Founders Week is more than just a moment on the calendar, it is a time to reflect on the vision, courage, and determination of those who laid the foundation of our institution. It reminds us that what we enjoy today was built on sacrifice, resilience, and the belief in a brighter tomorrow. Themed Care for the Person: Reaffirming Personalised Attention Strathmore University from 29th September to 4 October posed to reflect those values that continue to shape its identity and guide its mission.

The Monday session of Founder’s Week set a warm, reflective tone as staff from the Cafeteria, Housekeeping, Security, and Maintenance teams gathered for a morning of prayer, inspiration, and celebration. Before the exposition on the Founder, Fr. Martin Mundia and Mr. Antony Kahindi invited everyone to reflect on the true essence of Founder’s Week, urging them to embrace it as a call to live out St. Josemaría Escrivá’s timeless message of growth through humility, service, and love. The exposition revealed how his vision of finding holiness in everyday work inspired the creation of Strathmore University in 1961. His ideals of integrity, excellence, and human dignity continue to define the University’s mission of nurturing ethical leaders who transform society.

The morning flowed into a joyful shared breakfast, where staff bonded over laughter, card games, and reflective Q&A sessions centred on the theme of care. Thought-provoking questions, such as “Have you ever cared for someone you didn’t like?” sparked deep conversations about empathy and human connection. The afternoon came alive with a spirited Kahoot quiz celebrating St. Josemaría’s life and legacy, rewarding quick minds and joyful hearts. Tuesday mirrored this vibrant energy, extending the spirit of unity, learning, and gratitude across campus.

Wednesday was alive with color and conversation. The morning began with a cheerful buzz as students strolled in for the much-anticipated Sip and Paint session, a wellness activity designed to help them unwind, relax, and reconnect. Brushes dipped into bright paints, laughter filled the air, and stories flowed freely over light drinks and music. Some students revealed their hidden artistic flair, while others relied on the gentle guidance of the art facilitators. A few drew inspiration from St. Josemaría, others from the week’s #BEDOCAREConference, each canvas telling a story of creativity and reflection. It was a splash of color, a burst of joy, and a moment to simply breathe.

By afternoon, the focus shifted to the staff members, who gathered for their own session, a time to pause, reflect, and experience the same spirit of community and care that filled the morning. The session featured a Staff Knowledge Talk on “Care for the Person” led by Prof. Enase Okonedo, Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria. “How do we form persons, not just professionals? How do we care for the individual, not simply the role they occupy?” Prof. Enase Okonedo drew us back to the wisdom of St. Josemaría: to care is to recognize dignity, nurture potential, and walk with each person on their journey.

Quoting from The Forge (No. 451), she shared, “…remember that he or she is a child of God.” Her words carried both warmth and weight,  a simple truth that cut through the noise of everyday busyness. Prof. Okonedo reminded the audience that each person is created in a unique and unrepeatable way, and this should shape how we teach, lead, and relate to one another. Behind every interaction, she said, lies a sacred dignity and a personal calling that goes far beyond titles, positions, or achievements.

Prof. Okonedo left the audience with nuggets of wisdom,  timeless lessons drawn from the life and teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá that continue to inspire both personally and professionally. Her talk was a reminder that true leadership begins with genuine care for the individual and an awareness of the dignity in every person we encounter.

After the session, staff gathered for a cocktail reception, a perfect way to unwind after a day of reflection. The relaxed atmosphere allowed colleagues to reconnect, share insights, and continue the meaningful conversations sparked by the day’s discussions. You can read more about the session and its highlights [here].

Thursday was marked by a solemn Eucharistic Procession that brought together the entire community in prayer and reflection. The event created an atmosphere of reverence as participants walked in unity, accompanying the Blessed Sacrament through the designated path within the campus. Hymns, moments of silence, and prayers of thanksgiving highlighted the procession, reminding all present of the centrality of faith in the University’s identity and traditions. It was not only a spiritual experience but also a visible expression of devotion, drawing staff and students into deeper communion with God and with one another.

After a week of learning about our Founder and reflecting on his teachings in line with this year’s theme: Personalized Attention: Care for the Person,  we wrapped it all up on a high note with a vibrant closing concert featuring Charisma the Artist, who brought the house down with an unforgettable performance. Not even the evening’s showers of blessing could stop the fun,  the energy, laughter, and music carried on well into the night, perfectly closing a week filled with reflection, connection, and joy.

Saturday – Alumni Connect

The 3rd Strathmore Alumni Connect Brunch took place on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at Windsor Golf Club, bringing together alumni from various schools and graduating classes for a morning of connection, reflection, and celebration. The event featured remarks from Prof. Luis Franceschi, Dr. Edward Mungai, and Dr. Vincent Ogutu, who called on alumni to continue advancing Strathmore’s mission of ethical leadership and service to society. A key highlight was the unveiling of the Strathmore Alumni Association Board, officially marking the next phase of structured alumni engagement and collaboration.

As is tradition, the brunch also celebrated exceptional alumni through the Alumni Awards. This year’s winners included:

🏅 Corporate Leadership Award – FCPA Christine Kahema Muthui
🔬 Research and Innovation Award – Collins W. Munyendo
💡 Entrepreneurship Award – Kenneth Karuri Kariuki
💖 Community Service Award – Elizabeth Juma
✨ Special Mentions – Nikita Abuya, Crystal Bitutu Isanda, and Hon. Sumeya Bishar

Johnson Mwawasi Kilangi – Overall Winner and Service to Society Award

In his keynote address, Nzioka Waita, MGH, Managing Director, Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, shared insights on leadership, empathy, and integrity, urging alumni to stay true to their values and adopt a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

What an amazing Founders Week!

Article written by: Yoweri Omollo