At 1:30p.m, the event officially kicked off with a word of prayer followed by lunch, setting the stage for a series of engaging discussions and speeches from different guests. Christina Garashie, the manager of Strathmore University Alumni Relations, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the importance of staying connected through platforms like Strathmore Connect. She also mentioned the upcoming alumni events and benefits, including mentorship opportunities and the 2024 Alumni Service to Society Award, urging alumni to continue voting. Next up was Ms. Janet Njambi, a lecturer from the Law School, who expressed her gratitude to the alumni for gracing the occasion and emphasized the potential collaborations to support alumni endeavours.
The highlight of the afternoon was the lively round of introductions, as a way of re-uniting, where alumni shared their current endeavours. It was fascinating to hear from them as each one had a success story to share. Some mentioned that they are law firm owners, others legal officers, and corporate commissioners, while others were advocates across various sectors.
The keynote Guest Speaker, Fiona Makaka, the Security Assurance lead at Amazon, captivated the audience with her career journey from volunteering to corporate success. She urged them to curve their paths and never lose sight of their dreams. “Dare to dream big, and defy the odds,” she advised. She also shared insights on navigating life’s pressures, emphasising her own experiences. “I started by volunteering and during my years, I experienced significant pressure throughout my life. But I did not allow myself to fail,” she explained. One of the lessons she shared with alumni is to not feel pressured by anything and not to compare themselves to others. She encouraged them to always be engaged, seek help and guidance from different mentors, and explore diverse career avenues beyond traditional legal practices. “How do you find balance in work and social life, and how does your day look like in Amazon?” a question arose from the audience. “Most IT companies have the Working from Home days,” she responded, “so it’s always about finding balance. My day at Amazon involves meeting a lot of regulators, engagement, and honestly, it’s always great.”
The next speaker was Prof. Luis Franceschi, the Founding Dean of Strathmore Law School and the Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth. “I am very proud of each one of you. You all have your own stories. Each one is unique,” he began. He shared some basic ideas of life using FCCF: Faith, character, competence, and friendship. He underscored the values of FCCF in shaping exemplary legal professionals, highlighting that the goal of SLS has always been to form good lawyers for the continent and the world. He further emphasised the importance of character and the ability to say NO to negative influences. As he looked at the alumni, he noted their maturity compared to their student days and he appreciated them for that. Prof Franceschi encouraged alumni to prioritise integrity, community engagement, and personal growth, stressing the importance of giving back and staying resilient in the time of challenges. In his reflective speech, he also urged alumni to innovate, nurture friendships, and never lose sight of their purpose.
Afterward, there was a moment of laughter and reminiscing about the good old days. The MC asked, “What’s the funniest nickname the students used to call you?’”“Kamuthungu,” the alumni answered. Finally, one of Strathmore University’s psychologists, Oscar Onyango Odhiambo, delved into the crucial topic of mental health, stressing the importance of self-care and seeking professional help when needed. His insights on behaviour recognition and the intersection of mental health and professionalism sparked a thoughtful discussion among the alumni. He addressed the concerns of managing stress and maintaining professionalism, finishing by explaining the reasons why someone should go for therapy. “You’re going through it. You need to talk,” he emphasised. “So even though you don’t feel like it, please always consider visiting a psychologist.”
A moment was taken afterward for candle-lighting in remembrance of two departed classmates— Cindy Wakio and Mercy Teko—serving as a solemn reminder of the bonds that transcend time and space. Finally, Elius Kaburu, the director of the Alumni Relations Office, expressed his joy and gratitude for having the SLS class of 2018 present, summarising his speech in one word: “Purpose.” He echoed the sentiment of purpose, affirming the commitment to providing a nurturing space for alumni to thrive and connect. “When we started the alumni association, we wanted to create a safe space and an exclusive space for alumni,” he said.
As the event drew to a close, one of the alumni expressed gratitude to Strathmore University and hoped for future reunions. Alumni dispersed for a photo session and team-building activities, cherishing the memories and friendships reignited during this special reunion. Amidst the farewells and reflections, one sentiment rang true: Strathmore University had not only shaped their academic journey but also enriched their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Through the Strathmore University Alumni Relations office, thank you Strathmore University for bringing alumni together. We are one. Cheers!
Article written by: Rachael Wanjohi
