The day was filled with pomp and splendour as graduands, their lecturers and, friends and family came to celebrate in the 10^th graduation ceremony at Strathmore University. The ceremony was graced by the academic staff, members of the University Council, invited guests and guardians and parents of those graduating.  This year, the graduation list had a total of 898 students; 750- diploma and undergraduates, 146 -post graduate and 2 doctoral candidates; Rachael Waema Mbogo, and Bernard Shibwabo Kasamani, being latest additions to the doctorate faculty bench in their respective schools – Centre for Applied Research in Mathematical Sciences and Faculty of Information Technology.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Chairperson of the University council, Mrs. Bernadette Musundi commended the university for the milestones it has achieved in the last academic year, among them, forging strong linkages with industry to ensure that Strathmore’s courses remain relevant in the market, as well as collaborations with key industry players such as Safaricom, I & M Bank, CFC Stanbic Bank, EABL, as well as professional associations ACCA & ICEAW. She also noted with satisfaction the academic partnerships forged with global universities to ensure benchmarking at a global level with Curtin University, Australia, St. Gallen University, Switzerland among other existing partnerships.

 

In the aspect of research, she commended the University’s research centres that are now attracting research grants, while also acknowledging the efforts to close the gender gap noting that 48% of the graduates in this year’s list were women.

 

The vice chancellor Prof. John Odhiambo congratulated the graduands for their immense achievements and he challenged the graduands to echo the university’s ethos and have a spirit of service, love for the truth, hard work, honesty, entrepreneurial attitude and high moral standards, which they have learned while at the Strathmore. He acknowledged the students’ contribution in spearheading Strathmore’s mission specifically the Elimisha Stratizen initiative, the immense contributions by the students in the field of research with specific mention of the three SFAE students who presented papers on the African Finance Journal Conference in Durban.

 

In a few words, Pro- Chancellor Rev. Dr. Silvano Ochuodho, emphasized on seeking unity and aspirations of peace and harmony, while urging the Strathmore community to be part and parcel of the great men and women who have fought solemnly for justice and peace. 

 

As is tradition, the graduation ceremony also recognized outstanding students in various schools, academics, sports, community service and the chancellor’s award. Lionel Alushula and Rachael Ousa Owuor received the sports awards, Kennedy Gicheha received the Community service award while, Chancellor’s award for the best all-round student went to Maxwell Oloo Awuor.

Providing the perfect finishing for the day, the Strathmore chorale, graced the audience with the heart warming- Halleluiah piece before concluding the day with the National Anthem.