Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
MIDLANDS State University (MSU) made history after hosting the country’s first-ever large-scale Alumni Reunion and Business Expo.
The event, which was held last Friday, attracted thousands of graduates from across the country, transforming the campus into a vibrant celebration of academic excellence and shared experiences.
The event marked a significant milestone in MSU’s 25-year journey, celebrating the convergence of experience, intellect and purpose, among its alumni.
As old friends reunited and new connections were forged, the atmosphere was electric and filled with nostalgia.
The occasion was graced by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube.
The Alumni Reunion and Business Expo marked a significant milestone in MSU’s journey, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering a community of scholars and leaders, who are making a meaningful impact in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Dr Shava highlighted the significance of such gatherings in fostering connections and partnerships between graduates and their alma mater.
He noted that with over 96,000 graduates since 2004, MSU’s alumni network spans various fields, including academia, Government, politics and industry. The reunion featured a business exhibition showcasing the entrepreneurial achievements of MSU alumni.
“A university can only be as good as its former students. I urge you, the alumni, to support the university’s plans, including state-of-the-art facilities and innovation hubs, to propel Zimbabwe’s economic development,” said Dr Shava.
The minister emphasised that a university is built and sustained by its graduates, echoing President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.
Dr Shava also announced the launch of the MSU Alumni Fund, aimed at supporting the university’s growth and development initiatives.
He invited the alumni to contribute to MSU’s scholarly growth and infrastructural development.
Addressing the same gathering, Minister Ncube said MSU has been a blessing to the Midlands province, with its footprints visible across the country.
“This gathering is the first of its kind in the higher education sector and we are proud of Midlands State University. You are pacesetters,” he said.
“A gathering of this kind is ample evidence that the university has heeded the Government’s call to engage communities, to innovate, and to industrialise and modernise our nation.”
Minister Ncube said the alumni reunion resonates with President Mnangagwa’s call to leave no one and no place behind as the country moves towards building institutional capabilities to tackle its challenges.
“Indeed, by convening your alumni today, you demonstrate the value of leveraging the long-term benefits that alumni engagement brings.
“I am aware that alumni bring vast corporate knowledge, valuable networks and experiences from the labour market, which all inform curriculum development and governance,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the alumni reunion is a crowning moment for MSU’s celebration of 25 years of excellence in higher education delivery.
“We, in Government, have come to recognise MSU as a citadel of learning, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation. I commend the university’s fortitude in empowering its current and former students,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa emphasised the importance of alumni engagement in driving national development.
“Universities are like trees and their worth is measured not just by the height of their trunks but by the strength of their roots and the richness of the fruit they bear,” he said.
Prof Muzvidziwa traced MSU’s growth from four faculties to 10, with over 90,000 graduates worldwide. He urged alumni to partner with the university in initiatives such as mentorship, internship placements, and strategic investments through the MSU Alumni Fund.
Prof Muzvidziwa showcased MSU’s practical impact, including the National Pathology Centre, innovation hubs and a newly completed dam.
He launched the MSU Alumni Fund and Registration Portal, aiming to foster collaboration and engagement among alumni.
“Vision without action is vanity. I urge alumni to prioritise community impact and national development,” said Prof Muzvidziwa.
He invited alumni to adopt initiatives, becoming strategic partners in the institution’s growth.
The Business Expo featured a diverse array of alumni-led startups and corporate giants.
Strategic partners and sponsors attended in significant numbers, demonstrating solidarity with the university’s industrialisation mandate.
