Rites of Passage Ceremony

The Rites of Passage Ceremony is a pre-commencement celebration to honor Black and Latinx-identified students who through resolute persistence have successfully completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, recognizing their accomplishments, hard work, and dedication, while simultaneously acknowledging the accomplishments of our students’ families and networks of support. This event will feature distinguished speakers, live performances, and the incorporation of African culture and traditions—specifically the culminating Kente Stole presentation—and was designed by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center to provide our community with a culminating cultural pre-commencement experience that draws on fellowship, celebrates the life and legacy of Paul Robeson, extends notions of community, and allows our students and families to see themselves reflected in the university’s efforts to reward, acknowledge, and celebrate academic achievement.