Daystar University, Kenya, East Africa

INFOSPOT

(A Weekly Newsletter of the Daystar University community)
"KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH"

#13 / 2006 - April 27, 2006

Graduating Class holds Career Fair
 
The graduating class committee held a successful Career fair at the KICC on Saturday 22nd April 2006 where various professionals spoke to the graduating students on career matters.
     The event that had an attendance of around 200 students drew a rich selection of facilitators from various fields.  They included Kenya Airways IT Manager, Mr. James Munene, Dyer and Blair Investment Bank Finance Manager, Mr. Peterson Mwangi, Central Bank of Kenya Branch Manager, Eldoret, Mr. Daniel Chege, Mr. George Shikulu of Action Aid, Mr. Sam Kabue of World Council of Churches and Ms. Lydia Munene of International Bible Society,
     Opening the event, Daystar University’s Vice-Chancellor Rev. Prof. Godfrey Nguru advised the students to make use of Daystar’s training, which integrates faith and learning. He said that by its very name, Daystar demands some clear standards from its alumni.
     Mr. John Nganga of Kenya Shell who was the main facilitator led the devotions. He told the participants that they should be confident enough to invoke the name of God in whatever they did.
     Margaret Njoki, a student in the graduating class lauded the idea of the Career fair and said that it helps a lot in giving the right guidance to students. She however recommended that it be publicized more amongst students.
 
Research Team Visits Mombasa
 
The Research department carried a research exercise of Mombasa during the Easter Weekend to determine
what courses students in High Schools preferred to take, how many of them would want to come to Daystar, and to measure the spiritual health of high school students and their potential as future Daystar students.

     The trip consisted of the Acting Director of Research, Publications and Consultancy Dr. Mike Kuria, Mr. Michael Bowen from the research department and Mrs. Mary Githaiga of CETL.  A group of students from Daystar’s Nairobi campus led by the DUSA Chairman Sam Ireri were also in Mombasa and worked together with the research team.
     The group visited six churches that included Mombasa Pentecostal Church, Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG)-Mombasa, JCC-Bamburi, JCC-Buxton, Full Gospel Church and ACK Mombasa.   Meetings were also held with parents, the youth and potential students where matters of Daystar’s mission and vision were discussed. Brochures were also distributed and questions answered regarding Daystar’s programmes.
     The team has also scheduled two visits to Kisumu and Nakuru on a similar mission in the coming weeks.  It is hoped that the visits by the team will help to gather data that will help Daystar in planning for its expansion.
 
VC joins Students on Easter Coast trip
 
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Godfrey Nguru and other Faculty members joined a team of approximately 90 Students from both campuses at Mombasa’s Whispering Palms Hotel, over the Easter weekend.  The getaway was organized by DUSA Nairobi campus.

     The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by his wife Prof. Faith Nguru, and their daughter Nyambura.

     Others who participated in the trip include the Ag. Director of Research and Consultancy Dr. Mike Kuria, Mr. Michael Bowen and Ms. Mary Githaiga a lecturer in the Commerce department, DUSA Nairobi Campus Chairperson, Mr. Sam Ireri and the Ag. Dean of Students, Mrs. Sylvia Tuikong accompanied by her husband.

     The trip was aimed at providing closer fellowship to students and also for relaxation.  Students also participated in carrying out a baseline study of Daystar in several Mombasa churches.
            The VC, Rev. Prof. Nguru, Dr. Mike Kuria and Mr. Sam Ireri encouraged the team on the need for patriotism and love for their Institution.

 
Daystar US Board Member Visits.
 
Daystar US Board member, Mr. Keith Feaster, last week visited Daystar University.  
     Mr. Feaster was accompanied by two other visitors, Louie Thomas and Ralph Dills.  Keith was on his second tour of Daystar after having graced the graduation ceremony of 1996 when his wife Miriam was serving in the Daystar US Board.  The three, who were enroute to Rwanda where they were going to donate computers to schools, had the opportunity to tour both the Nairobi and Athi River campus.
     The trio were received by the Vice-Chancellor at the Nairobi campus and traveled to Athi River the same day where they were given a tour of the communication studios, the library, the Involvement newsroom, computer labs and various other places in the campus. The group then had lunch with the management team.  The visitors reported that they had heard many positive stories about Daystar and decided to pay a visit and see for themselves so that they can also share the Daystar story with others.  The group had lunch with the management board at the Athi River campus.
 
