LSU’s annual Harambeé celebration featured a special remembrance on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010 for former faculty members, Kirt Bennett and Staci Pepitone, who were influential to the LSU and Baton Rouge communities.
More than 200 people were in attendance for the event. Guests included students, faculty, alumni and visitors.
The event sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the African American Cultural Center and Campus Life occurs every fall semester. Harambeé, a Swahili term meaning “a coming together,” showcased African American Culture in a welcome celebration.
Harambeé is a Kenyan tradition and has been celebrated at LSU since the early 1990s. In the 1970s, the LSU organization—Junior Division, sponsored an orientation for African American students. In 1993, the name of the program was changed to Harambeé.
Harambeé took a different approach to the night’s events this year. Instead of having recognized keynote speakers, Harambeé honored two influential leaders who had impacts within the LSU community through Campus Life.
Bennett and Pepitone were both extraordinary pillars to the LSU and Baton Rouge communities with their campaigns for social justice and diversity.
“Each year we invite speakers who bring inspirational words,” said Jacob Brumfield, assistant dean of Students and Associate Director, Campus Life. “Bennett and Pepitone both lived the message of inspiration, and we couldn’t have chosen more deserving people to honor and remember.”
Kirt Bennett, LSU alum, former student body president and one of Baton Rouge’s most influential community leaders, died May 3, 2010, after suffering a stroke. He was only 42 years old.
Bennett graduated from LSU in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and also obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Southern University.
Bennett served as a delegate for Louisiana at the Republican National Convention in 2004, and Gov. Bobby Jindal appointed him to the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission in 2008.
“Harambeé was the perfect opportunity to honor Kirt Bennett,” said Theodore B. Williams, English senior. “He was a dear friend to many in the LSU community, including a mentor to me. His works at LSU and in Baton Rouge will be remembered for decades to come.”
Staci Pepitone joined the LSU community in 1998. She worked as assistant to the vice chancellor of Finance and Administrative Services, where she helped organize event planning for external groups on campus.
Pepitone served as a Harambee’ coordinator for several years. She also advised departments like the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Office of the Dean of Students and Student Government.
Pepitone fought to increase cancer awareness, especially esophageal cancer. She documented her treatment on her website, Geaux Past Cancer, and her Facebook page.
Pepitone lost her battle with esophageal cancer March 11, 2010. She was only 43 years old.
Availability for speakers did not work out this year, so Harambeé directors sought student performances to fill the void, which was a success.
Performances of the night included Da Future, MLK Dance Ensemble, African Student Organization, two spoken word selections and Legacy.
“Phenomenal turnout and performances,” said Brumfield. “The energy of the night was amazing.”
“Enjoyable experience, as always,” said Morgan Etienne, English junior. “I think Harambeé is one of the most important cultural programs put on by the University. It is a tradition that should be preserved and improved upon every year.”
“It was a beautiful night,” said Sean Garrison, Education sophomore. “The culture showcased throughout the entire night was great; it was great to see everyone come together.”