The visit by Rwandan President to William Penn University continues to create waves of excitement among the university community and Rwandans living in North America alike.
President Paul Kagame will be the keynote speaker at the university’s commencement ceremony planned this Saturday, where he will address a graduating class of 370 students and also receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, for his contributions to the humanities or human welfare.
George Mugabo has lived most of his life in the United States. He said he’s excited about the President’s visit and the recognition he continues to receive worldwide.
“What an honour. We are indeed so glad that the University is recognizing him. He deserves it,” said Mugabo, who drove miles to Iowa to join his fellow Rwandans to support the president and affirm their support for the direction he has given Rwandan, just 18 years after the Genocide against Tutsi.
“It gives you chills when you hear he is coming. He has done a lot to transform our country and the only way for us to be grateful is to come here and express our support and appreciation,” added Mugabo.
While announcing that President Kagame will be their guest this weekend, William Penn University President Dr. Ann Fields noted that President Kagame has been recognized as a world leader for his role in human interest issues and one who is known for empowering young people and women, as evident by the high percentage of women serving on the Rwandan Parliament – 56%.
“President Kagame has received multiple honors during his presidency including: the Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2009, being named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, and His Excellency received the ‘Lifetime Leadership Award for Development and Equality’ by Rwandan Women in 2010.”
William Penn University’s relationship with Rwanda began in September of 2007 when Rwandan Ambassador to the United States, James Kimonyo, presented the keynote speech at the President’s Convocation.
In July of 2008, William Penn signed an agreement with the Rwandan Ministry of Education to accept four Rwandan “Presidential Scholars” to enroll at William Penn University. Three of these four young people will graduate at the ceremony.
The university refused to heed to calls from a few genocide deniers, negationists, liars and political opportunists like Theogene Rudasingwa who wanted the President’s visit cancelled.
“William Penn does not foresee the presence of protestors to be an issue or interfere with the day’s activities,” the university said in a statement.
After failing to garner any support from most Rwandans, Rudasingwa is said to be rallying support from Congolese and other foreigners to stage a protest.
“I highly doubt anybody will really show up. After failing to win over Rwandans, he is now asking Congolese and Burundians to join him. What a pity,” said Mugabo
The university has received an outpouring of support from Rwandans from across North America to the University for their decision to honour President Kagame.
“This is a remarkable recognition for President Kagame’s effective leadership, and Rwanda’s determination to heal the wounds inflicted during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi!” wrote one Agasaro.
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