Graduates Express Gratitude and Pride at Hekima University College’s Class of 2025 Banquet
The Graduating Class of 2025 at Hekima University College (HUC) shared heartfelt words of gratitude during the Graduation Banquet, celebrating years of rigorous study, community life, and personal growth. During the ceremony held on 24th October, 2025 right after the graduation ceremony at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) grounds, representatives from both the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) and the Jesuit School of Theology (JST) expressed deep appreciation to the Hekima leadership, faculty, and staff for their support throughout their academic journeys.
“We Are Ready to Be Ambassadors of Hekima” Uwimana Jean Norbert
Speaking on behalf of the MA in Peace Studies and International Relations graduates, Uwimana Jean Norbert from Rwanda expressed sincere thanks to Hekima’s administration for offering a quality education marked by discipline and excellence. Reflecting on the demanding coursework, he acknowledged the challenges of research, deadlines, and academic rigor, noting that these experiences shaped them into a capable graduate.
“We thank God and Hekima for being there for us,” he said. “Now, we can be good ambassadors wherever we go.” He concluded by congratulating his classmates and offering best wishes for their future endeavors.
“Teamwork Carried Us Through” Alice Akinyi Kwanda
Alice Akinyi Kwanda, a Kenyan representing the Peace Studies cohort, also highlighted the value of teamwork and resilience throughout the two-year program. She commended the Dean, lecturers, and fellow students for fostering an environment of cooperation amid challenges.
“We cried on each other’s shoulders,” she said with emotion. “We encouraged one another, and this graduation is not just for the students, it’s for the whole Hekima family,” Kwanda emphasized the importance of empathy and open dialogue in academic life, urging lecturers and students to continue building spaces for honest conversation. She offered special thanks to Ms. Lilian Itenya, the administrative Secretary at HIPSIR, who served as the liaison between students and faculty, calling her “the person who helped us never get lost.”
“Let the Quality of Our Lives Speak for Hekima” Sr. Ines Okonabeng Atangana
Representing the Bachelor of Theology class, Sr. Ines Okonabeng Atangana from Cameroon gave a touching message that blended gratitude with moral reflection. She reminded her peers that, beyond academic achievement, integrity and the quality of one’s life are what truly represent Hekima in the world.
“Yes, we are happy about the paper we received,” she said, “but the quality of our life will tell people where we are coming from.”
She thanked the Hekima community, including Fr. Marcel Uwineza, Fr. Foro, Fr. Egan, and all lecturers, while also humbly apologizing for moments of complaint during the journey. “Sometimes we complained too much,” she said with a smile, “but now we understand that it was all for our good.”
Sr. Ines concluded by praying that graduates “dream big and fly high,” carrying Hekima’s spirit wherever they go.
“Without Pain, There Is No Gain” Fidelis Mulungye Kyele
Closing the session, Fr. Fidelis Mulungye Kyele, a Kenyan, also from the Bachelor of Theology program, offered words of gratitude grounded in faith and reflection. Thanking God, Hekima’s lecturers, and fellow graduates, he acknowledged that the academic path had been demanding but transformative.
“Without pain, there is no gain,” he affirmed, appreciating the professors’ persistence in shaping students into thoughtful and competent leaders. Now serving in pastoral ministry, he shared that the lessons learned at Hekima continue to reveal their depth in real-life experiences. Echoing the words of Fr. Gaspar Sunhwa, he concluded, “We do good, we become good, and we will find good ahead of us.”
The gratitude messages reflected the spirit of Hekima, a community of scholars and faith leaders formed in wisdom, compassion, and service. As the graduates step into new missions and ministries, their voices of thanks echoed a shared sentiment: Hekima has not only taught them what to think but how to live.
During the Catholic University of Eastern Africa CUEA, 44th graduation ceremony held on 24th October, 2025, under the theme Pilgrims of Hope: Consecrated to Transform Nations through Innovative Education. HUC Master of Arts in Theology had three students who included Lucia Nzomo Ndinda from Kenya, Tersoo Titus Gwaza, SJ, from Kenya, and Mahafaly Fulgence Andrianjanahary, SJ, from Madagascar
HUC Master of Arts in Peace Studies and International Relations had eleven students. These included Vincencia Anyango Omondi, Betty Chepng’eno Too, Tabitha Kimani, Rita Wanjiru Nyaga, Uwimana Jean Norbert, Innocent Odongo, Kawuondi G Linus, Jovalet Ariho, Okengo Deogratias, Alice Akinyi Kwanda, and Ngala Beatrice Njuh.
The Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology had 37 graduates, of whom five earned First Class Honors: Fidelis Mulungye Kyele, Musembi Videlis Mulandi, Harerimana Felix Baraka, Filex Nimanya, and Larba Gregoire Bienvenu Kabore.
BY Pamela Adinda, HUC International and Communications Coordinator
