A Summary of the Principal’s Speech during the Inauguration Ceremony for the Opening of the HUC Academic Year 2025/2026.
Dreaming deep and Flying High!
Dreaming deep and flying high is the academic motto for this year, 2025/2026. Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, a Rwandan-born priest belonging to the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, drew the attention of the entire Hekima University College community with his eloquent and well-reasoned opening speech at the start of the academic year.
He began by expounding on the 2025/2026 academic motto: Dreaming deep and flying high. These are not mere words, but they embody a deep theological meaning and message. He began by reminding the community of the essence of dreams in life. Dreams, as one of the stylistic devices employed in writing the Old Testament, carry not only a message but also a warning that something great might happen. Our dreams can only be true depending on how we bring them to life. This calls for seriousness and commitment.
The expression “dreaming deep” implies a vision towards something. It means resisting the growing culture of laziness and superficiality, aiming for the minimal, challenging our assumptions, stepping out of our comfort zones, and engaging with the world in ways that are thought-provoking, grounded, and transformative. This means, as students and faculty members, it is our duty to engage in meaningful relationships, seek depth in our academic endeavours, and cultivate our faith as Christians. The world outside depends on our wisdom (sapientia).
On the other hand, flying high entails a call to innovation, creativity, and taking courageous action to let our vision lift us towards possibilities that transform lives and bring hope where it is most needed. As the African proverb goes, when the roots are strong, you need not fear the wind. Reading from the thoughts of Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation on the Joy of the gospel, Evangelii Gaudium.20, He asserted that pastors must leave their comfort zones and reach the gospel of Christ in those areas which have been abandoned (Peripheries). Through this, they will be cultivating hope and love in these communities.
Flying high also invites us to elevate Hekima University College to a high academic scale. This is only possible “if and only if” we cultivate the culture of hard work and aim for excellence. As the Psalmist says, “Those who sow in tears will reap in Joy” (Psalms 126:5, RSV). This quotation from the bible invites us to perseverance and resilience in our studies.
Dr. Marcel, an expert in systematic theology, repeatedly reminded students in his speech that Hekima University College has been known over the years for its academic excellence and Holistic formation. To justify the veracity of this claim, many students who have gone through Hekima University College are still carrying the Flag high. Do not be afraid. Furthermore, he emphasized academic as a vigorous exercise at the university that calls for commitment, sacrifice, resilience, and readiness.
Drawing insights from Pope Francis’ Spes non Confundit (Hope does not disappoint), he encouraged the students to always remain focused and fight for the future with Hope. From the Hebrew etymology, Tikva, which means gathering or binding together, Hekima University College should join its efforts to fulfill its objective: to provide excellent experience in a Unified Society. This aligns with the words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis: ‘Hope does not disappoint.’
Finally, living in a Synodal Church, every voice counts in any academic fora. There is no monopoly on knowledge and truth. Let us learn to embrace and appreciate one another, keeping the meaning of the name Hekima meaningful. The world is depending on our wisdom!
By Kelvin Ouma Ong’anyo, AA, Third Year, JST
