New Building in Nairobi Campus Handed Over The new building at Nairobi Campus was handed over to the University on Monday last week.

Present during the handing over ceremony was the University Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Godfrey Nguru, the DVC (Academic), Prof. Samuel Katia, the DVC (FAP),

Prof. Philip Kitui, the Corporate Affairs Manager, Mrs. Rosemary Kinoti, the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Mr. James Kombo, the Administration Manager, Mrs. Rhoda Igosangwa, among other administrators.

The construction crew included the architect, Mr. Kamawe Nugi of Associated Architects and Hirani Patel, who represented the contractors, K.G. Patel and Sons Ltd.

The handing over involved floor-by-floor inspection noting faulty areas that need immediate correction.  Another inspection session will be carried out after

six months.

The new building will house the Vice-Chancellor's suite, an executive boardroom, an E-learning centre, two lecturer rooms and offices for the Vice-Chancellor.

The University Chaplain Rev. Joseph Mbunga led in a short devotion after which the contractors handed over the key to the Vice-Chancellor, who opened the building.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University has only received the building and that an appropriate date would be set to dedicate the facility.

Peer Education Program Graduates 69 Trainees

Daystar University Peer Educators (DUPE) last week graduated 69 trainees.  The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof.

Godfrey Nguru.

Their training program began on 1st March and ended on 24th April.  The training was coordinated by Nairobi Campus Chaplain Rev. Evangeline M'Mutungi and facilitated by Mrs. Silvia Tuikong, Mabel Odima, and Miss Ruth Imbuye among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the facilitators for the training saying that staff available to offer counselling are limited and

hence, more peer educators were needed to serve the Daystar population.  He said that the trained educators have a big responsibility in their hands as they have to conduct themselves in a manner expected of educators. 

The Peer Educators had been trained previously as Peer Counsellors to support the pastoral care given by the Chaplains and Counsellors in the University. 

The graduates will offer their services not only to the Daystar community but also to neighbouring educational institutions.

Website Elicits Positive Feedback

The new look of the Daystar University website has attracted some positive feedback from users especially the Alumni. 

One alumnus, Priscilah Matekai who graduated in 1994 wrote to express her amazement with the changes that have occurred in Daystar since then.  Her letter read in part: "I was impressed when I visited Daystar's website and saw all the changes we ever wanted when I was still a student there.  I congratulate the new

administration since for sure, the place is transformed.  It is a place that people can for sure praise God and be blessed. I graduated in 1994 and it is just amazing to see the many changes that took place within a very short time. 

May God bless the work going on in Daystar and I wish the present students would make the best out of it.  Continue the work that Christ began in you".

The Alumnus, who is currently pursuing further studies in the US, stated that she would be happy to visit Daystar when she returns to Kenya.

DCF Holds 'Fresh Fire Kesha'

Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) recently held a 'Fresh Fire Kesha' at the Athi River Campus.  The event, which had a high attendance included prayers

for restoration for Daystar University and the nation as a whole.

Pastor Chris Atemo was the main speaker.  He gave a sermon on Knowing The Original Design Or Pattern For Your Life. According to DCF's Chairman, Michael

Chosen, a fresh revival was experienced during the event.

Daystar University Gets More Internet Bandwidth

Daystar University's internet link has been upgraded to 1026Kbps for downlink. This will result in faster Internet access for all users at both campuses. The

uplink remains at 256Kbps.

Previously, Daystar's Internet access was at 256Kbps upstream and 512Kbps downstream.           

The ICT department has requested all Internet users to use the extra capacity wisely, being mindful of other users and not waste it downloading music etc at the expense of other serious users.

Focus on Faculty

CETL is organizing a 2 weeks seminar on Biblical Worldview On Education:  Reclaiming The Future Of Christian Education.

The seminar, which will be held from Monday, 15th May to Friday, 26th May at the Nairobi Campus, will be facilitated by Jim Vreugdenhil.

It is hoped that by the end of the seminar each participant will have a more refined Christian philosophy of education.

Charges are Kshs.  14,000 per person for the two weeks.  However, this cost does not cater for meals. 

A few scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis.  To be eligible for the scholarship, one must commit him/herself to attend all the sessions for the two weeks.

Those interested in attending the seminar are asked to sign up with the secretary at the CETL office in Athi River campus or the secretary in the Continuing Education office at the Nairobi campus.

