C. Kemal Nance '92

Assistant Professor of Dance, University of Illinois

“Swarthmore chronicles my journey to self-discovery. I mark many milestones by my occupation of its historical facilities. Wharton Hall was where I spent my first summer away from home as a high school student in the College's Upward Bound Program. During intense summers on Swarthmore's campus, I was introduced to the intellectual prowess and generosity of spirit characteristic of Swarthmore students. I became an artist in Old Tarble. During my years as a student, I learned how to create dances that narrate my North American African existence. In those years, I found a family in the Black Cultural Center, a support system that I continue to utilize well into my adult years. Upon graduation, I started my career as an arts educator in the LPAC. For 20 years, I taught African dance to generations of Swarthmore students, empowering them to find agency and beauty in their dancing bodies.”