The College of Engineering (CoE) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has honoured its distinguished alumni and raised funds for the CoE Endowment Fund at the ‘Excellence Awards & Fundraising Dinner.’ The event was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on 8th November 2024.
The Endowment Fund aims to support postgraduate scholarships by covering full tuition and providing stipends for students. It will also foster the development of engineering innovations and funding projects from incubation to prototyping and commercialisation. Additionally, the fund will equip the College's laboratories and workshops with state-of-the-art equipment to elevate research quality while supporting the recruitment of international and adjunct lecturers from industry to enrich the academic experience.
In his opening remarks, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, described the event as “a significant moment in the life of university education in our country.” He stressed the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, government, alumni, students, and other key stakeholders in fulfilling the University's teaching, research, and community service mission. Professor Kponyo emphasised that alumni contributions worldwide extend beyond financial support to include mentorship and co-teaching, which help elevate universities on the global stage. He expressed appreciation for the alumni's dedication to giving back and their role in enhancing the impact of the College.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson expressed deep appreciation to the alumni, saying, "What we appreciate will always appreciate." She acknowledged alumni as invaluable partners in KNUST’s journey, highlighting their contributions as a significant source of pride for the University. She commended the College for taking a bold step in establishing an endowment fund to support KNUST’s future and praised both past and current leaders for their contributions. Professor Dickson emphasised that the university’s mission cannot be fully realised without alumni support and encouraged them to continue their impactful work, which is vital for KNUST's ongoing success.
In his address, Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering, highlighted the importance of celebrating alumni achievements, describing them as heroes whose successes reflect the quality of education they received at KNUST. He hoped the event would inspire current students by showcasing the impact they, too, could make in the future. Professor Nyarko revealed that when the Government of Ghana provided a grant of USD 17.4 million to establish three Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE): Regional Water, Environment, and Sanitation Center Kumasi (RWESCK), Transport Research and Education Center Kumasi (TRECK), and KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP), the College expanded access to postgraduate engineering training, which has significantly contributed to Ghana’s economic growth. However, with ACE funding ending soon, he explained that the College launched the Endowment Fund to sustain its advancements and secure vital resources for innovation, scholarships, research grants, and laboratory improvements. He called on attendees to support this transformative initiative to ensure continued progress.
The Omanhene of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, urged students, alumni, partners, and friends of KNUST to join in building and advancing the College of Engineering to new heights, aiming to elevate KNUST as a hub of quality education, innovation and future changemakers. Demonstrating his support for the Endowment Fund, Nana Otuo Serebuor contributed GHS 100,000.00.
The Fundraiser led by Ing. Nana Atta Poku Agyeman raised about $628,000, a commendable accomplishment considering the 1.5 million dollar target for the night and the year 2024.
The College of Engineering is extremely grateful to all and sundry who graced the occasion with their presence online and in person and to those who also gave to the worthy cause. In estimation, we still have about 50% to meet the target set for the year.
To donate (please know that no amount is too little), please send your money through any of the following:
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