The College of Charleston will be hosting its inaugural Nia Rite of Passage Celebration on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the McKinley Washington Auditorium at the Avery Research Center (125 Bull Street). Nia, the Swahili term for purpose, means “to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.” This program will honor not only the graduates themselves, but also those that helped them to get where they are today, including parents, family, and loved ones while reminding us “to whom much is given, much is required.” The event is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services.
“We want to provide a celebration that is representative of African American and African tradition, heritage, culture, and legacy and reaffirm the campus and community’s commitment to encourage and support students,” says Teresa Smith, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services. “This ceremony marks a tradition of valuing our cultural offerings to the College and beyond. This inaugural program is a celebration of this philosophy, and reinforces the bonds of scholarship, and extends the sense of community that was created from the time the students first arrived on campus.”
The “nia” principle encourages citizens to commit themselves to the glorious duty of restoring families, neighborhoods, and people to their historical greatness. As a life-long member of the College of Charleston family, through the Nia Rite of Passage Celebration, graduates will be charged to do the same.
For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services at 843.953.5367.
