Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| 40th Graduation at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa |
Speaking at the graduation ceremony to about 3,000 students on Friday, October 29, at an event that was conducted both virtually and onsite, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of CUEA Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari said the “World is as hostile in its nature as it is beautiful and full of opportunities. Using the knowledge you have acquired in CUEA, you can positively take advantage of it.”
“You have to be committed, competent, and excellent in whatever you do. The world is also full of temptations, challenges and tribulations,” the VC said and advised, “To overcome all this you have to be honest, truthful, prayerful and a witness of life. If your life is grounded on these values, you are assured of success in whatever you pursue.”
He reminded the graduating class that having personal purpose to fulfil in life, they need to utilize what they have learnt in CUEA to fulfill it as “a leader who is of moral standing and grounded in Catholic values.”
Additionally, after interacting with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures as the University has students from the region of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) comprising of nine countries, “this has exposed you to being a global citizen,” the Kenyan cleric said.
“Not only are you ready to be an ethical leader, you are also ready to be a leader in any part of the world. This is the best preparedness you can have in any educational institution,” he highlighted.
According to Prof. Fr. Mbugua, the University whose aim is to evangelize the Word of God through education, fulfils its role through three key pillars including research, quality education and community service. Which aim to “producing ethical leaders for Church and society.”
“The formation and education you have received has prepared you to actualize your life’s purpose and made you global citizens…who due to intellectual, spiritual and philosophical world view is not limited by space, culture or time,” but “a member of the world village who adopts well to and an asset to humanity.”
On his part echoing the VC’s sentiments on overcoming challenges, the Pro- Chancellor of CUEA His Excellency John Cardinal Njue reminded the graduating class the values they have acquired saying, “as you move into fulfilling your individual purpose in life, do so using the core values CUEA has inculcated you in.”
“When you do so, you will become a beacon of ethical culture, and by reaching this pinnacle, we in CUEA will have fulfilled our purpose,” the Archbishop Emeritus of Kenya’s Nairobi Archdiocese said.
He emphasized further, “You will face challenges trying to figure out what is the best path to follow from today hence forth. Seek guidance from those who have successfully worked the path you follow before you, and pray for God’s guidance as you journey towards fulfilling your individual purpose, one step at a time.”
The Cardinal appreciated the University Council which is in the process of concluding its second term of service, for their good job “in guiding the University…to come up with strategies of how to ensure that we are self-sustainable in the long run.”