Nostalgic moment at Egerton University as Alumnus walks back 72 years after graduating
By Dickson Odhiambo
May 6,2026
Nostalgic moment at Egerton University as Alumnus walks back 72 years
after graduating
The institutions of learning where we
normally get knowledge sometimes become part of our lives long after we leave
such places.
This has been the case with one Alumnus
who studied in 1950’s at the Prestigious Egerton University.
For Jane Leete, Time has a way of
bringing her back to the Institution that shaped her life.
This week, she walked in at the
Egerton University’s Main Campus at Njoro Quietly and Unannounced.
For the Class of 1955 which is the
pioneer class of Egerton Agricultural College{Now Egerton University}, this
return is more than a visit as it is reckoning with great memory.
Seventy two Years later, one alumnus walks
the same grounds again, not as a student, but as a living bridge between past
and present.
Jane Leete, After 72 Years, was
received by Institution’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, alongside Deputy
Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George
Muthaa as their welcome carried more than formality coupled with recognition.
Ms Leete speaks with gratitude saying
this is not just for the invitation but being remembered and for still
belonging.
Around her stand leaders of the
Alumni Association’s Chairman Dr. Richard Rop, Dr. Wamukuru Kuria, and Anne
Kenya who have offered souvenirs.
For her what matters more is the
connection which has made her come back to Egerton University.
To cap it all in a simple, Symbolic
and Lasting, Ms Leete planted a tree at the Institution to act as a reminder
for the present and future Generations to come.
Coming back
home, After 72 years after graduating in 1955, Leete at age of 92 years still
knows and remembers Egerton University where life started.
Her visit is a testament to the
enduring bond between alumni and their spanning generations legacy of education
that Egerton University embraces.
She graduated from Egerton
Agricultural College ( now Egerton University) on 24th June, 1955 with a
Diploma in Agriculture.
While Celebrating her achievements,
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage says her academic journey serves as
inspiring story that should motivate current students to strive for excellence
and make meaningful contributions to society.
The Vice Chancellor notes that such visit
demonstrates the commitment and the spirit of former students that enabled
Egerton University to survive the test of time through their enrolment.
“This is truly something to be proud
of and as an Institution, we don’t take such a visit for granted,” Prof Kibwage
says.
Prof. Kibwage has thanked her for remaining steadfast in having Egerton University in memory after such a long span of time terming it true moments of reflections, connection, inspiration, and growth within the Egerton University extended family.
Jane Leete who was accompanied by her
son Anthony Leete returned to the university with a heart full of nostalgia and
pride.
Her journey from the halls of Egerton
Agricultural College to making significant contributions in her field of
Agriculture exemplifies the transformative power of education the university
strives to provide.
During her visit, she was warmly
received by Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage accompanied by his Deputy in
charge of Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, Registrar-
Human Capital Leonard Chesang, and
Alumni Association led by their Chair Dr. Richard Rop, Dr. David Wamukuru,
Patron Mr. Moses Kiogora, Dr. Ann Tonya and Dr Murilla who connected her visit
to the University.
Also present were the Authors of the
book; Thus Until: A History of Egerton University; 1939-2019: Prof. Emilia Illieva
and Prof. Reuben Matheka who expressed their admiration and gratitude for her
continued connection to the University.
She has shared the inspiring stories of her
lifetime achievements and memorable moments at Egerton Agricultural College in
1950’s.
Comments
Post a Comment