Dear Hekima University College Family – The Academic Year 2024-2025 Closes.
As we stand at the close of the academic year 2024–2025, our hearts are full. Like the Virgin Mary, we sign Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). This has been a year of deep transformation, relentless pursuit of excellence, and tangible hope. Our motto, ‘Moving Forward and Upward with Hope,’ was not simply a phrase—it became our compass, shaping every stride we took and every dream we nurtured.
This year, we witnessed a remarkable symphony of growth across every facet of Hekima. We embraced the call of Pope Francis to be not merely keepers of tradition, but agents of compassion, justice, and prophetic transformation. This spirit resonated deeply during the Convocation Lecture with Cardinal Peter Turkson and the thought-provoking lectures of Bishop Hassan Kukah, Bishop Rodrigo Mejia, and Rev. Prof. Dieudonné Mbiribindi, etc. We were reminded that to be Church in Africa today is to walk courageously with the wounded and to embody tender justice in a fractured world.
In academic excellence, Hekima shone brightly. From groundbreaking public lectures and a pivotal conference on African Theology, to our vibrant research networks in Kinshasa and Bonn, we did not merely teach—we ignited minds, challenged assumptions, and inspired service. Our HIPSIR students reached into the diplomatic corridors of Foreign Affairs and the International Peace Training Center, learning to build bridges where others see walls.
This was also a year of strategic advancement. With the launch of our 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, we dared to dream boldly: new infrastructure, renewed digital capacity, and the paving of roads—not just of stone and gravel, but of vision and possibility. We secured historic support from partners like the Hilton Foundation and other friends of HUC, confirming that others believe in Hekima’s dream as passionately as we do. We acquired the Mill Hill Property, now Fadhili Center. We have a new video and website to showcase HUC. We have welcomed Fr. Sebatine Adigwe, SJ.
We have been working on some new academic programs on Migration, Diplomacy; Business Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, and Spirituality—timely and prophetic responses to a changing world. We gave thanks for the accreditation of our Theology programs (BTh and MTh) and rejoiced in the continued flourishing of the Certificate in Theological Formation for Sisters, forming women to lead with wisdom and courage.
We honored our people: faculty who published and were promoted, staff who grew through training, and students who debated, explored, served, and were ordained. We became more than a college—we became a vibrant community of mission.
At the heart of it all is the beauty of Jesuit education—an education that forms the whole person: mind, heart, and spirit. It is an education that insists on reflection before action, that seeks depth over superficiality, and that pursues excellence not for prestige, but for service. At Hekima, this vision is alive. Every lecture, every pastoral encounter, every seminar and conversation becomes a moment of grace, an invitation to discernment, and a preparation for a life of generous leadership.
We are proud to walk in step with the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus. We strive to show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment; we walk with the excluded—refugees, the marginalized, and those discarded by society; we journey with young people, helping them find purpose and faith; and we care for our common home with intentional sustainability. These preferences are not tasks to complete, but lenses through which we see and shape our mission. They breathe life into our curricula, our community outreach, and our global solidarity.
Deacon Grégoire Bienvenu Kaboré SJ
We also express our sincere gratitude to the HUC Council for establishing the University Award for Exceptional Student Excellence—a landmark initiative that celebrates not only academic brilliance but also integrity of character, leadership in service, and a spirit of innovation rooted in our Jesuit mission. This award affirms our belief that true excellence is holistic, touching intellect, heart, and society. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Deacon Grégoire Kaboré, the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award. Deacon Grégoire’s academic distinction, maturity, and community-minded leadership made him a most fitting honoree. In addition, Deacon Grégoire was an A student throughout his six semesters, consistently excelling and ultimately finishing first in his class. Additionally, he has authored a forthcoming book on the Jesuits of Burkina Faso, has already translated one book, and is currently engaged in translating another. He has also represented HUC at an international conference outside Kenya, exemplifying the global engagement we encourage in our students. We thank him as well for offering the valedictory remarks on behalf of his graduating class with grace and inspiration.
We did not ignore our own limitations. As we encountered diverse realities, we came to appreciate the vital role of wisdom and discernment. This year challenged us to face subtle yet corrosive tendencies—such as entitlement and gossip. At times, some individuals tried to make their personal issues everyone else’s burden. We were reminded that time is sacred, and that true leadership demands clarity of purpose, humility of heart, and moral courage. While these lessons were sometimes uncomfortable, we recognize them as necessary graces—essential to our ongoing journey of transformation and renewal.
We bid farewell to Dr. James Campbell SJ and Fr. Benedict Ebogu, SJ. And now, dear friends, we cast our gaze toward the horizon. We look forward to integrating Dr. Agbo Chikere SJ and Fr. Matthew Bomki, SJ. We will continue our discernment and hopefully come to some concrete proposals of how best to use HUC Spaces.
The year ahead calls us to deepen our impact, widen our welcome, and anchor our hope in ever more courageous action. We prepare to welcome Rev. Dr. David Neuhaus, S.J., as our Inaugural Speaker—his voice a beacon of justice and reconciliation in our fractured world. We anticipate new faculty, bold academic ventures, and continued renovations that reflect the dignity of our mission.
We will walk into our 42nd year with trust in the God who has never failed us. We continue to dream of what Hekima can still become: a center of excellence and transformation—not in competition with others, but in response to our own calling. We long to see it flourish into the best Jesuit institution in Africa, not merely by reputation, but by depth of intellectual engagement, rootedness in African realities, and service to the Church and society.
To our graduates: carry your mission with tenderness and strength. The path is yours, the load unique, and the goal sacred. As you move forward and upward, do so not in competition, but in conviction. Your pace is your grace.
To the Hekima family: thank you. For your labor, your prayers, your sacrifices, and your faith. Where we fell short, forgive us. Where we soared, let us give glory to God. Let us press on—forward and upward with hope—knowing that the One who began this good work in us will surely bring it to fulfillment.
Magnificat! Thank you. God bless you. And may hope always find a home at Hekima University College.
