Vice-chancellor hosts Alumni Christmas Homecoming Luncheon
Alumni take a selfie with the Vice-chancellor during the Alumni Lunch
On Saturday December 10, 2022, the Vice-chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro hosted a Christmas Homecoming luncheon for Daystar University Alumni.
The glamorous event, which took place at the Main Campus Athi River attracted over 500 alumni cutting across the years, from the Class of 1984 to the Class of 2022.
The event was also attended by the Daystar University Alumni Association (DUAA) Board led by the Chair, Ms Rose Mwaura (Class of 2012), Daystar Company member, Ms Catherine Butaki (Class of 1996), Senior Management, Senate, and Alumni working at Daystar university.
The Vice-chancellor deeply thanked the alumni for accepting the invitation to come and interact with one another as he got to meet most of them for the first time since he joined Daystar University in 2019.
Excitement as old friends meet at the VC's Alumni Lunch
The alumni were mesmerized as the Vice-chancellor narrated recent developments in the university, including refurbishment and equipping of the gym, beautification of the Athi River Campus, and construction of the wall and School of Nursing Complex among others.
The VC also spoke about his fundraising endeavors, with special mention of the Schefers’ revolving fund towards students’ Financial Aid programme and explained that the benefactors expected the university to match up the amount given.
He invited alumni to consider contributing towards the revolving fund to enable more students access financial assistance to complete their education. The VC dared the alumni to endeavor to move from the periphery and operate from the centre for their Alma Mater.
“Alumni, I want you to be bold in your own way. Let us move to the center for our University,” he pleaded.
Alumni present embraced the VC’s call positively, with Dr. Anthony Mwaniki Mburu (Class of 1999) giving Ksh 220,000 towards the revolving fund in appreciation of the scholarship he received while studying at Daystar University. Several other alumni offered to contribute towards the revolving fund.
The Vice-chancellor requested the pioneer DUAA Chair Mr. Mwaniki Mageria to lead efforts to raise funds for student scholarships.
Speaking at the luncheon, the current Daystar University Alumni Association (DUAA) Board Chair, Ms. Rose Mwaura highlighted the four pillars of DUAA strategic plan namely: providing networking opportunities for alumni, Linking Daystar University with the industry, providing mentorship services to Daystar University students, and resource mobilization. Additionally, she encouraged alumni to get engaged with their alma mater by offering employment and internship opportunities to Daystar students.
Company Board of Trustees was also represented by Ms. Catherine Butaki (extreme left) who is also a Daystar Alumni
In the same meeting, alumni got the opportunity to share how Daystar University impacted their lives during their student days, the values they took home, and what they remember Daystar for. Some remembered the core value of servant leadership while others mentioned mentorship, small group Bible studies, honing their music skill with Mrs. Hellen Mtawali, and work study scholarships among others.
The party ended with Christmas cake-cutting led by the Vice-chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro, DVC ARSA- Prof. Faith Nguru, DVC-FAP Prof. Muturi Wachira, Chief Manager Finance, CPA Phyllis Mutua, DUAA Board Chair Ms. Rose Mwaura, and a select number of the Alumni.
Afterwards alumni enjoyed a sumptuous lunch which included barbeque involving 10 goats from the VC’s herd, besides other delicacies.