Celebrations such as the First-Generation Stole Ceremony, Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight, Donning of the Kente, and Lavender Graduation highlighted the achievements of students who embraced, and were embraced by, communities of support throughout their college experience.
In the days leading up to Commencement, graduating seniors from Elon University’s School of Communications were recognized at several university-wide celebrations that honored their academic achievements and personal journeys.
Events such as the First-Generation Stole Ceremony, Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight, Donning of the Kente, and Lavender Graduation highlighted the resilience of students from many backgrounds and experiences.
“These students faced additional layers of complexity throughout their time at Elon, and they exemplify resilience, commitment and conviction,” said Professor Vanessa Bravo, assistant dean in the School of Communications. “Graduating from college is a wonderful accomplishment in itself, and the School of Communications is immensely proud of these individuals – and all of our graduating seniors.”
First-Generation Stole Ceremony
May 21, McKinnon Hall
Honoring the accomplishments of first-generation college students, this event celebrated those who were the first in their families to earn a college degree. School of Communications honorees:
- Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
- Chase Augustus, Sport Management
- Jenivee Bevan, Cinema & Television Arts
- Alexis Cooper, Journalism
- Laker Figueroa, Sport Management
- Hailey Gardiner, Cinema & Television Arts
- Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
- Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
- Manny Peralta, Sport Management
- José Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications
- Mackenzie Smith, Cinema & Television Arts
- Givanna Solis, Cinema & Television Arts
- Jessica Walker, Strategic Communications
Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
May 22, Lakeside
This bilingual event is an annual tradition to honor the achievements and contributions of all graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who identify with Latinx/Hispanic identities and cultures. School of Communications honorees:
- Leslie Aviles Mendoza, Strategic Communications
- Cristy Mariné, Cinema & Television Arts
- José Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications
Donning of the Kente
May 22, Alumni Gym
The university’s Donning of the Kente ceremony is a celebration that honors students of African descent and acknowledges their academic achievements, cultural heritage, and personal journeys. During the ceremony, graduates are presented with a Kente stole – a colorful, handwoven cloth – which they wear as part of their graduation regalia. School of Communications honorees:
- Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
- Aniya Arnold, Cinema & Television Arts
- Chase Augustus, Sport Management
- Alexis Cooper, Journalism
- Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
- Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
- Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
- Madison Muir, Cinema & Television Arts
- Sebastian Schroeter, Sport Management
- Taylor Scott, Strategic Communications
Lavender Graduation
May 14, Alumni Gym
The university’s Lavender Graduation honors and celebrates the achievements of graduating LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. The ceremony provides a space for reflection, recognition and community, acknowledging the unique experiences and contributions of these students during their time on campus. Among the 23 participants were the following School of Communications majors:
- Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
- Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications