Mount Kenya University, (MKU) has unveiled a Ksh 100 million annual alumni kitty to recognize the institution’s alumni for their unreserved services to the communities where they work from.
The University Founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu revealed that beneficiaries of the funds will be nominated and selected competitively to ensure that those with positive impacts to the community benefit.
Prof Gicharu made the revelation during the university’s 28th graduation ceremony on Friday. He noted that the fund is part of the Alumni Extra-Mile Recognition that has been established by the university board to award those with sterling contribution to the society.
“The cash is a grant to enable alumni serves the communities better in their areas of expertise. Upon receiving the cash award, they shall ensure they spend the cash award in what they were nominated for or that special engagement which led to their nomination,” Prof Gicharu said.
The Chairman added, “The Board is encouraging the Graduates including those graduating during the 28th Graduation Ceremony to give their unreserved services to the communities where they are working and have their impact positively noticed. The MKU alumni must strive to go an extra mile in their services.”
He quipped that beneficiaries must strive and aspire to go an extra mile for their services to be better felt by the communities they serve.
ALSO READ:
Teaching with Humanoids: Kenya leading East Africa’s educational revolution
“For instance, if you are a nurse in a hospital near a slum, what would you do as an extra engagement within the community to reach out to the nearby disadvantaged community and offer your professional support? How can your presence in that neighborhood be felt?” he posed.
The university Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi quipped that the award recognizes graduates excelling in professional excellence, leadership, public service, community engagement, global impact, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Prof Jaganyi noted that besides being key pillars in the society, alumni also play a pivotal role in shaping learning, career choices and job market trends and assisting continuing students align their studies with the current market demands.
He averred that alumni of institutions of higher learning should be in the forefront in mentoring current students, providing internships, contributing to scholarships and research, volunteering in alumni activities and being advocate for their respective institutions.
The VC also emphasized the importance of alumni connections, likening them to sails on a boat each strong individually, but only able to propel forward when joined together.
By John Kamau
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
