SPEECH BY THE CHANCELLOR, AMBASSADOR DENNIS AWORI, DURING THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY OF THE CLASS OF 2025 HELD ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran

Members of the Board of Trustees

The Chair of the University Council, Mr. Paul Kasimu

Members of the University Council

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mwenda Ntarangwi

Management Board

University Senate

Faculty, Students, Staff, and Alumni present,

Parents and Guardians,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

The Graduating Class of 2025

Good Morning.

It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to our 47^th Commencement Ceremony, the most significant event in our university calendar for our students. Today, we celebrate not only your academic achievements – Class of 2025 – but also your remarkable Journey of Discovery.

This occasion holds special meaning for me as it marks my very first commencement ceremony as Chancellor of USIU-Africa. In the months since my installation, I have learnt a great deal about USIU-Africa that has impressed me and I am humbled by the trust placed in me to serve this great institution and am deeply grateful to share this milestone with you today.

I would like to extend a warm and sincere welcome to the distinguished members of our Board of Trustees and University Council present here today. These remarkable professionals, dedicate their expertise, time, and wisdom to ensuring the continued success and growth of our beloved institution. Their contributions are an integral part of our collective achievements, and we look forward to continuing this journey into the future together.

To the graduating Class of 2025

What a joy it is to witness the culmination of your years of hard work, resillience, and dedication. Your journey has been supported by your professors, mentors, families, and friends — all of whom believed in your potential. Today, we celebrate them as much as we celebrate you.

During your time here, you discovered far more than academic knowledge. You discovered new passions, sharpened your talents, and built friendships that will last a lifetime.

Among you are pioneers in the emerging fields, of sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance. You represent a bold response to the most urgent challenges of our time-climate change, environmental degradation, ethical governance and social equity. Your education has not only equipped you with critical knowledge to tackle these challenges, but also instilled a sense of responsibility to play a role in leading Africa, Kenya, and the world toward a more just, inclusive and sustainable future.

In today’s interconnected world, sustainability and ESG are no longer optional-they are the new language of business, governance and society. Companies and institutions are increasingly judged not just by profit margins alone but by their environmental stewardship, social impact and governance standards. The world is demanding transparency, accountability and responsibility. You the class of 2025, step out equipped to participate in turning these global expectations into home grown solutions that match profitability with purpose.

Meanwhile, Artificial intelligence is transforming how we think and work. As students of USIU-Africa, you have learnt not to fear AI, but to harness it. AI is not a replacement for human creativity, instead, it is an accelerator. It can process vast amounts of data, reveal hidden patterns and automate routine and repetitive tasks. But it cannot replicate empathy, wisdom, or the human spirit. The leaders of tomorrow-YOU- will be those who combine the power of these new technologies with ethical decision making and a deep sense of responsibility to society.

Some of you explored entrepreneurship through our Innovation and Incubation Center, turning ideas into ventures to serve communities. This puts you firmly on the road to self employment and becoming employers, people much needed in our world today.

Yet others discovered balance and teamwork through sports, clubs and the arts — I saw this spirit first hand during our inaugural Half Marathon in July, where the power of unity and community came alive to raise funds for the less fortunate among us to be able to join our University.

This year’s theme of “Journey of Discovery” captures the very essence of your USIU-Africa experience. You came here with dreams, and you leave today not just with degrees but with critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership — qualities that cannot be replaced by technology, not even by Artificial Intelligence. These are the the skills that will allow you to lead in uncertain times, to adapt quickly, and to make a difference wherever you go.

A long time ago, as a young graduate beginning my voyage of discovery, I set out to make a visible impact in every task or job that I undertook within a set time, by becoming a full time change agent. I implore you to do the same. Being one, will help you develop your leadership skills, enhance your career prospects, build networks, foster innovation and lift your image impact within your chosen field and beyond. It worked for me and for very many others since, and it will work for you too.

Graduation is not the end of your discovery — it is the beginning of a new chapter. From this day forward, let cuiriousity guide you, let courage fuel you, and let integrity anchor you. Approach every opportunity and every challenge with the same openness and determination that brought you success here.

And remember, as you step out into the world, you do not walk alone. You are now part of a global alumni family of more than 27,000 members across continents and industries. This network will support you, challenge you, and invite you to give back — because discovery is not just personal, it is also collective.

Class of 2025, the world awaits YOU — to be leaders who will think critically, act ethically, and discover boldly.

Congratulations!