Event Honors WC's Multicultural and International Graduates
President Corey Cockerill delved into Wilmington College’s core value of community at the annual Tyehimba ceremony on Tuesday (April 3) evening. Tyehimba, which is a Nigerian word meaning “we are a nation,” honors the College’s multicultural and international graduates and their families.
Led by the Office of Diversity + Inclusion, the ceremony celebrates that many of these scholars faced and overcame various challenges and statistics to make it to the precipice of their graduation. It also recognizes the richness and value of WC's students-of-color, multicultural and international students.
Cockerill described the concept of community as “powerful, potent and sticky — it tends to stay with you.” She explored its various aspects: What does it mean to be A community? What does it mean to be AMONG community? And What does it mean to be IN community? “These three aspects seem similar, to me they magnify the notion of family — or community,” she added. “But we have to build it, like a scaffolding.”
She described “A community” as a group of individuals who share common values, goals or interests, constructed of a sense of togetherness and mutual reliance. “It’s where individuals work towards common goals and contribute to each other’s well-being,” she added,
Cockerill described “Among community” as being part of a social fabric, recognizing oneself as an integral part of a whole like a club, team, tribe or family. “It also highlights the importance of mutual respect, empathy and solidarity.”
Finally, she described “In community” as referring to the state of actively participating and contributing to the life of a community. “It involves engaging in its activities, building relationships with others and reciprocating love.”
Cockerill said what she loves about the Wilmington College community is that its members get to be “A,” “AMONG” and “IN” community simultaneously and all the time. “This community we talk about is a place where diverse voices sing,” she said. “It’s seen a mosaic of backgrounds, cultures, languages and perspectives, each enriching the learning experience for all!”
Angela Griffin, vice president for marketing and enrollment management, reminded the multicultural graduates-to-be to think about who they are within the context of their family through the generations because, “It took the strength of my ancestors for me to stand before you today. You are your ancestors’ wildest dream.”
Wendy Grab, assistant professor of social work, saluted the uniqueness of each individual, many of whom “overcame obstacles and challenges that others don’t even know exist.” Grab received a Diversity Impact Award for her leadership of students interested in indigenous cultures and support for WC’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Senior Hanna Anderson is a descendant of Kikthawenund, aka Chief William Anderson from the Delaware Tribe. She called upon everyone to approach those different from themselves with “open hearts and open minds,” while senior Symone Daniels spoke of her swimming coach, Trip Breen, and Chip Murdock, senior director of diversity and student activities, as “pillars of my Wilmington College experience.” She urged everyone to “live your life with love in your hearts.”
Murdock said the Tyehimba celebration and seeing multicultural students graduate “in my true payday.”
Each of the graduating seniors at the Tyehimba ceremony was given a colorful stole presented by a special person in their WC experience. The stoles, to be worn with their caps and gowns at Commencement, included the African kente cloth, flags of students' families’ nations of origin and other symbols of various heritages and interests.
Graduates-to-be participating in Tyehimba were Chloe J. Addison (Crumbley), Hanna Anderson, Joy Bebe, Izaia Billingsley, Kiana Chumley, Symone Daniels, Matthew Dugue, Kaleb Easley, Pedro Escobedo, Maurita Ford (Oduor), Haley Fulton, Alexis Griffith, Red Holston, Ryanne Hood, Travis Mitchell Jr., Aaron Pardo, Jeralynn Rainey, Justen Shaw, Mo Sissoko, Keely Smith and Isiah Taborn.
PHOTO: Joy Bebe is presented with a stole representing her family's Cameroonian heritage by her mother, Rosemary, at the College's annual Tyehimba ceremony Tuesday evening.