RCU Chancellor Rev. Dr. R. Rutoro capping a graduand
The Reformed Church University (RCU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Wiseman Magwa, set the tone for the future of the institution in an inspiring and visionary speech presented at the graduation ceremony held on the 24th of February 2017.
In his keynote address to approximately 1000 guests who attended the graduation event, Professor Magwa outlined the phenomenal milestones that the University had achieved since inception, highlighting that since 2012, the University had put emphasis on building a strong foundation in what he referred to as the founding stage.
Chief amongst the milestones presented were; positive progress in infrastructure development at the Main Campus in Masvingo, research output through the compilation of the unique Sexual Reproductive Health Braille dictionary for visually impaired people, and the launch of the USD 80 000 RCU First Mutual Holdings Limited scholarship fund for the benefit of RCU students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Professor Magwa further pinpointed that the 2nd Graduation Ceremony marked a turning point in the strategic vision of the University from the founding phase to the growth stage, with an achievable transformation of processes, procedures, operations, integration, coordination, and a more efficient team structure to achieve the institution’s ten point key result areas as outlined by the strategic plan.
At the same event, RCU Council Chairman, Dr. Augustine Mazvuru, noted that the graduation event was an accomplishment that vindicated the RCU’s mandate of providing quality education in an inclusive environment. He expressed that he was particularly inspired by the graduation ceremony theme, ‘Building a Legacy through inclusivity’ which consolidated the University’s commitment and adherence to the University’s niche of inclusive education.
The RCU Chancellor, Reverend Dr. R. Rutoro, conferred degrees to 121 graduands at the historic graduation ceremony which was held at Morgenster Mission, located 35 km from Masvingo. Of the 121 graduands, 66% were female. Five graduands had distinctions and book prize awards. The graduands were drawn from the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Commerce.
The graduation event which was an important milestone in RCU’s quest for academic excellence as the University consolidates its position as an institution that values quality education was attended by important dignitaries such as President of the National Council of Zimbabwe Chiefs, Fortune Z. Charumbira, Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education, Josiah Hungwe and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Masvingo, Shuvai Mahofa.
There was strong representation from the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, other universities, teachers colleges, polytechnic colleges, civic organisations, RCU partners, industry and commerce, and graduands’ families.
The Reformed Church University which is owned by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe was founded in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, in 2010, to operate as a registered Higher and Tertiary education institution which offers degree programmes to the public in an inclusive and Christian environment.
Stephene Chikozho
Deputy Director-Business Development, Information & Public Relations. education
