October 7-8, 2005

Strathmore University Alumni and their families pose for a group photo on Saturday 8th October 2005

The weekend of October 7th and 8th entered into the history of Strathmore University Alumni, as it marked the second Alumni Reunion for the past students of Strathmore and Kianda Colleges and those of Strathmore University.

Many days were spent preparing for this reunion weekend with some of the alumni getting involved in the organisation activities and meetings. The reunion kicked off with a dinner at the Hilton Hotel Ballroom on the evening of Friday, October 7th. They arrived in beauty and colour: past students and staff. All looked upbeat for the weekend. As time slowly slipped by, the cash bar was filled with laughter and shrieks of “Oh my goodness! Where on earth have you been?” We even had student volunteers who got a taste of what it feels to be a past student of Strathmore University. The volunteers helped us with registration and preparation of name tags. Over 130 people attended.

The MC for the night was Mr. Oscar Beauttah, husband of one of the Co-Chair of the Reunion Committee, Mrs. Eva Beauttah. He invited people to sit. Mr. Peter Muthoka, another Co-Chair, welcomed the alumni on behalf of Strathmore University Alumni Reunion Committee. Since reunions are all about “connecting”, various alumni spoke: Ms. Evelyn Mungai, first African student in Kianda College, Ms. Wanjiku Mungai, pioneer student of the degree class of 2005 and Dr. Edmund Mndolwa from Tanzania (School of Accountancy, 68/69), who was the guest of honour for the night. Dr. Mndolwa spiced the night with hilarious jokes yet he was giving a Tanzanian budget analysis! He even went ahead to say that Tanzanians don't talk too much! A staff member from the University, Mrs. Evelynne Mutura entertained the alumni with solo pieces that were simply wonderful. She was later heard whispering that she had a cold and some froze for a moment thinking “You are not serious!” I saw some media people rigging some equipment and we had the likes of Mr. Muthoka, Ms. Evelyn Mungai and Ms. Wanjiku Mungai being interviewed in a corner of the Ballroom. Mr. George Njenga, Director of Strathmore Business School (SBS) gave the vote of thanks.

Saturday was a sort of family-fun day though with time for some intellectual insight. Some alumni had an extensive tour of campus led by a couple of student volunteers. About 100 people were at the event. The University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Odhiambo gave a talk on the University in the 21 st Century. He highlighted the University's vision and the role its alumni must play in its development.

The alumni then had a long lunch with lots of entertainment. Lunch was followed by a group photo session. Dr. Davy Koech, Director of Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) gave a talk on higher education in the country. Afterwards, Mr. Muthoka chaired a meeting where the alumni gave the Reunion Organising Committee the mandate to form the Alumni Association. He also gave the vote of thanks. The alumni then had tea and socialized as the day came to an end.

All in all it was time well spent with a number of the alumni managing to connect with their fellow classmates. The alumni were grateful for the reunion weekend that had been organized and now the task is to form an active Alumni Association.