A warm sendoff for the pioneer Diploma in Business Information Technology class

Friday, April 15, 2005 - A bit shy at first but warming up as time passed, the first group of Diploma in Business Information Technology (DipBIT) students made their way into the university's cafeteria. Lecturers and other staff members from the Faculty of Information Technology joined the students at the luncheon. In attendance were senior members of the university's management. The students joined Strathmore University in January 2004 to start their course which lasted four semesters.

The venue was beautifully set up with bright coloured table clothes and matching smiles. The students had just finished their last exams and were looking forward to the luncheon, which for some would be the last meeting. Excitement was in the air as Mr Clement Nyandiere, Dean, Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) took the microphone and greeted the audience. He warmed up the listeners and the audience responded. Ms Jane Fridah Waruguru, the class representative gave a nice and short speech expressing appreciation for the education they received at Strathmore.

Dr Freddie Accosta recalled the first moments when he walked into the DipBIT class and how, after the class, he ran to the Dean's office a little confused as to whether he had been in the right class because the students responded like a post-graduate class! Dr. Florence Oloo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, encouraged the students to pursue further education and expressed her wish that they will come back for a Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) degree or another course at Strathmore. Prof David Sperling, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning and Development, encouraged them to aspire for greater heights in the society as he encouraged them to be actively involved in the alumni activities.

Soon after, a sumptuous lunch was served and the students and staff engaged in light hearted conversations as Derrick, a member of the DipBIT class strummed away on the guitar. Mr David Nzalu, a lecturer, was in a melodious mood and rallied an equally melodious duo of class members, Ms Dusman Adam and Ms Angela Mwikali. The trio sang the famous Swahili song "Jambo". Chris Ngunu, a class member, gave a wonderful vote of thanks and somehow managed to sneak in a 'plea for mercy and not justice' as the lecturers embark on marking their final project! Later Mr Nzalu cracked many ribs with a few jokes and Mr Nyandiere made the closing remarks telling the participants to feel free to leave at pleasure or pressure. Many left at pleasure. The university would like to wish them well as they consider advancing their careers and welcomes them to join the Alumni association.