New CADS Committee 200 - 2007

The Communication Association of Daystar Students (CADS) has a new committee.  The committee, which was selected during the elections held on Wednesday, 26th

April consists of:

Chairperson      

Henry Okatch

Vice Chairperson      

Waithera Kuria

Secretary General    

Njoki Waweru

Treasurer        

Wanjiku Njoroge

Print Representative   

Stella Riunga

Advertising Representative   

Stella Njoki

Public Relations Representative    Cindy Wangari

The following posts are vacant and interested candidates are requested to prepare themselves for elections which will be held during the August

semester; 

•     Public Relations Officer

•      Electronic Representative

•      Diploma Representative

The former interim CADS committee would like to thank all members who participated in the elections and wish the new committee success as they take the club to new heights.

M.S.A.D Elections

Due to the fact that all clubs under Commerce department will hold their elections early next semester, M.S.A.D, which also falls under Commerce,

has postponed its election to next semester. 

The following positions therefore still remain vacant:

•      Chairman

•     Vice Chairman

•      General Secretary

•     Social Welfare

Those interested in vying for the above positions are requested to submit their application to the MSAD Office.

The outgoing chairman Mr. Vincent Mugunda is encouraging marketing students to face the challenge and go for the positions.  He notes that next semester

will be a semester full of action.

Applicants should be marketing majors or double majors in marketing and something else.

Safaricom Advantage Offer to Daystar Permanent Staff

Safaricom is offering 30 mobile phones, to be given on a first come first serve basis, to staff members who apply for the Safaricom Advantage telephone post-paid tariff. 

The phone on offer is the Nokia 6030.  Those interested are requested to send their names to ICT (ict@daystar.ac.ke).  You will be expected to pay a deposit of Kshs.  5,000/- after which you will be given a two-year contract.

The Nokia 6030 is an entry-level, dual-band GSM phone which includes an FM radio, speakerphone, and user-changeable faceplates. Additional phone features

include Java, MMS, and a 65,000-color display.

The monthly line rental for Safaricom Advantage is Kshs. 200 (+VAT) per month. The call rate is Kshs. 10 (+VAT) per minute to a Safaricom line.

DCF Leadership Training

The incoming DCF Sub-Committee officials will undergo a leaders training seminar to be held between Friday, 12th and Sunday, 14th May at the Athi River campus. 

The training, whose theme is "Preparing Men And Women For The Works Of Ministry With A Passion", will be facilitated by a team from FOCUS led by Mr. Simon

Masibo, Director of Students Ministry under FOCUS.

All the new leaders from the 14 sub-committees are encouraged to attend. 

Announcements

Library Automation in Progress

The Library automation is in progress and data entry is already taking place.  All lecturers, staff and students are requested to return library books in

their custody for this very important exercise.  You are also kindly requested to pray for the success of the automation process. 

Best wishes in your exams and enjoy your holidays.  Senior Librarian

Daystar Multi-Purpose Meeting

Members are hereby notified that the Daystar University Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd Annual General Meeting will be held this Saturday, 6th

May 2006 in lecture room 4, Nairobi campus starting 10:00 a.m.

Dividends will be paid in cash at the meeting.  All those who attend the meeting will receive a sitting allowance of Kshs.  300.

Central Stores Update

Please note that a list of stationary materials available at the central stores has been circulated to all departments. 

You are kindly asked to raise a requisition for the materials you need before going to the central stores to collect the items . 

Materials will be issued on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For more information, please contact Mr. Jonah Makhapila on ext 128.

MSK Members

All Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) members are requested to pick their April Sokoni Magazines plus MSK acceptance letters from the M.S.A.D office, located opposite the Dining Hall at the Sports Block.

Students Trip To Turkey.

All students who will be travelling to Turkey this month are informed that there will be an important briefing meeting on Saturday, 13th May at 10:00 a.m. in Lecture room 4, Nairobi campus. Air tickets will be issued after the meeting.  You are therefore urged to make arrangements to clear your payments before then.

Correction

In last week's issue of the Infospot, we erroneously stated that Mrs. Mary Githaiga is a lecturer in the Commerce department.  Mrs. Githaiga is a lecturer and the Ag. Co-ordinator of CETL.  We apologise for this error.

Chapel Diary

Athi River

Sunday, 7th May

Speaker: Mr.  John Nganga

Tuesday 9th May

Speaker: Rev. Mary Kinoti

Thursday 11th May

Speaker:  Rev. Joseph Mbunga

Nairobi Campus

Tuesday 9th May

Speaker: Mrs.  Muthoni Kibandi

Thursday 11th May

Speaker:  Rev. Evangeline M'Mutungi

Verse for the week

Incline your ear to me, and come to me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an ever-lasting covenant with you. (Isaiah 55:3)