On 24th September 2021, the Strathmore air was ecstatic with the second graduation ceremony being held since the global pandemic. Thanks to the adaptability of #Classof2021, the Strathmore community joined together to celebrate the completion of their undergraduate degree programmes.

In accordance with the government COVID-19 protocols, only graduates were present at the graduation square while family and friends followed the ceremony and cheered on the 2021 class virtually. The first of two ceremonies was filled with pomp and colour and marked the conferment of 606 Bachelor’s degrees with 7% representing international students. The graduates consisted of students from: Strathmore University Business School (SBS), School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (SCES), Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) and the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH). Students from the Strathmore Law School (SLS) and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), together with graduate students, will graduate in a few weeks’ time. Achievement award winners will also be feted during this final graduation ceremony set to take place in December.

Memorable Speeches

Saluting the resilience of the #Classof2021, Mrs. Bernadette Musundi, Chair of the Strathmore University Council congratulated them heartily saying, “Your hard work, resilience and sacrifice during these unpredictable and difficult times have not gone unnoticed. You have exemplified a fighting spirit and a willingness to conquer.” On behalf of the Council, she noted various achievements recorded in the year and applauded the Deans who continue to work hard in seeking and nurturing partnerships and collaborations that place our University at a vantage point among global institutions.

Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor Designate, guided by one aspect of the University theme of the year, urged the Class of 2021 to embrace the mindset of a life-long learner, eagerly setting out in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In addition he said, “You are a class that has proven to the world that you can truly thrive in the face of adversity. You are better prepared for the future of work, you are more digital, more tech-savvy & are now ready to join the world of work ably equipped even for remote working.”

 

In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Silvano Ochuodho, the University’s Pro Chancellor, encouraged the graduates to take a few things into consideration. He asked them to remember that the degree they received is, in many ways, their insurance policy. “It is a policy whose premium was paid in full by your hard work over the years you have been here at Strathmore University. The value of that policy depends on how much effort you put into your education and what you do with it as you go on. Use it! ”

Njuguna Macharia, Strathmore Law Student and avid debater, who recently won the prestigious Accra Open Debate Championship, gave the Valedictorian speech. On a light note, he said, “I believe this is the only University where the supply of opportunities doesn’t meet the demand; as evidenced by the 20 emails you receive a day with different conferences, competitions, guest lectures and events you can attend on any given day.” He urged his peers to reflect upon the many failures that they have experienced along the way, not to kill the spirit of the day or to reopen old wounds, “but to remind themselves that despite it all, we have still made it!”

Keep Winning

The ceremony was characterized by beaming smiles of graduates, confetti, the song ‘Stand Up’ by Cynthia Erivo performed by the ever charming Effie Okola, a fourth year student at Strathmore Law School, and a dance to Kenyan medleys by the Strathmore Chorale.

At the end of it all, the Class of 2021 threw their caps in the air as they reminisced their four-year journey since freshmen convocation in 2017. The past year seemed to be insurmountable but due to their exemplary resilience, flexibility and agility, they forged ahead in spite of the onset of the global pandemic.

To the #Classof2021, this is a huge milestone, and only one of the many great things to come! We are proud of all that you’ve done and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Now go take the world by storm!

 

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