The Donning of the Kente (DOK) is an annual cultural achievement ceremony celebrating the graduation of students who recognize their African roots. The Donning of the Kente Ceremony utilizes the Ghanaian Kente cloth as a symbol of African American heritage in the adornment of the graduation robe. Family, colleagues, and friends gather to celebrate the achievements of graduates receiving their undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. The Black Organizations Council (BOC) designs this ceremony to provide graduates with a positive and rewarding experience which recognizes them for their hard work and dedication. Family, friends, mentors and faculty/staff members are a very important part of this recognition ceremony. During the ceremony, each graduate can have one person join them on stage to acknowledge their achievements and adorn them with their Kente stole. Graduates who participate in the ceremony are able to wear their Kente stole during the University's commencement ceremonies.

Virginia Tech was one of the first institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia to celebrate the Donning of the Kente beginning in 1995. The 41st semi-annual Donning of the Kente Ceremony for students graduating in May 2015 will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 2 p.m. in the Squires Student Center's Commonwealth Ballroom. A dessert reception will be held immediately following the ceremony.

Location:	Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Price:	Free to attend; graduates must have a Kente stole to participate
Sponsor:	Black Organizations Council (BOC)
Contact:	Aida Grebretekle aidag93@vt.edu
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