The 16th Graduation Ceremony of Strathmore University will remain in history as one of the most memorable. Besides being the only graduation where only the graduands were allowed to attend physically, another aspect of history was made by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). This was the first time SHSS graduated its pioneer Bachelor of Arts Class (BA Class). The class comprised of students graduating from Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BIS), Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC) and Bachelor of Arts in Development and Philosophy (BDP). Before the founding of BA courses, the school served and still serves Strathmore with humanities units.
SHSS did not just make history as a participant in the graduation ceremony but as a Faculty which is cementing its place as the soul of the university. Even before the graduation, there were strong indications that the Faculty was becoming a key contributor to the students’ experience and the general growth of Strathmore University. This was shown by different accolades that the department bagged through the period culminating to the graduation.
The Faculty is grateful of achievements made by individual students. Some of such achievements include:
- Valedictorian Speech: Kristy Obuya, a BDP graduate at SHSS was selected to give the Valedictorian Speech for the graduate class of 2020. In her speech, Kristy underscored the need for graduates to transform societies and apply what they have learnt at Strathmore. Apart from excellent academic achievement, Kristy has left a huge mark at SU by co-founding a Mental Health Club whose contribution to the wellbeing of Stratizens is already felt globally.
- Chancellor’s Award: Every year, one student is competitively selected on recommendation from lecturers, tutors, director of sports and classmates for their exceptional contribution in the overall achievement of Strathmore University Strategic Pillars. In 2020, Catherine Mumo, a graduate of SHSS was selected for this award. Even though Catherine wears many hats, her footprints in the leadership scene in SU remain the most notable. She co-founded Nawiri Sist3ers, a mentorship Program seeking to address stigma among girls, from primary to high schools, who do not have access to menstrual health and hygiene materials and information in Kenya. Together with other students, Catherine’s efforts through this initiative have been recognized locally and internationally. She won COV-AID Student Engagement Award for this initiative. Besides this, Catherine served as Vice President of Strathmore Student Council, she is a UNICEF Kenya Youth Advocate and a SheCan University Kotex Award.
Collectively, SHSS prides itself of making considerable efforts towards enhancing the students’ experience at Strathmore University. Between 26th February and March 2018, the pioneer BIS students represented SU at the 17th session of the Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN) held at United Nations Office in Nairobi. On the last day of the conference, delegates were rewarded with the BIS students taking most of the awards. The BIS winners were awarded as follows:
- Diana Owuor – Best Position Paper, ECOFIN
- Arnold Areri – Best Delegate, DISEC
- Husna Kipsoi – Best Position Paper, UNSC
- Raudhat Saddam – Best Delegate Overall
- Jaycy Oundo – Special Mention, UNSC
- Catherine Mumo – Special Mention, ECOFIN
- Maryjoy Wairua – Special Mention, UNSC
- Zahra Azizudin – Special Mention, DISEC
The Pioneer class also became the first class from the department to experience the rich cultural life in the three European cities: Paris, Pamplona and Madrid through the international trip of the BIS students to Europe.
These are just but a few instances where the School of Humanities and Social Sciences has set itself apart as the “soul” of the University, aiming to advance excellence in wisdom and professionalism through humanistic education.
Well done to the pioneer BA Class. To many more!
This article was written by Gabriel Dinda, a Graduate Assistant at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021!
