By Timothy Onyango and Muthoni Ngamau

[Athi River, November 15, 2024] Daystar University awarded diplomas and conferred undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to over 1,700 graduands during the University’s 47th graduation ceremony held at its Main Campus Athi River, on Friday November 15, 2024.

The theme for this year graduation was Beyond the Gap: Changing the World.

The event attracted over 8,000 guests who included parents and guardians of the graduands, Company Board (Trustees), the University Council, Government officials, Diplomats, Daystar co-Founder Rev. Dr. Don Smith, Daystar US Board, Church and corporate leaders, and representatives of other universities.

The Guest of Honour was the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), and former Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. Olive Mugenda.

Referring to the graduation theme, Prof. Mugenda noted that one cannot change the world without first changing themselves and achieving personal goals.

“I want to encourage you to create your own vision and purpose by expanding your knowledge beyond your areas of expertise. I am sure this institution has molded your character towards the betterment of yourself and others,” she said.

Prof. Mugenda further advised the graduands that the world they were stepping into has two paths: one filled with fulfilment, purpose, and productivity, and another that may lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.  She encouraged them to stand firm and serve with courage and integrity, leaving legacies of faith and influence, like Esther, Joseph and Daniel did amidst difficult situations.

The University Chancellor Dr. Florence Muindi underscored the importance of service to others and to the public.  “Service is rewarded beyond wages. To serve is to reign and to serve is to rule,” she said, adding that service becomes freedom when one goes beyond the call of duty.

Dr. Muindi underscored the importance of the Daystar’s tradition: Order of the Towel, saying that the towel that was presented to the graduands should always remind them of their call to service.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro encouraged the graduands to always remember the values of integrity and empathy that the University has instilled in them, and that they should commit to lifelong learning.

On his part, the Council Chair, Prof. George Njoroge reminded the graduands that the choice was theirs to be transformed.

“It is our choices rather than our abilities that show who we are,” said Prof. Njoroge, further adding that to change the world and to live beyond the cap calls for one to have a mission-driven mindset, anchored in the conviction to serve Christ in every sphere.

During the graduation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ayiro recognised Mrs. Lightness Mollel, popularly known as Mama Ibra among students, for providing food to many vulnerable students living off-campus. 

Mama Ibra has over the years offered students meals at affordable prices, sometimes extended credit terms to some, as well as fed needy students who cannot afford a meal. 

In return for her gesture, Prof. Ayiro announced that the University would boost her grocery business with Ksh 40,000 as part of the University’s Community Social Responsibility (CSR).

Also, recognized during the graduation ceremony were the best graduands and staff.
 
The Chancellor’s award went to PhD graduand in Corporate Communication, Dr. David Murimi, while the Vice Chancellor’s award went to Diana Terry Awuor-Aloo (Undergraduate) and  David Mbote Mwangi (Postgraduate).

The staff awards went to Mr. Mathew Busiega, CPA Jennifer Kinoti, and Abdulaheem Mwaumba (Haleem), who were awarded for their unwavering service to Daystar University.