UN-AMDEG Community Service Event
 
The United to Achieve Millennium Development Goals (UN-AMDEG) program of Daystar University students, in collaboration with the graduating class last weekend conducted a successful community service event at the Sophia Slums in Athi River.
     The students participated in the distributing of food, tree planting and environmental clean up.  Present during he event was the Community Development department head, Mr. Dominic Ayaa, Community development lecturer Mrs. Mabel Odima and Jackeline Wambui from the Library.
            The participants were later hosted to lunch by Mrs. Odima.
 
Staff Transport Schedule
 
As from Friday, 28th April to Friday 12th May 2006.  
 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
 
Athi River Campus Departure Times
 
5:50 a.m.            -            Mombasa Road / School
11:45 a.m.            -            Mombasa Road
2:50 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road
4:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road
5:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road / Jogoo Road
 
Nairobi Campus Departure Times
 
7:05 a.m.            -            Jogoo Road
7:15 a.m.             -            Mombasa Road
10:00 a.m.            -            Mombasa Road
1:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road / School
5:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road / School
 
Tuesday and Thursday
 
Athi River Campus Departure Times
 
5:50 a.m.            -            Mombasa Road / School
12:15 a.m.            -            Mombasa Road
3:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road
4:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road
5:20 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road / Jogoo Road
 
Nairobi Campus Departure Times
 
7:05 a.m.            -            Jogoo Road
7:15 a.m.             -            Mombasa Road
10:30 a.m.            -            Mombasa Road
1:15 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road / School
5:00 p.m.            -            Mombasa Road / School
 
 New Team Takes Over Involvement
The Students Training Newspaper, Involvement has a new team.  The team, which was officially announced during a handing over ceremony held recently  consists of:
 
1.  Managing Editor
     Affiah Adhiambo
2.  Editor in Chief
     Oliver Mathenge
3.  News Editor
     Philip Wahome
4.  Editorial Director
     Margaret Wanjeri
5.  Assistant Editorial Director
     George Mlaghui- Mwakio
6.  Features Editor
     Millicent Mwololo
7.  Sports Editor
     John Mwangi
8.  Graphics Editor
     Sarah Wakasa
9.  Marketing Manager
     Washington Okungu
10.     
Circulation Manager
     Rahab Gachango
11.     
Executive Secretary
     Elizabeth Anyango
 
     The handover ceremony was attended by the Acting Dean of Arts, Mrs. Purity Kiambi who was representing the Vice-Chancellor, Head of Communication Department, Dr. Levi Obonyo, Communication lecturer, Ms. Mary Kizito and Corporate Affairs personnel.  Other guests included former editors Mr. Jesse Maasai, an alumni now working with sheepfold ministries, Mr. Zachayo Mwangi also an alumni, and Former Shine FM Manager, Ms. Joie Ofutimabazi.
 
Branded Daystar Items on Sale
 
You may have seen people wearing branded daystar t-shirts, golf shirts or sleeveless shirts. You too can own yours. At the discounted prize below, you can buy the following items from the bookshop with cash or have the cost amout deducted from your student account. This applies for both staff and students.
 
