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Dominican University celebrated Black excellence during the 5th annual Black Achievements Ceremony on April 14.

The ceremony recognized graduating seniors, who received special cultural stoles to wear at commencement, and featured the African-influenced Libation Ceremony. Dr. Nkuzi Nnam, professor of philosophy and founding director of the Black World Studies program at Dominican University, was presented with the 2025 Black Excellence Award. 

The award recognizes excellence in scholarship, community service, and a passion for elevating inclusion, access to education and resources impacting the health and wellness of Black and African American students at Dominican University.

In a nomination letter, a staff member noted Nnam’s efforts to “expose our student body to important figures in our world and open the door to incredible conversations regarding Black excellence.”

“To me, excellence is simply doing whatever it takes to help students to become what God has created them to be, which is often their best,” Nnam said. “To help students achieve that, one has to be patient and, most importantly, enable them to believe in themselves.”

Nnam joined Rosary College in 1989 as an assistant professor. He became director of the Black World Studies program in 2000, and is the founding director of the Center for Igbo Studies at Dominican University and of the study abroad program to Ghana, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.

Nnam is also the creator of the Elders’ Council, an advisory board providing mentorship and financial support for students majoring in Black World Studies. He is the recipient of previous awards from Dominican University, including the Rosary College Sears Award for excellence in teaching in 1992, the Mother Evelyn Murphy Excellence in Teaching Award in 1993, and the Sr. Mary Clemente Davlin, OP, Diversity Leadership Award in 2021.

The Black Achievements Ceremony also featured Dominican alumna Clinée Hedspeth ‘13, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the city of Chicago, who gave the keynote address. Hedspeth received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Dominican University with a minor in African/African American studies.

Leila Robinson, president of Dominican’s Black Student Union, gave the student address.