THE DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY WEEKLY JUNE 2016 / ISSUE 21 Daystar Installs Third Chancellor Outgoing Daystar Chancellor Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime (right) and Daystar Council Chair Prof. George Khroda (left) robe Prof. Mary Murimi during her installation ceremony as the 3rd Chancellor of Daystar University Prof. Mary Murimi was on June 23, 2016, officially Institute, The Vaal University of Technology in South Africa, Rwanda installed as the third Chancellor of Daystar University College of Public Health and The Jigjiga University in Ethiopia. in a ceremony held in Athi River campus. Prof Murimi Prof Murimi is currently a full professor of Nutrition at Texas Tech comes to Daystar from Texas Tech University College University in the department of Nutritional Sciences engaged in of Human Sciences, USA. teaching, grant writing, and research at the local and international Her appointment follows completion of eleven-year tenure level. of the former Chancellor, Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime, and her Key dignitaries at the installation ceremony included the predecessor Dr. James Kamunge. Chairman of the Commission of University Education, Prof. Henry She holds a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition with an emphasis in Thairu, The Archbishop-elect of the Anglican Church of Kenya, community nutrition and behavior change from Iowa State Bishop Jackson Nasoore Ole Sapit, former and present Daystar University. She is a registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic University Company and Council members, representatives Association and a member of the Society of Nutrition Education, from Daystar U.S., Daystar University Parents Association board and has published over 35 works. Further, she has made members, DUAA Board members, representatives of Private and international memorandum of understanding between Texas Tech Public Universities including the Founder Chairman of Mt. Kenya University and Kenyatta University, The Kenya Medical Research University, Dr. Simon Gicharu, Government officials, guests, 2 Daystar University’s First Chancellor Dr. James Kamunge (left), second Chancellor Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime (right) together with the newly inaugurated Chancellor Prof. Mary Murimi (centre) family and friends of the incoming Chancellor, faculty, staff and Daystar Company Chair, Rev. Dr. Macmillan Kiiru echoed students. the words of Dr. Muli-Musiime on transition as he acknowledged As he recognized the Clergy, Vice-chancellor, Dr. Timothy everyone present who played a role in laying the foundations Wachira narrated that the Daystar’s origin and sustenance is of building Daystar University. He affirmed that the process anchored within the realms of the Church. and the journey to appoint the Prof. Murimi as third chancellor were credible. “In a time of intense prayer and seeking God, I During the installation sermon, Senior Pastor A.I.C. Milimani, can confirm without doubt on behalf of the Daystar Company Rev. Dr. Matthews K. Mwalwa felt nostalgic about his time members that Prof. Murimi is God’s choice for us in this institution.” in Daystar University as the University Chaplain. “Those 15 years of ministry here at Daystar were very enriching for me. Daystar Council Chair, Prof. George Krhoda presided I have wonderful memories of my time with the faculty, staff over the citation and this was followed by the long awaited and students,” he said. His message stressed on empowering installation of Prof. Mary Murimi as the third Chancellor of our society through education. “Daystar University stands at Daystar University. Speaking with a distinct sense of belonging, the epitome of empowering students by providing knowledge, Prof. Murimi offered sincere thanks to the search committee Daystar is a gold mine for generations to come,” he impressed. and nominator for showing confidence in her. “Ladies and Gentlemen, after much prayer and consultation, and with a great The outgoing Chancellor Dr. Muli-Musiime was full of praise sense of humility and honor, I am delighted and enthusiastic to to everyone who supported her in her 11 years of service at the accept this appointment as the chancellor of Daystar University,” university. “The installation of the 3rd Chancellor of this university she proclaimed. is a public demonstration of leadership transition and change management,” she highlighted. “We should not take this lightly “While the rest of the world is just waking up to the importance as we live in a continent where imminent transition opportunities of women’s education and gender equity, Daystar has defined can make or break people and their institutions, and more often the process,” she emphasized, “a majority of our students are than not can stifle the growth of nations or break them with dire female and that proportion is reflected in the teaching staff, consequences for their citizens,” she went on. She concluded by administrators and stakeholders,” she continued. She promised pointing out the significance of servant leadership as being both to start her term by learning the culture of Daystar, listening and a high calling and an adventure. observing. 