Strathmore University buzzed with excitement as they celebrated their latest PhD graduates at a special luncheon, Friday 21st June 2024. This distinguished group of scholars – Joan Wanjiku Ndung’u; Geoffrey Peter Otieno; Benard Ochieng Alaka; and Elizabeth Ndunge Mutua – were feted for their accomplishments, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys. The four are drawn from the Strathmore University Business School and the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences.
The luncheon, organized by the School of Graduate Studies, transcended mere congratulations. It became a platform for exchanging wisdom, expressing gratitude, and looking toward a future brimming with potential. Dr. Caesar Mwangi, the Executive Dean – Strathmore University Business School, lauded the graduates, emphasizing the transformative power of their doctoral studies. He encouraged them to leverage their newfound knowledge to make a lasting impact on their chosen fields.
Dr. Julius Butime, the Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, urged them to leverage the skills they have honed and the lessons learnt throughout their doctoral journeys. He emphasized that these were powerful tools that will propel them on a path of continued innovation and discovery within their chosen fields.
Faculty members like Prof. Ruth Kiraka, an Associate Professor of Management – Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Dr. Bernard Shibwabo, the Director of the School of Graduate Studies, echoed this sentiment. They championed the PhD not just as a credential, but as a springboard for continuous learning and a lifelong commitment to academic integrity. Dr. Vincent Omwenga, the Research Director at the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, expressed immense pride, acknowledging the graduating class as a testament to Strathmore University’s excellence in PhD training. He envisioned them as catalysts for change, inspiring future generations of scholars.
The graduates themselves were overflowing with gratitude for the University and their supervisors. Geoffrey spoke of the humbling and transformative experience of academia, while Joan expressed heartfelt appreciation to her family and supervisors for their unwavering support. Bernard echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenges and immense learning that came with the PhD program. Elizabeth shared her experience of overcoming hurdles and the invaluable structure provided by Strathmore University’s PhD program. She concluded by expressing her excitement for her post-doctoral fellowship at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (iCIPE) which is due to begin in July 2024.
As Strathmore gears up for its 20th Graduation Ceremony on Friday 28th June, 2024, the quartet join a growing legacy of scholars who are poised to inspire positive change. Their diverse research, focusing on business, management, computer science, and engineering, promises to address critical challenges and contribute meaningfully to various fields.
