CUEA Alumni Chairman Urges Graduates to Uphold Integrity, Serve Humanity and Stay Connected
By Stephen Mbobu
The Chairman of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Alumni Association, CPA Andrew Andeche Wanga, has challenged the Class of 2026 to uphold integrity, embrace service and maintain strong ties with their alma mater as they embark on their professional journeys.
Speaking during CUEA’s 45th Graduation Ceremony at the Lang’ata Campus on October 23, 2026, Wanga urged graduands to use their education not merely for personal advancement, but also to serve humanity and contribute to the development of their communities and the wider region.
“The measure of your success will not be the position you hold, but the lives you lift,” he told the graduands, encouraging them to serve their communities, country and the Church with humility and excellence.
Wanga described graduation as the culmination of years of academic effort, personal sacrifice and family support, congratulating the graduands on reaching the milestone. He also noted that the occasion celebrated regional solidarity, integration and a shared mission in higher education.
He welcomed the new graduates into the CUEA alumni network, which he said comprised more than 35,000 members across the world working in diverse fields, including education, law, healthcare, social work, research, business, public service and religious life.
According to Wanga, CUEA alumni share a common formation that emphasises education as a means of serving others, wherever their professional paths take them.
He urged the graduates to embrace the university’s motto, “Consecrate them in the truth,” as a guiding principle in their professional and personal lives.
“To be consecrated in the truth is to be set apart for something greater than ourselves: to seek truth in our research, to speak truth in public life, to live truth in our professions, and to stand for truth even when it is costly,” he said.
Wanga outlined three key responsibilities for the graduating class: upholding truth and integrity, committing to service, and remaining connected to the university through the Alumni Association.
He cautioned against taking shortcuts, urging the graduates to build their reputations on honesty and strong character. He further encouraged them to remain engaged with their communities and to view their success through the positive difference they make in the lives of others.
On alumni engagement, Wanga called on the graduands to maintain lifelong relationships with CUEA, describing the Alumni Association as a network for mentorship, professional opportunities and enduring friendships.
“Do not let this gate be a goodbye,” he said, urging the graduates to return to the university, give back and support future generations of students.
He welcomed all the Alumni for a Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, November 5, at 11.30 am at Langata Campus.
Alumni pledge support for new university leadership
Wanga also paid tribute to the former Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, thanking him for his dedication and leadership during his tenure.
On behalf of CUEA alumni worldwide, he commended Ngari for steering the university through demanding periods and facilitating a smooth leadership transition.
He also congratulated and welcomed the new Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, pledging the Alumni Association’s prayers, support and partnership as he leads the institution into its next chapter.
Wanga called for stronger collaboration between the Alumni Association and the University Council, Senate and Management, noting that alumni could contribute significantly to the university’s continued growth through their professional experience, expertise and networks.
He identified mentorship, student internships and job placement, resource mobilisation, curriculum enrichment through industry insights, and advocacy for the university as key areas for collaboration.
“Together, let us make CUEA a better place for the current generation and for generations yet to come,” he said.