Strathmore University 2016 Graduation, with their mortarboards on the heads and tassels hanging loosely, the enthusiastic Strathmore University 2016 graduands were all smiles and excited as they awaited to toss high their hats that signified their end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
The academic road might have been long and bumpy but the swift and flawless road ahead is the joy of reaching a destination. This is an accomplishment that is blissful to everyone who was part of the academic journey.
Strathmore University is gratified to have seen 1055 students walk out of their gate with great achievements, in readiness to impact the society significantly. 767 students of the total, were conferred with the undergraduates degree, 54% of them being women.
Dr. John Branya, the only doctorate in Philosophy of Philosophy graduand, was awarded the PhD for successfully researching on Synderesis according to Leonardo Polo Barrena.
A new award, the Esther Kidambi Excellence in Service Award, was introduced for the first time in this years graduation. This is a new award, in memory of a colleague, the late Ms. Esther Kidambi, who lost her life during the 2015 Security Drill. In her honour, the University established this award, in recognition of her diligence and commitment while working at the University Cafeteria. The award exemplifies selflessness, service with a smile and consistency in self-giving. This award specifically targeted students from the Centre for Tourism & Hospitality.
The University Council Chairperson, Mrs. Bernadette Musundi congratulated the graduands, urging them to step forth into the future as excellent leaders; stemming from the lessons learnt while in school. Mrs. Musundi also encouraged the graduands to shine high as they present new innovations into the market.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Odhiambo, applauded all the parents, sponsors, lecturers and benefactors for the effort they put to ensure the students received the best. He urged the class of 2016 to show bountiful efforts as they move forth going out of the world. Prof. Odhiambo added that he hoped the graduands will carry the values instilled at Strathmore into the coming years, changing the lives of people all around their community and environment. In his speech, he also reinforced the Esther Kidambi Award in memory of the late who unfortunately died during the Strathmore security drill and remembered the great words of the late Dr. Joseph Wadawi. Dr. Wadawi had been a senior lecturer at Strathmore for the last ten years before his demise. He was part of the incredible team that founded the Centre for Tourism and Hospitality (CTH).
Rev. Dr. Silvano Ochuodho Strathmore Universitys Pro-Chancellor made a great speech on integrity. He gave a brief anecdote on the importance of integrity which is a key virtue in the society. Integrity is one thing that very few people have, but it is very attractive and appreciated by many. He urged everyone to work towards living a good heritage for their children by setting a good pace.
The Chancellors Award was given to Joseph Ngeti Mwakio, while the Academic Excellence awards were given to four students; Joshua Kilonzo Mutuku School of Management and Commerce (SMC), Erick Zoka Boni Mabusi Faculty of Information Technology (FIT), Marian Chatoro Andaje Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Science (SIMS) and Lavinia Karambu Anampio Strathmore Law School (SLS). The Sportsman and woman of the year went to Constant Wakhura Murunga and Susan Manya Abwoga. Faith Njeri Kanja scooped the Community Service Award while Linda Wambui Ngure was awarded the Esther Kidambi Excellence in Service Award.