USIU-Africa Alumni Association Events
The USIU-Africa Alumni Association has partnered with the University in supporting students through colloquium talks, networking initiatives, fundraising activities, internships and Mentorship. Further, we are among the few alumni associations which are training alumni as mentors then integrate them in university sponsored and supported programs.
You can access the USIU-Africa events calendar here: Events & Activities - USIU-Africa.
Past Events
USIU@50 Alumni Homecoming
Saturday, October 26, 2019 saw the inaugural Alumni Homecoming which was held at USIU-Africa grounds. The heavy showers experienced the greater part of the day did not deter participants from attending the event with about 500 individuals showing up.
The alumni were drawn from various graduation years dating back to the 1980s all the way to the recently graduated class of 2019. The oldest alumnus present was Mr. Vimal Shah (Class of 1980) who encouraged fellow alumni to endeavor to keep USIU-Africa on the global map citing that a degree from the institution was like no other.
The event was also graced by University Council member, Mr. Kris Senanu, Management Board members, Amb. Prof. Ruthie Rono and Hellen Ambasa, as well as members of staff and faculty some of whom are alumni. Dr. Hassan Bashir and Dr. Jacob Ogolla graced the event both in their capacities as alumni and also as members of the Alumni Association Executive Committee.
Even though the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Zeleza, could not attend the event due to unavoidable circumstances, a welcome speech from him that had been recorded prior to the event was played. In his speech, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the major achievements that the University has made in terms of academic programs, physical and electronic infrastructure, personnel and partnerships even as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. He also reiterated USIU-Africa’s commitment in offering an education based on academic, operational and service excellence.
Prof. Ruthie Rono also welcomed alumni to the event and encouraged them to continually engage with their alma mater. Deans of schools also had an opportunity to share new developments in the schools that they represent.
Dr. Mwambari shared his USIU-Africa experience as an alumnus and a former member of faculty which evidently revealed that he was proud to be associated with USIU-Africa.
The event presented an opportunity for alumni who had not seen each other for many years to reconnect, network, reminisce their old days at USIU-Africa and form new friendships. It also presented an avenue for alumni to witness and appreciate the tremendous growth that the institution had undergone in terms of programs and infrastructure.
Launch of the Tanzania Chapter
Alumni Relations Department staff, Mr. Michael Kisilu, Principal Alumni Relations Officer and Ms. Joanne Alividza, Alumni Relations Officer conducted a one week alumni engagement exercise that culminated in the official launch of the Tanzania Alumni Chapter in Dar es Salaam from July 13 to 21, 2019. The assignment was conducted in agreement with, and fulfilment of University Advancement’s Implementation Matrix of the USIU-Africa strategic plan 2015-2020 speaking to Entrenchment of Academic Excellence, Ensuring Financial Stability, and Improved Internal and External Service Provision.
On July 20, 2019, a three phased activity themed USIU-Africa Tanzania Alumni Networking, Chapter Launch and Fundraising Dinner brought together 120 individuals drawn from Tanzania’s alumni, their parents, government representatives, the business and corporate community, and the diplomatic corps; in a space that allowed the inauguration of USIU-Africa’s first official chapter and the mobilization of financial resources for the Freida Brown Scholarship Fund (FBSF) that aims to provide scholarships to Africa’s 500 most talented young women to study STEM disciplines at USIU-Africa by raising $5 million by 2021.
Some notable participants of the event included USIU-Africa’s University Council Member, Prof. Rwekaza Mukandala, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Zeleza, Chair of Sociology and Criminal Justice Department, Prof. Simeon Sungi, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Amb. Dan Kazungu, and the Chief Guest, H.E. Rtd. President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
The event realized the first official USIU-Africa alumni chapter launch and an overall (before expenses) donation of Ksh. 2,792,000 (USD 27,920) in immediate and long term gifts towards the FBSF.
Alumni Barbeque
The alumni office organized an alumni barbeque themed The Past, The Present and The Future that was held on 24th February 2018 at USIU-Africa. The barbeque aimed at bringing together alumni to see new developments in their alma mater, network and rekindle old friendships. The event was also a stepping stone to a proposed alumni endowment fund. Alumni present were informed about plans of establishing an endowment fund and encouraged to sell tickets for a dinner slated for June, 23rd 2018 when the endowment will be launched.
Launch of Cohort 2 of Alumni Mentorship Program
Placement and Career Services in partnership with the Alumni Relations launched the second cohort of the USIU- Africa Alumni Mentorship Program at the USIU-Africa Incubation and Innovation Center. The event took place on November 23, 2018 and was graced by 27 mentors and mentees also included the graduation of eight mentors and mentees from the first cohort of ten pairs.
Event: Uganda Alumni engagement
The Alumni Office undertook a trip to Uganda on March 20-23, 2019 to reconnect with Uganda alumni and solidify the country’s chapter processes in light of a formal launch. This trip saw the appointment of a new interim committee and the initial preparations for the Uganda Alumni Chapter Launch.