Assorted T-shirts                -            350      
Sleeveless Gents shirts            -            350      
Sleeveless Ladies tops            -            350      
Baseball caps                          -            350      
Conference Bags                -            450      
Umbrellas                                             -            550      
Assorted Golf Shirts               -            550      
Heavy Sweaters                      -            650
 
Writing Contest Winners Announced
 
The Writing and Speech Centre together with the office of the DVC-Academic announces the winners of the 2006 Honours Research and Writing Contest.  The winners were selected by a panel of three judges as those who produced outstanding original research papers. The winners are:
 
1st Position  –      Eun Hee Kim
2nd Position  –      Laveen Mutira and
                        Marie Blessing Ng’ang’a
Congratulations

 
April Focus-on-Faculty Mini Seminar
 
Attention all faculty members:  You are all invited to a Faculty Workshop entitled Improving Student Academic Writing, to be held on Thursday, 27th April from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Nairobi Campus, Lecture Room 4.  
     The workshop, which has been sponsored by the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), will include the following topics:
€    What To Look For In Academic Writing,
€    Daystar’s writing Format Standard,
€    Plagiarism - What Is It, How Do We Identify It, And What Do We Do About It?
€    How To Mark Academic Writing.   
     Facilitators at the workshop will include Dr. Mike Kuria (Research & Publications), Dr. Ann Miller (Communication), Dr. Rebecca Oladipo (Postgraduate Studies), and Dr. Marta Bennett (Postgraduate Studies).
            Lunch will be served.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
From the Registrar’s Desk

Invoices for Blocks
Students are asked to start picking invoices for blocks from Tuesday, 2nd May 2006 from the Registrar’s Office.

 
August Semester Timetable for Athi River Campus
The August timetable for Athi River Campuses will be released before Friday, 12th May 2006.

 
Access to Online Journals
 
The library wishes to announce that the Blackwell Synergy and John Wiley Inter Science online journals are now available in full text.  Log on at www.blackwell-synergy.com and
www3.interscience.wiley.com.
     Access is within the university since the registration is by IP.  Consult the reference librarians in both libraries for assistance.
            The library also has DVDs and Videos from Learning Resources and Ace Communications.  Faculty members are encouraged to utilize the resources to complement their class work.  Notable titles include: Kotler – Competitive marketing (48 min), the Leadership Challenge Revised (27 min), ISO:  9000:2000 among others. These are available at the Multimedia in Athi River and will soon be in Nairobi Campus.
 
Graduating Class of 2006
Caution Money
The graduating class committee is seeking the consent of graduating students to use their caution money to facilitate the following graduating class activities;
 
·    Year book (full colour)

·    Career fair
·    Community service
·    Class of 2006 T-shirts.
 
     Consent forms are currently available at the DUSA office in Athi River campus and DUAA office at Nairobi campus. Graduating students are advised to fill in the forms and return to the mentioned offices. Those who are unable to get the forms can send an email with their consents to

graduatingclass2006@daystar.ac.ke
 
Student Contacts
 
All graduating students are requested to submit their e-mail contacts to
graduatingclass2006@daystar.ac.ke.
 
New staff member at Daystar University
Daystar University welcomes Mr. Fredrick Obongita Osore who has joined the University as the Executive Personal Assistant (EPA) to the Vice-Chancellor.
     Mr.  Osore reported on 18th April 2006. Mr. Osore is not new to Daystar.  He previously worked as the PA to DVC-Academic before leaving us to join Kenya Dairy Processor Association.  

 
Bereavement
 
Esther Mbugua and Jose Nyambura in fourth and first year respectively have lost their father Mr. John Mbugua.
     
John A. Abik from the Library Department has lost his father in law, Mr.  Paul Owino Ongute.  The late Mr.  Ongute will be buried this Saturday, 29th April 2006 in Bondo District.
            Please remember these families in prayers at this trying moment.
 
CHAPEL DIARY

 
Athi River Campus
 

Tuesday 2nd May

Speaker: Mr.  David Thuku

Topic:  Thanksgiving for Material Gifts

Thursday 4th May

Mr.  Abok Ager
 
Nairobi Campus
 
Tuesday 2nd May
Speaker: Grace Bukachi
 
Thursday 4th May

Speaker:  Moses Omondi

 

Friday, 5th May

Speaker:  Nairobi Campus Student Pastors

Topic:  A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

 
Verse
And the lord, he is the one who goes before you. He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. ( Deut. 31:8) 
 

 

Back to Main Page

You can contact us by e-mail at: Info@DaystarUS.org

Information for contacting Daystar through Mail / Telephone: Address / Phone