3 Homecoming for the Class of ’96 Alumni Representatives from the Pionner class of 1996 pose together with family and friends during thier recent campus visit Daystar University on Saturday 18th June hosted the 2016 semester, to host degree and diploma programs in Education Class of 1996 in Athi River Campus. The day was and Communication. This will be followed by other programs later on. marked with a lot of nostalgic memories as the pioneer He also stated that the university will be starting the Law Program in class for Athi River Campus came together exactly two August semester. decades later, in recognition of their roots. The Class of ’96 further requested that the University embraces The team spent the day planting trees, walking down memory lane DUAA as they will be of great help in reaching out to the alumni who through the Campus, and then sat together with the DVC Academic have a massive potential of transforming the University. Mr. George Affairs Rev. Prof James Kombo, Resource Mobilization Officer Mudhune announced an employment opportunity for a bright fourth Mrs. Coretta Ndunda and Administrative Officer Mrs. Nita Kihiro, year student in the School of Business. The uniqueness and distinguished representing Daystar University, and DUAA Board represented by Mr. nature of Daystar graduates, their influence in various fields in the Omeno Suji, Ms. Catherine Butaki, and Mr. Robert Romo, to enjoy a job market and their impact in the society and job industry was also meal. lauded. DUAA Board also shared their plan of launching a business incubation hub and innovation Centre as well as starting honey farming Mrs. Judy Munyinyi Mumo from Class of ’96 was happy to announce for Community Development students at Athi River campus. “we have raised over three hundred thousand shillings towards tuition scholarship for two bright students; a lady and gentleman for a whole Prof Kombo unveiled an honorary plaque dedicated to the class of year.” She revealed that an anonymous sponsor has promised to match ’96 at the PAC court. He pointed out that the class of ’96 was special every shilling raised by the class of ’96. given that it was the first group to revisit the University in large numbers. In addition, he gifted each one of them with a study bible, in which he During the discussion session, the different representatives had time has contributed in its compilation, and urged them to read and practice to share their thoughts. DVC Academic Affairs Rev. Prof James Kombo the word as disciples and servant leaders of Jesus Christ. pointed out the progress made in infrastructure. He revealed that the University is set to graduate its first batch of eight PhD Clinical Psychology The visit culminated with a lunch and cake cutting ceremony as the candidates and revealed that the University will be absorbing four of group celebrated two decades of being alumni of Daystar University. the eight. Class of ’96 also suggested that Daystar considers offering It was truly a happy homecoming and a day to mark the beginning of online courses. This was well received by the University as Prof Kombo an annual journey of triumphant servant leadership. promised the launch of a big online platform starting in the August 4 Class of 2016 Feted in Style The Graduating Class of 2016 Committee members cut their celebratory cake It was pomp and color as the graduands of the class of Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Mr. Nick Kariuki thanked the 2016 celebrated their last dinner as Daystar University faculty and administrative staff for their input in molding them into what students at Public Service Club, Upper Hill. The five they are today, and the parents, guardians and sponsors for giving course meal catered for by Sarova Panafric did not them the best education possible. He further called on the graduands disappoint. not to forget the principles taught by their parents and the values that Daystar has instilled in them. “The ultimate test of integrity is doing the The Vice-chancellor, Deputy Vice-chancellors, Deans of Schools, Faculty best thing when no one is watching,” he said. members and staff were also present to celebrate with the graduands. The Daystar University Alumni (DUAA) Board was also present to In his keynote address, Christian entrepreneur Mr. Eric Kinoti usher the graduands into the Alumni association. Led by their Board encouraged the graduands narrating how he rose from nothing to Chair, Mr. Omeno Suji, the association honored some of the most become a multi-millionaire. “I started small but today I am a CEO” outstanding Alumni of Daystar University, among them Dr. Nancy said Mr. Kinoti. He narrated how after college, at the age of 21, he Booker, who received the Academia Award, Mr. Ronald Arao, who sold eggs in addition to his regular clerical job. He surprised everyone went home with the Business Progression-Corporate Award, Evelyne when he revealed how he worked in the night and sold eggs during the Serro, Corporate Communication Award, Elizabeth Muema Community day, and how he eventually got into tent manufacturing business which Service Award, Moses Gitonga who scoped the Business Progression- was his big break.