A person’s college graduation is meant to be a significant time in his or her life, possibly the accomplish he or she will regard higher than all other accomplishments. But for some individuals, graduation takes on a more profound celebration.

On Saturday, April 30, 2016, the 2016 African Heritage Graduation Ceremony will take place in Wilkens Theatre. The ceremony is expected to begin promptly at 3:30 p.m.

This year marks the 30th anniversary Kean University has hosted the event. It will feature soon-to-be alumni from all levels of higher education, ranging from undergraduates, graduates and doctorates.

The African Heritage Graduation Ceremony is meant to incorporate a culture’s practices into the ceremony. During the ceremony, graduates and guests can expect African drummers and dancers and a performance by Kean Gospel Choir. The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Utrice Leid, a journalist and civil rights activist.

“We are so excited for this year's celebration,” said Lisia Aikens, Administration Assistant of Office of Africana Studies.  “We sponsor this event to first honor our ancestors who have paved the way for us to attend college and to obtain a degree.”

Guests will not need tickets to enter the ceremony. All are welcome to witness a nod to African heritage while celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates of 2016.

Graduates are encouraged to purchase the Graduate Packet, which consists on a Kente stole, a video of the ceremony and a 2016 commemorative journal.

If a graduate is interested in taking part in this graduation ceremony, he or she is required to register online at http://ku.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jmiGohrLxwu4NT. Registration was to be completed Friday, April 15, 2016.

Any questions or concerns can be addressed to the Office of Africana Studies in Hutchinson Hall room 103.