Past Events
Senior Sankofa Spring 2010 Graduates celebrated at Senior Sankofa on Friday, May 7, 2010 in the Education Building on campus. More than 60 graduating Seniors gathered for their rite of passage. The Senior Sankofa Ceremony was established in 1999 by the African American Graduate Association (AAGA) and the Upperman Center at UNCW to honor graduating students of color. Sankofa is a West African Akan language word meaning “wisdom in learning from the past to build for the future” and symbolizes an African rite of passage. The Senior Sankofa Ceremony marks the tradition of students graduating from UNCW to their new careers. A Senior Sankofa medallion is presented by AAGA to each student. This year’s guest speaker was Mr. Euran Daniels. Euran, a native of Wilmington has excelled to achieve numerous milestones within his lifetime. At age 33, he has often been identified by media as one of the most influential African American males in the nation. After Euran’s address to the graduates, Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo and Lolita Bryant ’04 – President of AAGA presented each graduating student their medallion. Lolita concluded the ceremony with an address to the graduates. Take a look at photos.

AAGA Homecoming Luncheon Members of the African American Graduate Association (AAGA) returned to UNCW for Homecoming where they enjoyed their annual luncheon with friends in the Cultural Arts Building. Lolita Bryant ‘04, President of AAGA, welcomed everyone and presented an update of the chapter's activities. Whitney Murrill, a current UNCW nursing student, gave an inspirational speech on the impact UNCW has made on her life. She spoke about her passion for nursing and how her experience at UNCW has helped her achieve goals as well as set higher ones. AAGA was proud to hear about their alma mater and the experience of another Seahawk. Click on the photo to view more photos.

Senior Sankofa On Friday December 11, 2009 members of the African American Graduate Association gathered to support the newest members of their chapter – the December graduates of 2009. This event has been a powerful tradition on UNCW’s campus for many years, a tradition so large that it outgrew its original location at the Wise Alumni House. In keeping with the spirit of Sankofa, current graduates take a look back at the graduates who have come before them and realize that they are joining a community of alumni who will forever have the Seahawk spirit in their hearts.

Sandra McClammy ’03, ‘09M who serves as the Vice Chair of the UNCW Alumni Association welcomed the crowd and gave a background on what Senior Sankofa represents. Keynote speaker, Malcomb Coley ’86, ‘89MBA who currently serves as an Audit Partner at Ernst & Young LLP addressed the crowd about his life and accomplishments. To wrap things up, Lolita Bryant ’04, President of the UNCW African American Graduate Association took the stage and reiterated how important it is to stay connected as an alum. The next Senior Sankofa will be held before the May 2010 commencement exercises.

2.9.09 Sixty AAGA alumni and friends gathered on Saturday, January 31 at the AAGA Homecoming Luncheon. Attendees enjoyed lunch and the company of fellow alumni as well as Chancellor DePaolo. Special student guest, Kiarra Wigfall, spoke to the group about what the support of AAGA means to students and also how she is mentoring while she is still in school. The event concluded with a tour of the Upperman African American Cultural Center in the newly remodeled Fisher University Union. Fun was had by all as everyone got a very special chance to reconnect!

The African American Graduate Association is currently filling positions on their steering committee. The steering committee is responsible for setting goals for the chapter and working with the Alumni Relations staff to plan events.

For more information about AAGA and how to get involved contact:

Lindsay Terry LeRoy
910.962.2684
leroyl@uncw.edu

Senior Sankofa May, 2009 UNCW/Jamie Moncrief