The LMU community came together on May 5, 2023, for the annual Kente Graduation held on the Drollinger Family Stage in Lawton Plaza followed by a reception at The Mbongi Spot. Eighty-eight graduates and their families joined in this LMU tradition that celebrates this rite of passage to commemorate the academic and personal achievements of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of African descent. Watch the video replay here.
During the event, sponsored by the Office of Black Student Services (OBSS) and staff and faculty from across the university, graduates received traditional Kente stoles, as a symbol to honor their heritage, and an African name and its meaning selected by LMU staff and faculty to honor their time here on campus.
Stefan Bradley, Ph.D., gave a special charge to the Class of 2023. Bradley, the Charles Hamilton Houston 1915 Professor of Black Studies and History at Amherst College, is the author of two award-winning books. Previously, he was the inaugural associate dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and a professor of African American Studies. “You must remain a warrior, never switching sides, because you’re on the side of righteousness and justice,” Bradley said. “You may however have to adjust angles, which means you may have to adjust how you approach the fight to Black liberation.”
Nephatera Dixon ’23, graduating with a master’s degree in higher education administration from the LMU School of Education, presented the Kente Class of 2023 adinkra symbol which represents the distinct attributes of the graduating class and their experiences as LMU Lions. This year the class selected Aya, or the “fern,” which is a symbol of “endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness. “While growing and developing into the strong leaders we are today,” Dixon said, “we have been implementing change across this campus. As we move into the next phase of our lives, we know that we have been well-prepared to adapt, improvise, and overcome.”
The Class of 2023 also honored faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support students during their journey at LMU. The recipients are:
- The 2023 Kente Faculty Award – Nathan Sessoms, Ph.D., a senior lecturer of sociology in the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- The 2023 Kente Staff Award – Charles Mason, associate director, Transfer Admission and Enrollment Services;
- The 2023 Kente Community Impact Award – Daveon Swan, associate director, community and academic engagement in the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action and resident minister in McKay Hall.
Four graduates also received awards presented by LMU staff and faculty: Natalie Reddick ’23, a history major, received the 2023 Kente Valedictorian Award for having the highest GPA and demonstrating academic excellence throughout her time at LMU; Alaysia Barker-Vaughn ’23, a political science major, received The Learning Community (TLC) Outstanding Senior Award for demonstrating dedication and commitment, not only to the success of the TLC program, but also for her support of their peers; Obioma Ugorji ’23, an international relations major, was the class valedictorian and received the OBSS Outstanding Senior Award for going above and beyond to support the work of the OBSS, and for devoted time, energy, and personal resources so that Black students on campus can enjoy their college experience; Nephatera Dixon ’23 received the OBSS Outstanding Graduate Award, for making it her priority to immerse herself into the LMU Black Community.
