Empowering the Future Through Sankofa

Empowering the Future Through Sankofa

• Students
• 05/11/2026

On Friday, May 8, 2026, Rock Valley College hosted its Sankofa: A Rite of Passage Ceremony in the Stenstrom Student Center Atrium, bringing together graduates, families, and community members for an evening rooted in reflection, culture, and celebration.

Centered on the meaning of Sankofa, "to reach back and get it," the ceremony honored the wisdom of the past while recognizing the achievements and future promise of African American graduates and goal completers.

The program highlighted both individual accomplishment and collective support through shared affirmations. As part of the ceremony, graduates recited a pledge in part, committing to uphold their rich heritage, one shaped by family, community, and the broader global and human experience. In turn, the community offered a pledge in part, affirming its role in continuing to uplift and support graduates with encouragement that honored not only major milestones, but every step along the way.

As part of the community's commitment to the students, guest speaker Dr. Cyrus Oates was invited to share the importance of commitment and discipline on the road to success. "There are two principles that I really believe in commitment and discipline. Without commitment, you'll never start, and without discipline, you'll never finish," he continued. "Motivation is good, but moods change. Discipline shows up regardless of how you feel. Stick with the discipline. "Remember your success is important, but how you lift others along the way will define your legacy."

The following awards were presented to students during the Sankofa Ceremony:

Professor Caryl Brown Award

Professor Caryl Brown was a distinguished and highly respected member of the Rock Valley Faculty in the Communications and Humanities Divisions from 1990 until her sudden death in 2001. She created Humanities 115, which she loved teaching, published textbooks and articles, lectured and consulted nationwide, and judged nationally recognized speech competitions, including the Land of Lincoln Speech Tournament of Rock Valley College.

Jada Stocker

Terrence Peterson

Professor Charles Lee Anderson Award

Dr. Charles Lee Anderson, professor emeritus of Psychology, was employed at Rock Valley College for over 25 years, from 1971 until his death in 1996. Dr. Anderson was committed to helping his students succeed in his classes. He was known for using a variety of innovative methods to motivate his students to achieve higher grades, grades which he believed they could achieve. This award is typically given to scholar athletes due to Mr. Anderson love for athletics.

Cameron Reed

DeNiya Gary

Dr. Florence Cephas Award

Dr. Florence Cephus, Counselor and professor emerita, was the first African American professional hired at RVC in 1968; she retired in 1998 after serving the college for 30 years. She founded the Focus on Women program and established the Adult Life Planning Center. She was an advisor to the Black Student Alliance and the Adults on Campus organization, which she co-founded. In her honor, the Black History and Culture Committee annually presents the Florence Cephus Award to a deserving Adult on Campus.

Tamara Coffman-Baker

Dr. Arnold "Les" Ross Award

Dr. Arnold "Les" Ross, professor emeritus, counselor, and director of counseling, was employed at Rock Valley College from 1972 until his retirement as Director of Counseling in May 1995. Dr. Ross was a model director, expanding the Counseling area while maintaining the quality of its programs and work. In retirement, he is actively involved with Alpine Kiwanis, where he has continued his lifelong love of music. The committee annually presents this award to a deserving student worker on campus.

Justice Muhammad

Isiah Blake

Dr. Lamata Mitchell Award

Dr. Lamata Mitchell is the President of Kettering College in Kettering Oh. She previously served as the Vice President and Chief Learning Officer for AdventHealth. Dr. Mitchell is the first to serve in this role and leads the organization's learning strategy across four communities - leaders, team members, future talent and clinical talent - through educational resources and opportunities offered by the AdventHealth Leadership Institute, the AdventHealth Learning Network, AdventHealth University and other educational partners. Dr. Mitchell's began her teaching career as an adjunct with the English department at Rock Valley College and later became a tenured professor.

Thaddeus Denthriff

Carlos Brown

Dr. Hansen Stewart, Vice President of CTE & Workforce Development ended the evening with words of strength and encouragement.

"The world does not merely need more successful people-it needs more thoughtful people. More ethical leaders. More individuals who can walk into a room and not only say something-but say something that matters. Anybody can say anything, the critical question becomes "Does it matter?" "Is it important?"

Together, these words reflect the spirit of Sankofa: a reminder that progress is deeply connected to where we come from and strengthened by those who stand with us.

"What we've heard today about perseverance, purpose and possibility are not just ceremonial words. They are intellectual commitments."

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