Rights of Passage Ceremony
About the Ceremony
The Rites of Passage ceremony acknowledges and celebrates LSUA students of color, particularly those of African-American and Latin-American heritage, who successfully completed an Associate or Bachelor Degree. This event recognizes students’ accomplishments and the community that supported them, while also marking their transition from LSUA to their future studies or professional endeavors.
This ceremonial pre-commencement event, embraces culture, customs, and traditions. You can expect to hear words of wisdom from notable speakers and community leaders, student recognition, and musical selections culminating with the donning of the Kente. The colorful, embroidered Kente ceremonial cloths are hand woven in Ghana and meant to connect the graduates with their ancestors.
Registration
To participate in the ceremony and receive a Kente or Serape stole, LSUA students must register online. The student must have successfully applied and received approval to graduate.
The registration link for the Spring 2023 Rites of Passage Ceremony will be accessible soon.
Schedule of Events
Spring 2023 Rites of Passage Ceremony
- Keynote Speaker: TBA
- Date: TBA
- Time: TBA
- Location: TBA
Immediately followed by a reception for graduates and guests. Vegetarian option available.
2023 Keynote Speaker: TBA
Kente Stole Significance
The Kente ceremonial cloth, originating in Ghana, is rich with symbolism. The collection of patterns visually represent several African principles. Through the donning of the Kente, we acknowledge the significance of contributions from
ancestral sacrifices to the encouragement and support from each student’s “village” (family, friends, and loved ones) as they pursue their goals.
Participation Opportunities
There are opportunities for the LSUA community and community leaders to participate in Rites of Passage Ceremonies. We call these volunteers Imani which means belief and faith. Imani enhances the ceremony through speaking, music, and performances
for the graduates.
FAQs
LSUA students who have applied for graduation in the Spring, Summer or Fall of the current year. Rites of Passage Ceremonies are conducted each Spring and Fall. Summer graduates will participate in the Fall ceremony of the current year.
Each graduate may invite a maximum of two guests. We ask that, when registering, graduates indicate the number of guests that will attend for proper planning and meal preparation.
Graduates must wear black, business casual attire. NO graduation caps, gowns or regalia may be worn. The dress code for guests is business casual.
- Please leave any valuables with family or guests. There is no designated area at the ceremony where you may leave your valuables.
- Flowers, horns, bells, balloons, posters or any other such items are not allowed.
- This a solemn, ceremonial event. For that reason, photography and videography is prohibited. If you bring your cell phone or smart device, please silence it. A professional photographer will document the event and make photos available.
You and your guests may park in any parking lot designated for students. Individuals with physical disabilities should park in any adjacent accessible parking spaces.