UoN Alumni Newsletter (October, 2008)

Abstract

Alumni of any institution form a critical cog in its development and through their association; opportunities that engage them to meet their challenges are created. With a strong commitment to quality and collaboration, the Alumni Association is recognized in the University community and beyond, as a dynamic and responsive organization in which to volunteer and work.

The University’s 2008-2013 Strategic Plan recognizes alumni as key stakeholders in its implementation and in mobilizing resources as it navigates the road to World-Class Excellence. The alumni act as a tool to achieving a key objective of strengthening the existing partnerships and linkages by reinvigorating the Alumni Association and establishing a sustainable plan of action.

Since the launch of the Association in 2005, membership has grown from 75 to over 16000 with a cumulative fund of over 30 Million Shillings. Some of these funds have been used to finance student activities, purchase of teaching and social facilities, the launch of alumni chapters and an annual alumni academic award. The long-term objective is to create an endowment fund and spend the interest to sponsor needy students and establish chairs of research. To this end, the Association has donated 5 million shillings to the University. It is hoped that this gesture will be emulated by alumni in the corporate world, whose support will be reciprocated through branding.

The Association will continue to play an integral role in the institution and in the lives of its alumni and communities in which they live. In collaboration with other units in the institution, the Association seeks to create a vibrant, competitive university research center in which students excel, and then as successful alumni, continue to actively participate in and support their alma mater- demonstrating pride and a strong commitment with ongoing gifts of their time, expertise and other resources.