By Victoria Mumbi
[Athi River, October 12, 2024] The Daystar University Alumni Association in collaboration with the School of Communication hosted the School of Communication alumni to a homecoming re-union at the Main Campus Athi River.
The alumni present were drawn from diverse years including the Class of 1987 represented by DVC ARSA, Prof. Faith Nguru and former Senator Hon. Samuel Poghisio, the Charter Class of 1994 represented by the Executive Director of Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children’s Rights (KAACR) who is also a member of the UN Committee on the Rights Mr. Tim Ekesa,, and more recent alumni from the Class of 2023.
The alumni were received by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, Co-founder, Rev. Dr. Donald Smith, DVC ARSA Prof. Faith Nguru, the Principal Nairobi Campus Prof. Michael Bowen, the Director, Daystar University Alumni Association, Dr. Leah Komen, the Dean, School of Communication, Prof. Levi Obonyo, and members of Management Board and faculty from the School of Communication.
The theme of the event was: “Connecting Generations of Communicators.”
The Vice Chancellor recognized that the momentum of Alumni was building up at Daystar University. He encouraged networking and connection among the School of Communication Alumni and challenged them to come together and build a distinctive School of Communication building to signify not just a home for the School, but to also make a statement about Daystar's niche.
He recognized the many dignitaries present and how they had influenced their fields. Some of those present included: Brigadier Zipporah Kioko (KDF), Mr. Mwaniki Mageria (creative industry), Ms. Angela Mutegi (C4D Network), Mr. Mark Macharia (Alumni Challenge), Ms. Fridah Mwaka (Journalist), and Ms. Lilian Kimetto, CEO, Kenya Yearbook editorial board, among others.
Prof. Ayiro encouraged the School of Communication Alumni to have a sense of belonging and identity. To that effect, he urged the Alumni to continue supporting their Alma mater by providing mentorship and inspiration to communication students by sharing their success stories and giving feedback to enable continuous improvement of the School.
“You must have pride and loyalty with where it all began,” said the VC, further challenging the Alumni to take ownership of their University. “I would like to see some of you sit in the University Council and Company Board of trustees” he said.
“Never be shy to say that you are a Daystar University Alumnus; you must shine for the Kingdom of God in the market place,” he said, and urged the Alumni to exhibit Daystar values in the course of their duty.
The Daystar Co-founder, Dr. Don Smith shared nuggets of wisdom during the event. He traced the history of Daystar University from Southern Africa in 1969 to the present day School of Communication, saying that Daystar Communications began as a centre that trained people to communicate the Gospel of Christ.
“The meaning of Daystar is still evident in speeches presented by alumni, a reassurance that Christ still at the center of Daystar University,” said Dr. Smith.
The DVC ARSA Prof .Faith Nguru shared her insights that Daystar started as School of Communication.
“What has not changed in Daystar University is the star and the cross,” noted Prof. Faith Nguru.
The DUAA Chair, Dr. Antony Mwaniki Mburu observed that the School of Communication alumni group can be of great importance to the University by giving back to the University. He observed that the Communication alumni shine the light for the rest of Daystar alumni because they are in the lime light as media practitioners.
“Being an alumnus of a university is a prestigious thing. I am who I am today because of Daystar University,” said Dr. Mwaniki, further calling on the Alumni to work together to make Daystar University a greater institution for God's glory.
Dr. Mwaniki encouraged the alumni to always come [back] home to their Alma Mater with a kyondo (basket). In the African traditions, children do not visit parents empty-handed. He also encouraged alumni who benefited from Workstudy scholarships to redeem their work-study, so that other deserving students can get a Daystar education.
Hon. Samuel Poghisio from the Class of 1987 confessed that he became a different politician because of Daystar University.
“Daystar University shaped me. I won my first election when I was at Daystar University. My students gave me tips on how to win the elections,” he revealed, adding that Dr. Smith’s book ‘Creating Understanding’ gave him a basis for arguments in politics.
Hon. Poghisio was a Resident Tutor and a Communication lecturer at Daystar University and was part of the team that crafted the first INS (intercultural studies) course on communication and culture - a core course in Daystar University to date.