Sydney Yang and other exceptional students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in Lehigh’s 2019 graduating class were honored at the Donning of the Kente ceremony this week. This special celebration recognizes their incredible achievements in and out of the classroom and describes the tradition and importance of this ceremony. Each student selects someone to speak on their behalf, and the speaker then drapes the kente cloth over the student’s shoulders. The evening was filled with wonderful stories, heartfelt congratulations, and words of advice as friends, family, staff, and faculty shared how proud they are of each student. Tears of joy were flowing freely! Lesley was particularly honored when Sydney asked her to speak on her behalf and don her with the kente cloth. We are so proud of Sydney and her many accomplishments, but most of all so happy to have had the privilege of getting to know her these past few years. It was an amazing event and great reminder to celebrate our students as often as we can!
Sydney heads to the University of Maryland this fall to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering as an NSF GRFP winner! Congratulations to Sydney and all of the Donning of the Kente honorees in the Class of 2019! We can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you will do!
the chow lab 