More than just sports.

Strathmore Alumni are a reflection of its past and a link to its future. They are the brand ambassadors. With the era of social networking, the connection with past students does not stop with graduation. This connection goes beyond mere nostalgia of days spent at their alma mater. As part of the alumni events lined up this year, the alumni office has reunited sports alumni.

During a reunion dinner held for its former and current elite sportspersons at the Strathmore University Business School, the alumni office launched the sports alumni-mentoring program. The mentoring program will ensure continued collaboration between the current and former student-athletes and will facilitate academic and career-related conversations between current students and alumni.

Flying high in sports

One of the guest speakers at the reunion was Jackson Maloba, Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) alumnus, and member of the Kenyan National handball team.  Maloba’s dance with handball began in 2007 at Nzoia Primary School. His prowess, which grew while at Kimilili Boys High School, won him a spot at Strathmore as a Sports Scholar.

Addressing his fellow athletes, Maloba said that handball has benefited his life and strengthened his career. “I am a well-rounded person because of sports. Through continuous effort sports enables one to unlock their potential both physically and mentally. The challenges we have gone through have been tough but worthwhile. They have taught us how to deal with life’s challenges.”

Sharing her journey Quinter Odongo, member of the Strathmore Swords, the basketball varsity team and a BBIT alumnus, urged fellow sportswomen not to give up, to always give back and to hold their integrity as they redefine the joy of athletics. Quinter, through the Women in Sports Kenya (WiSK) platform which aims to engage female athletes, is highlighting challenges women in sports face and giving the athletes avenues to overcome financial barriers.

A team player and a leader

Engaging the alumni, the VC designate Dr. Vincent Ogutu encouraged the sportspersons to use their sports-acquired strengths to boost their curriculum vitae. “Sports adds gloss to your CV; through sports, you learn to be competitive, disciplined, a team player and a leader.” To become a wholesome being the VC emphasized the need for mental stability through creating balance in personal life, sports and academia. He encouraged the alumni to mentor the current sports scholars as they too have lived through similar experiences.

Their songs live on

A minute of silence was observed to remember sports scholars who have passed on. They included Billy Nyagusia, Winnie Ronga, Eric Inyange, Joshua Gathumbi, Tony Onyango, Geoffrey Githaga, Allan “Obama” Onyango, Chadwick Kizito and George Otieno.

Are you on the list?

Have you completed a certificate course, a diploma, degree, graduate or postgraduate studies at Strathmore?   Congratulations. That is your ticket to joining the Strathmore University Alumni Association. Send a brief email stating your name, the year you graduated and the course that you pursued to alumni@strathmore.edu. Take advantage of the tremendous opportunities to mingle with your former classmates as you reminisce on your journeys then and now.  Plug in and participate actively in making Strathmore greater.

 

This article was written by Annete Karanja from the University Communications Office.