Black Graduation Ceremony
This end of the year, pre-commencement celebration will embrace and acknowledge the achievements of other Black-identifying students here at Purchase College.
Save the Date: Monday, May 13, 2019; 2:00pm, Humanities Theatre
Award Categories
This event features 5 awards that will be presented to members of the Purchase community and graduating class. Nominations for awards will be accepted in March 2019.
Distinguished Black Student Leader: This category is dedicated to a student who has shown exemplary leadership in the Purchase community. This candidate must be someone who takes initiative on projects around campus and is an example for their peers and the student body.
Exceptional Student Athlete: This category is dedicated to a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments throughout their years at Purchase. A minimum of three years on a team is required for this nomination.
Outstanding Campus Involvement: This category is dedicated to a student who has been active in both campus and student life. Whether it be through the PSGA, on-campus jobs, or internship involvement, this student must have been active around/on campus for a minimum of three years.
Outstanding Service to the Black Community: This category is dedicated to a student who has explicitly worked to shed light on the accomplishments and adversities of black people both on and off campus.
Phenomenal Black Faculty Member: This category is dedicated to a faculty member (adjunct or full-time) who has been both an outstanding member of academia and also serves as a mentor for students on campus.
Kente Cloth Sashes
Graduating seniors who wish to purchase a Kente cloth sash to wear at the Purchase College Commencement can provide cash payment to the Office of Community Engagement, 2nd floor of Campus Center North. Sashes are $15 each and are available on a first come, first serve basis by April 26th.
About
Black Graduations take place at universities nationwide. Columbia, SUNY New Paltz, Cornell, and Harvard are just a few of the colleges that allow their students to participate in these celebrations. The support that they receive from their respective colleges and departments are fundamental to the success of this commencement. As a result, the black students at these colleges are appreciated and recognized; they see that they are properly represented in multiple fields across academia.
This event is paid for by your Mandatory Student Activities Fee (PFBYMSAF).