Chestnut Hill College will be hosting our Ninth Annual Donning of the Kente Cloth Ceremony as part of Commencement 2025. The Donning of the Kente Cloth Ceremony at Chestnut Hill College began in 2017. This ceremony will give students the opportunity to honor their heritage, experiences, and achievements. It also presents the occasion for students to pay homage to those who have paved the way for them prior to and during their time at Chestnut Hill College.
During the ceremony, graduates will be honored by the draping of the strips of Kente. Each Kente stole is woven in a specific pattern often reflecting a proverb or other significant meaning. Each color and symbol carries importance. Chestnut Hill College Class of 2025 Kente contains the following colors: green, red, yellow, black and the symbol of the Ashanti Stool. Green represents growth, harvest, renewal and good health. Yellow represents the yolk (of the egg), a symbol for all things holy and precocious. Red represents a strong political and spiritual feeling and passing rights. Black represents the African diaspora. Finally, the Ashanti Stool symbol is very important to West African culture and represents a seat of leadership.
Chestnut Hill College’s Donning of the Kente will be held on Friday, May 16th at 3:00 pm in the Redmond Room; a reception will follow in the Rotunda. The Ceremony is open to both SUS and SCPS graduates. Kente Cloth will be provided to students who attend the ceremony at no cost.