Schools
Alverno College Celebrates Women of Color With Rites of Passage
The public is invited to attend events that mix tradition and sisterhood
As part of a tradition that goes back over 20 years, Alverno College will hold its Bestowing of the Kente ceremony on December 10 at 2:00 p.m. A new tradition, the Latinas con Fuerza ceremony, will take place the same day at 4:30 p.m.
The Bestowing of the Kente is a rite of passage recognizing African American students who are graduating. Each student chooses someone who has inspired her to present her with a Kente cloth, a colorful, hand-woven, ceremonial piece. The ceremony is a way for African American students and their families to celebrate their heritage as well as their achievement, and will include African drumming and dancing. Alverno is one of only a handful of colleges in the U.S. that recognize African American graduates with the Bestowing of the Kente
Latinas con Fuerza is a new tradition that honors Latina graduates. This rite of passage highlights the achievements of our Latina students, and will connect current graduates with Latina alumnae in order to strengthen their network. Students will be presented with a sarape, a colorful stole, and the event will include traditional Aztec dancers. This is the second time Alverno is holding this ceremony, and it’s the only one of its kind in southeastern Wisconsin.
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A reception will follow each of the ceremonies, and the public is invited to attend.
About Alverno College
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Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The College has consulted with three U.S. presidential administrations on accountability and outcomes in higher education and for the past eight years has been ranked one of the top five schools in the Midwest doing “the best job of educating undergrads” by U.S. News & World Report.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.