The University of Florida’s Center for African Studies hosted its annual African Student eXperience (ASX) 25 Home Away from Home Welcome Reception on September 13th in Pugh Hall Ocora, drawing over 90 African graduate students from different colleges across campus. This year’s theme, “From the Savannah to the Swamp: We Thrive Together,” emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural roots while building academic success at UF.
Guiding the evening were the event’s MCs, Godfred Agyapong and, Wambui Gachunga, whose energy and seamless transitions kept the program lively and engaging.
Through structured engagement with campus resource tables such as the Counseling and Wellness Center and the Center for Arts and Migration, along with creative activities like the Heritage in Style fashion showcase, students built meaningful connections across disciplines and cultures. The cultural fashion competition featured participants presenting both traditional and contemporary African attire.
The Pazenti Sauti Choir, directed by Kevin Kimtai, delivered a moving performance that served as both cultural preservation and community bonding. Their African harmonies reminded attendees of shared heritage while celebrating the diversity within UF’s African student population.
The Lens on Africa Graduate Research Video Competition took center stage as a highlight of the evening, showcasing how the Center for African Studies actively supports student scholarship. Director Miles Larmer emphasized the competition’s dual purpose: providing a platform for students to communicate complex research to broader audiences while offering tangible support for their academic careers. Â For students interested in competing next year, the competition offers a platform to communicate complex research to broader audiences while gaining financial support for their academic careers.
The Swamp Stories and Survival Tips panel addressed the challenges international students face. Panelists Dr. Gideon Alake, Faith Aiya, Dr. Gideon Alake, and James Oluwasegun offered candid guidance on navigating financial systems, immigration processes, academic expectations, and building social connections in Gainesville. Their discussion of credit building, visa navigation, advisor relationships, and mental health resources provided newcomers with practical tools for success.
“This year’s event was the best one yet,” noted one attendee. “The combination of cultural celebration and practical advice made me feel truly supported in my journey here.”
The event’s success relied on dedicated ASX Committee members: Francisca Benyarku, Victoria Farayola, Doris Kissiwaa Mbeye, Emmanuel Mensah, Toluwani Odedeyi, Olanrewaju Ologunde, Moyinoluwa Oriola, Selome Medemaku and Francis Semwaza. Their commitment demonstrates the strength of peer support within UF’s African student community.
The ASX Graduate Student welcoming reception serves as an annual touchstone for African students at UF, providing socialization, connections, and campus resource information. As African graduate students continue contributing to UF’s research excellence and campus diversity, this reception ensures they thrive academically while maintaining cultural connections. Whether you’re a new student seeking connection or a continuing student ready to support and guide others, the ASX reception remains a cornerstone event for African graduate students at UF.
Thank you to the University of Florida International Center and participating campus organizations deserve recognition for supporting this vital community-building initiative.
If you were in attendance, we kindly ask you to take less than 5 minutes to complete a brief survey about your experience, results collect will help us make future events even better.
Attendance Survey: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehsB9uwAvHLQjTU
Event Photos:
Photos taken by Moyinoluwa Oriola, and Phumelele Ndlela