After finishing their first semester at the University, African-American first years and transfer students celebrated their accomplishments in the annual Harambee II held yesterday afternoon. The ceremony is held twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, to honor students for their achievements and their completion of one semester at the University.
Sylvia Terry, Office of African-American Affairs associate dean, said she believes Harambee II is an important and valuable ceremony.
"I believe that completing one semester at any university by any student is worthy of recognition," Terry said. "Also, it is a celebration for our history, because we, at one time, could not be here."
OAAA Dean M. Rick Turner also said he thinks Harambee is an important opportunity to honor students for their success.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to honor students," Turner said. "Any time you honor students, they have a tendency to continue to achieve excellently and to want to become a part of the University."
The keynote speaker was Bryant L. Stith, an alumnus of the University. Stith is the executive director of Setting Children on the Road to Empowerment and was a professional NBA basketball player, playing for the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics.
Terry said the theme of Stith's speech was "There's something different about you."
Terry said she agreed with this theme, adding that, while she loves all of her students, she believes there is something special about the class of 2007.
"I love the spirit of this class," she said. "This class seems to be very appreciative. They take advantage of the opportunities offered to them. I challenged them to make the University theirs, and I believe they have done that. I feel good about their achievements and I feel good about their interactions with each other."
First-year College student Jimi Larkins also was enthusiastic about Harambee II and his class.
"It was good to see people come together," Larkins said. "I'm glad they brought speakers in that went to the University. It shows how successful someone can be from the University."
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