excited to launch the Emerging Leaders Program for second-year students at West Chester University who would like to develop their leadership skills.

The Emerging Leaders Program is a great way to enhance qualifications for future leadership positions and get connected with leadership opportunities on campus.

Register for the Emerging Leaders Program

Black History Month