Graduation Chapel commissions Class of 2020 to the Society
The 2020 graduation chapel took place on Tuesday, 10th November 2020, three days ahead of the 43rd Graduation ceremony. The Chapel Service which was organized by the Chaplaincy department was streamed live from the Nairobi Campus, DAC Auditorium with a limited number of student representatives.
Present were Senior University officials led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, and representatives of the various programmes within the University. The Chancellor, Prof. Mary Murimi, also graced the occasion.
The sermon of the day was delivered by Nairobi Chapel the Youth Pastor Rev. Ken Aringo. Using a practical demonstration of a ripe tomato, ketchup and tomato paste, Rev. Aringo noted that Daystar graduands were well processed and ready to go out and serve. He however stressed the importance of character, saying it is measured by what one believes in. He urged graduands to try and excel in whatever they do, in order to become faithful ambassadors of Christ. Finally, he advised them to allow their light to shine as they make a difference in the society.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Ms. Beth Gaicugi made reference to the parable of the importunate woman and the unjust Judge in Luke 18:1-8, to stress the importance of persistence. Ms. Gaicugi said the graduands had been persistent since the beginning of their academic journey, despite challenges they faced along the way. She noted with gratitude that despite the coronavirus pandemic, the class of 2020 still managed to graduate.
As is the practice, the School of Nursing celebrated the Candle Lighting ceremony and took the Florence Nightingale Pledge. The nurses were urged to shine their light to all the people they serve.
As she explained the tradition, the Dean, School of Nursing, Dr. Susan Njuguna was happy at the growth of the School, noting that this year the School graduated 46 nurses all of whom have been absolved by the Ministry of Health. She also noted with gratitude to God that the School was able to admit 158 new students for the August 2020 semester.
The climax of the graduation chapel was the traditional feet washing ceremony. The Vice-Chancellor led this long-standing tradition where he and other senior University Officials washed the feet of students representing various academic programmes to symbolize servanthood.
As he led the feet washing exercise, the VC urged graduands to use their lives in service, saying that if they do so, Daystar will be great seeing that greatness is measured by service. He also encouraged the graduands to always show up when needed, volunteer, and keep standing.
By this exercise the University ushered the class of 2020 out, to serve the Society, just as is stipulated in the Vision and Mission of the University. Subsequently, the graduands were presented with The-Order-of-the-Towel to symbolize servanthood.
A long-standing tradition, the Order-of-the-Towel was also extended to Daystar University Alumni Class of 2000. Every year, the University honours Alumni who graduated 20 years earlier for sustaining Daystar values and ethos in the marketplace through servanthood.