SRU’s Office for Inclusive Excellence hosts Multicultural Graduation Ceremony

Dec. 4, 2019

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's Office for Inclusive Excellence will host its biannual Multicultural Graduation Ceremony at 5 p.m., Dec. 12, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

The event will recognize the accomplishments and achievements of 12 graduating seniors while also celebrating the variety of cultures at the University. The Multicultural Graduation is open to all multicultural students at SRU, regardless of involvement with the OIE.

   HAMILTON

"By celebrating our students with this event, we hope to provide them with a sense of encouragement and accomplishment as they embark on their next journey," said Amber Hamilton, assistant director of transition programs with OIE.

The ceremony will feature welcoming remarks from Hamilton; a keynote address from Adelle Williams, professor of public health and social work; a poetry reading from Kaila Cespedes, a freshman computing major from Pittsburgh; a dance performance by Nechelle Trawick, a senior dance major from Philadelphia; and closing remarks from Corinne Gibson, director of the OIE.

Students will receive stoles that represent their unique culture and heritage, including specific stoles for the African American, Latino and LGBTQIA communities. The OIE also offers distinctive stoles for those students interested in representing a specific country or community or if they want to celebrate their membership in National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities.

"The event is meant to be a celebration where we focus on the joy of our students' accomplishments and what they'll contribute (to their communities) once they get out into the world," said Hamilton.

The Smith Student Center Ballroom is located at 107 Central Loop, Slippery Rock University, 16057 and is handicapped accessible.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lesa Bressanelli | 724.738.2091 | lnb1009@sru.edu