Tharaka University Vice Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, PhD, has challenged first-year students to embrace hard work, discipline, resilience and innovation as they begin their academic journey, assuring them of the University’s support for their academic success, welfare and personal growth.
Prof. Muriungi made the remarks during the colourful closing ceremony of the First-Year Orientation Week, which brought together University leadership, staff, students and invited guests for a day of reflection, learning and celebration.
The ceremony opened with vibrant entertainment from the Tharaka University Tae kwondo Team, student artistes and the Mukothima TVET Centre Choir, showcasing the diverse talent.
The Vice Chancellor encouraged students to develop their potential, communicate whenever they need assistance and make responsible use of social media and technology.
He also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to student welfare, including addressing concerns raised by students on accommodation and rent. He further assured students of institutional support for promising innovations and ideas.
The Chief Guest, Amos Ambasa, Deputy Eastern Regional Police Commander, urged students to uphold moral conduct, discipline and responsible behaviour.
He challenged them to remain focused on their education and future aspirations while avoiding activities that could put them on the wrong side of the law.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Students Affairs (DVC-ARSA), Prof. Veronica Nyaga, congratulated the first years for choosing Tharaka University and urged them to attend classes consistently, work hard and participate in agriculture, games and sports.
She encouraged students to embrace research, innovation and entrepreneurship, including commercialising their ideas, while emphasising the importance of student welfare, counselling, discipline and avoiding drug abuse.
Tharaka University Students Association President, Kennedy Mwaniki, welcomed the first years into the University community and encouraged them to make use of student leadership and the support structures available.
He urged them to “consult, engage and communicate”—seeking guidance, engaging University leadership and communicating their concerns whenever necessary.
The orientation week concluded with a unified call for excellence, discipline, innovation, resilience, responsible choices, effective communication and personal growth as the first-year students officially embark on their academic journey at Tharaka University.
