Re: I might get another stole instead
 

try http://www.primeheritage.com/graduation.htm

It's true. But I have met a gentleman from kentucky at the Association of Black Cultural Centers National Convention In Illinois last November. he own a Afro-centric store that has various African Items that included Black Greek Letter Stoles. I ask Him if he can create a stole with my fraternity Letters on it, even though my fraternity is a predominately white greek organization(yes, I'm African-American). It took a while but He email me last month and said the stole I requested was in. I'm planning to get two of those next week. If any of you are interested in asking about having a stole with your greek letters, let me know. I have the guy's business address and phone number at home.:D

clarification
 

Hi!

I just wanted to clarify the whole collar/stole/hood thing. :)


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/stolecollar.gif

In this picture, the gentleman on the left is wearing a dark-colored collar. It's a 'V' shaped piece of material which fits across the front of one's neck and falls down the back.

The young lady on the right is wearing a gold-colored stole. It is a very long 'U' shaped material which fits around the back of the neck and falls forward. These can be custom made in any color, and GLOs like to have them embroidered with letters. Some ethnic organizations, especially African-American orgs and GLOs, like to have the kente cloth (a woven african pattern) stoles.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/gradhood.jpg

This is a picture of a couple of people in doctorate gowns. The gentleman on the left is wearing a hood. Master's candidates also wear hoods. Traditionally, the inside velvet and satin colors indicate the college from which the degree is granted (lt. blue for education, green for natural sciences and so on). Though it is now a bit stylized, you *can* pick up the upper portion and loft it over your head to make it a hood. (kinda like a monk).

At my university, California State University Long Beach, all bachelor's candidates wear regular black gowns and mortarboard caps. The color of the tassle worn indicates the college from which the degree is granted. Master's candidiates wear black Master's gowns (longer sleeves) with a hood with the lining color indicating the college. All master's candidates wear gold-colored tassles.

We don't offer doctorate degrees.

All students are allowed to wear stoles, honor cords (you know, ropes), medallions or whatever else they desire. Some students decorate their mortarboard caps with sayings such as "Hi Mom" or their greek letters. A couple people in my department had tinsle and other craft items glued on to theirs. My university is kinda liberal when it comes to graduation regalia. As long as its not obscene or a big distraction, it's ok by them as long as you have the proper gown, cap and tassle on. :)

Pardon me for the regalia lecture, higher education is my business. :) Also, credit given to harmonyonstage.com for the photographs.

......Kelly :)