Invoking its long-standing motto “That All May Be One”, Strathmore University has launched worldwide its Strathmore New Kenya Annual Fund Campaign. In a pioneering effort to achieve self-sustainability as an independent African university, Strathmore is calling of all its alumni and friends to partner with it to expand and improve its distinctive capacity building for Kenya.

Funds raised this year by the Annual Campaign wil lbe dedicated to student scholarships.

“Strathmore has big dreams,” noted Vice Chancellor Prof. John Odhiambo. “And a big responsibility, too. Kenya needs a strong Strathmore. The Strathmore family is vibrant, loyal, and capable. Working together through Strathmore, we can continue to do good things and build a better future for Kenya.”

“This is an exciting and very important initiative,” commented Prof. David C. Sperling, Strathmore’s founding principal and now senior advisor to the Vice Chancellor. “I have enormous confidence that our Strathmore graduates will rise to the occasion.”

In a universal letter on behalf of the Strathmore Alumni Leadership Committee, alumni pioneers Peter Muthoka ‘61, Raphael Ngethe ‘67, and Eva Beauttah ‘65 appeal to all Strathmore alumni to become Founding Partners of the Strathmore New Kenya Annual Fund. The letter explains the nature and purpose of an annual fund, a well-established fundraising process at many leading world-class universities. The origins of annual funds dates back to 1922, when Harvard University in the US initiated the concept.

“This modern institutional practice is something new for subSaharan Africa,” said Muthoka. “It is an opportunity for Kenya to adopt an important mode of self-reliance. In keeping with the Strathmore spirit, we desire that Strathmore be the first to introduce it.”

A key element to the Annual Fund’s success is widespread participation. Invoking the “Strathmore Spirit”, the University believes that a high percentage of alumni will join in. “No donation is too small,” said Ngethe. “Every donation is critical. Strathmore asks for your support in whatever amount you feel you can offer.”

Contributions to the Annual Fund can be received in shillings at Strathmore’s development office in Nairobi. They can be made in other currencies at its foundation office in the United States (Strathmore University Foundation, 20 Nassau St., Suite 232, Princeton, NJ 08542 USA).