ALANA Celebration of Achievement
Friday, May 9
11 am, Slee Hall
Students are invited to attend the University at Buffalo's Eleventh Annual ALANA Celebration of Achievement. The ALANA Celebration of Achievement is a pre-commencement ceremony for graduating African, African American, Caribbean, Latino/a, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Native American students. In order to participate in this event students must pre-register online. The Student Life and the Center for Academic Development Services will be honoring students for one of their greatest accomplishments.
During the ceremony, you will be presented with a Kente Cloth Stole in recognition of scholarly achievement. This celebration will take place Friday, May 9, 2008. Doors will open at 9:00 am. Graduates must check-in by 9:00 am The ceremony will be from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in Slee Concert Hall. A reception in honor of the graduates and their families will take place in the Student Union Lobby immediately following the event.
I hope that you can attend this special and momentous occasion that our committee has arranged for you and your family. The deadline to complete the online registration form is April 18, 2008!
Student Speakers Needed!
We are also interested in having outstanding ALANA students' that represent each group (African, African American, Caribbean, Latino/a, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Native American) speak at this ceremony. All students interested in speaking must submit their speech before April 18, 2008.
Contact:
Daysi Ball
Student Life
150 Student Union
645-2055 Ext. 126
Dpball@buffalo.edu
Karen King
Intercultural & Diversity Center
240 Student Union
716-645-2055 Ext. 120
Email
Most Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the ALANA Celebration of Achievement?
The University at Buffalo's Tenth Annual ALANA Celebration of Achievement is a pre-commencement ceremony for graduating African, African American, Caribbean, Latino/a, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Native American students. In order to participate in this event students must pre-register by completing and submitting their online registration form.
Can any UB student participate in this event?
Yes, ALL students are welcomed to participate in the ceremony. This event specially honors ALANA Students. However, in the past other students who identify with the guiding principles of the ceremony have participated in the ceremony.
What is an ALANA student?
Students that self-identify themselves as American born/citizens and belong to the following race/ethnic groups - African, African American, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Native American cultures. In most recent years the category has expanded to include all individuals that understand, advocate and appreciate the guiding principals that effect People of Color; historical, political, educational, economic and social contexts.
Why does UB have an ALANA Celebration?
Historically, ALANA students do not graduate at the same rate as their Caucasian counterparts in their graduation rates from predominantly white institutions. Most recent research indicates that this is still the case. This significant difference in graduation rates of the two groups has caused the University at Buffalo, along with a number of other institutions across the nation, to develop programs to specially honor these students upon their completion of their degree programs.
How much does it cost to attend this event?
Event participants do not pay for anything. The University at Buffalo covers the all expenses.
How can I volunteer?
We are inviting all faculty/staff to volunteer at the event. Interested individuals should select the volunteer option on the online registration form. As a volunteer you will be contacted by a staff member with your assignments, close to the date of the event.
What type of volunteer options are there?
We need volunteers to meet and greet students and their families, check students in, distribute event programs, assist guests with seating, assist with directing traffic, and coordinate the graduates' line-up for the procession and recession. In addition, your presence at the event will allow you the opportunity to formally bid the students farewell. Most of you have worked closely with some of these students and this event provides them an opportunity to introduce their families to UB and individuals that have made a significant impact in their collegiate careers.
As a student participant in the ALANA Celebration do I have to wear my cap and gown?
Yes, this event is similar to a convocation ceremony. All students should plan to purchase and wear their regalia. Regalia can be purchased at the University Bookstore. See Cap & Gown information.
Are there tickets for this event?
No, tickets are not distributed for this event. Seating is open and on a first come basis.
How many guests can I invite to the ceremony?
While there is no limit to the number of guests you can invite to the ceremony, seating is limited. There is general seating for all guests on a first come basis.
What are Kente Cloth Stoles?
Kente Cloth is donned on special occasions. Historically, Kente could only be bought by those who had a sufficient standing in society, and is preferred attire among royalty even today. It is still expensive, and most Ghanaians aspire to own one or perhaps two ceremonial cloths during their lifetime.
What should students expect?
During the ceremony, students will be presented with a Kente Cloth Stole in recognition of their scholarly achievement and a certificate acknowledging this great accomplishment. This celebration will take place Friday, May 9, 2008. Graduates must check-in by 9 am The ceremony starts at 11 am in Slee Concert Hall. A free reception in honor of the graduates and their families will take place in the Student Union Lobby immediately following the event (light refreshments and hors d' oeuvres will be served).
What role can graduating students play at the event?
We are currently looking for graduates to speak at the event. We are interested in having outstanding ALANA students that represent each group speak at this ceremony. All students interested in speaking must submit their speech by April 18, 2008.
What about individuals with disabilities?
As you register on-line, you will have an opportunity to inform us about the type of disability you or a family member may have, so that we can better accommodate your needs.
What is the registration deadline?
All students and faculty/staff must register online for this event by April 18, 2008.
Will I receive confirmation of my registration form?
Yes, you will receive an e-mail confirmation once you have completed your on-line registration.
How long has UB hosted this event?
This year's event marks the eleventh anniversary of the program at UB.
Who is responsible for coordinating this event?
The Student Life Office in collaboration with the Center for Academic Development Services (CADS). The CADS Department consist of The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Achievement Challenge and Enrichment Program (ACE), Student Support Services (SSS), Ronald E. McNair Program, and Cora P. Maloney College (CPMC).
Who do I contact for more information?
Intercultural and Diversity Center
