Left to right: Noha Elmohands, Samiro Mohamoud ’25, and Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán join in applause at the Celebration of Distinction.
On May 14, the Centers for Equity and Belonging (CEB) and the Office of Equity and Belonging (OEB) hosted the Celebration of Distinction at ɫӰ in the Frey Theater. This ceremony, open to all St. Kate’s students, recognized and honored the contributions of 2024–25 graduates across all three colleges whose cultural traditions and leadership have significantly enhanced equity and belonging within the campus community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
The celebration centered the esteemed tradition of the Donning of the Kente and introduced the inaugural Lavender Graduation at ɫӰ, honoring the achievements of LGBTQ+ and allied students. Additionally, a unique CEB sash was bestowed on graduates who identified as Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, international, and/or are affiliated with CEB programs and scholarships.
“These celebrations are integral to our mission of educating students to lead and influence, as they honor the diverse identities and contributions of our graduates,” said Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán, JD, PhD, senior vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging. “By acknowledging and celebrating our graduates' cultural heritage and leadership, we reinforce our commitment to fostering an inclusive community where all members feel seen, valued, and empowered.”
Addeline Jackson Garcia ’25, Lavender Graduation student keynote speaker, addresses the audience.
Maisah Blanton ’16, equity and belonging coordinator (left), warmly introduces Eva Ngono ’25 as the student keynote speaker for the Donning of the Kente.
Kristina Soulier-Olalde ’25, CEB ceremony student keynote speaker, addresses fellow graduates.
Noha Elmohands (left) and Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán bestow Faisa Mohamed ’25 (center) with the special CEB sash.
Over the course of the three ceremonies, there were 50 graduates honored and 100 guests in attendance. At the Lavender Graduation, students received a lavender cord to honor their achievements. “Those who came before us, whether we know who they are or not, have helped us reach these milestones,” shared Addeline Jackson Garcia ’25, Lavender Graduation student keynote speaker, “and it is our jobs as future elders, a title often unfilled in queer spaces, to help push our communities forward, so that our accomplishments will one day be surpassed.”
At the Donning of the Kente, graduates received a unique sash with the kente cloth. Eva Ngono ’25, the student keynote speaker for Donning of the Kente, said, “The Kente, rooted in African heritage, pride, and unity, reminds us of those connections. It reminds us that even if we don’t all come from the same place, we have the potential to see one another deeply; to show up in our vibrant colors; to share our joy, offer our support, and shoulder each other’s burdens; to fight for one another as if we were fighting for ourselves.”
Noha Elmohands, CEB director and master of ceremonies for the evening, opened the Ceremony of Distinction with an excerpt from their original poetry:
“[...] when you were born
they signed
Change
on your certificate
then pointed to your heart
and said
'Blind the world with the light within you.'
“Do not forget that your most powerful asset is your light. Shine it blindly in the service of your vision,” concluded Elmohands.
Kristina Soulier-Olade ’25, the final keynote speaker, told fellow graduates, “You don't have to be perfect. Just be present. Show up. Engage. Keep moving. Your education doesn't end here — it evolves. The world needs your insight, your energy, your heart.”
After the ceremonies concluded, students, friends, family, and staff and faculty members gathered for a post-event reception to share photos, refreshments, and warm exchanges in celebration of the graduates. This night was made possible thanks to the collective effort of the OEB and CEB staff, Maisah Blanton ’16, Riley Swope, Jae Louwagie, Sonia Carroll, Leena Abdulla ’24, and Beauty Yang, as well as the event’s volunteers.
Photos by Rebecca Zenefski Slater ’10