“Why do little things well? Because we have a goal; we have to give an account of our work.”

This was one of the thought-provoking little quotes that were shared during the annual Vice Chancellor’s conference held on 26^th April at the Strathmore University Auditorium.

The conference, which is held annually, allows the torch bearers of Strathmore University to sit back, self-examine, converse and share ideas on ways to move the University forward. The theme of this year’s conference was excellence, which is also the running theme for 2019 at Strathmore University.

Prof. Sperling, one of the pioneers of Strathmore University, and the key-note speaker reminded us that “excellence is completion. The action that is most complete is most excellent.” Completion, he added, comes with the daily virtues of steadfastness, sacrifice and hard work. Further he cautioned us on neglecting small things, because this begins a journey of slipping backwards.

Part of the conference involved fireside chats moderated by the Vice Chancellor Designate, Dr. Vincent Ogutu in the company of Dr. Beatrice Dimba, Mr. Wycliffe Guguni, Ms. Stella Gituku, Mr. William Musau and Ms. Rosalia Mwikali. He guided them as they recollected on little things in both their personal and professional lives that made a great impact on who they are today.

Wycliffe Guguni, an alumnus, is still amazed by the little things he learned at Strathmore and that he carries with him everywhere. “The work of Strathmore University is to produce human beings not just professionals. Strathmore develops the whole person. This is an aspect that I stand on to date.”

A parent and staff, William Musau aka “Papa”, challenged many of us when he asked us all to reflect on how we use the University transport. “Everyone should look like Strathmore. Look at yourself. Are you taking Strathmore ahead or behind? Remember, if you delay to leave at the time you stated, then you are moving behind. Leave the one who is late and let us move forward.”

It wasn’t your usual conference; after all, the invitees have attended conferences in all corners of the world, but it was a chance for the invitees to retrospect on themselves, their team members, their equals, and the students they teach and groom to be leaders of excellence.

The conference ended with a lightning round by deans and department heads where they shared practical examples that were taking place in their different spaces within the theme. The school of mathematics for example is determined to make mathematics fun. How? They have invited 25 teachers for the Strathmore Institute of Mathematics Conference to be held later in the year to educate them on mathematics education.

By the end of the conference, many were left with a lot to reflect on as champions of the University brand.

Allow me to leave you with a quote from Prof. Ruth Kiraka, Dean, School of Graduate Studies:

Let us “Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way, consistently.”

 

This article was written by Anne Njeri

 

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