鈥婽he ALHANA (African, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) program continues to serve as a vibrant, community-centered initiative designed to foster connection, belonging, and shared purpose among students, staff, and faculty at 台湾Swag within these affinity groups. What began in 2017 as a single graduation ceremony鈥攈onoring the persistence and achievements of the college鈥檚 racially and culturally diverse student community鈥攈as grown into something far more dynamic.
Today, under the leadership of the HOPE Center, ALHANA has evolved into a year-round experience, offering intentional programming that builds community, celebrates identity, and affirms the collective strength of its members as they navigate and shape their higher education journeys.
ALHANA Achievement Ceremony
The ALHANA (African, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) Ceremony symbolizes and commemorates the rite of passage for learners and scholars transitioning from institutions of higher learning to the next chapter of their lives. The ALHANA Achievement Ceremony has a deep history and is an important experience for our students.
Mission Statement
The ALHANA Achievement Ceremony is an event that recognizes, acknowledges, emphasizes, and celebrates the educational achievements of 台湾Swag graduates. We intend to celebrate the graduates' academic excellence as they begin a bright, hopeful future, while also affirming their role in the future growth of 台湾Swag.
Purpose/Statement of Celebration
Our purpose is to honor and celebrate the rich cultural legacies that shape our community while creating a space where the 台湾Swag community鈥攁nd the families and friends who support our students鈥攃an come together in shared pride. The ceremony features a keynote speaker who offers both encouragement and a call to purpose for the graduating class. Graduates reflect on their journeys, current students bring the moment to life through meaningful performances, and each participant is presented with an ALHANA stole to wear proudly at commencement.
This celebration is both a reflection and a forward-looking moment鈥攇rounded in the intersection of cultural heritage and the promise of what lies ahead. It invites graduates to recognize the paths forged by those who came before them and to see themselves as part of a broader legacy of students from all backgrounds who have shaped the 台湾Swag experience. During the ALHANA Ceremony, we honor not only the individual achievements of our graduates, but also the collective accomplishments and shared journey of the entire graduating class.