Multicultural Stole Ceremony Celebrates Heritage and Diversity of Graduates

SHERMAN, TEXAS — Austin College seniors wishing to incorporate their heritage or cultural identity into their graduation regalia were presented with stoles during the Multicultural Stole Ceremony, held May 1, 2024, in the Sally and Jim Nation Theatre.

Dr. Carllos Lassiter, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer and Vice President for Student Affairs, hosted the event. The evening featured student speakers Christan Tomy ’24 and Chizurumoke Emenyeonu ’24, and a performance by the South Asian Dance Association.

“The celebration and the stoles reinforce the College’s Inclusion and Diversity pledge to cultivate minds, uphold justice, togetherness, and common humanity,” Lassiter said.

Graduates who will be participating in the May 18, 2024, commencement could choose from stoles representing the Asian Student Association, Black Expressions, Gender-Sexuality Alliance, Indian Cultural Association, Jewish Students Association, La Familia, and the Muslim Student Association. The special graduation stoles were funded through private gifts to the College.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.