The University of Zambia launched the Americas UNZA Alumni Relations and Advancement Branch Network on Saturday 15 July 2017 at the Ambassador’s Residence, Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Washington DC United States of America.
Speaking at the occasion of the launch, Alumni Relations and Advancement Board Chairperson Dr Tukiya Kankasa – Mabula explained that the University of Zambia had set out to leverage on the alumni and friends of the University of Zambia to contribute towards three strategic pillar in University Advancement namely:
Dr Mabula said, ‘We are all agreed that achieving excellence in the three areas will put our national university up high in the regional and international rankings. Although a lot of good things have happened over the last fifty one years of UNZA’s operational existence, the institution now operates in a rapidly changing business environment, and it is important that it remains robust in order to prepare our people adequately.’
Pictured at the residence of Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, UNZA ARA Board chairperson Dr Tukiya Kankasa – Mabula with the leadership Group of the Americas UNZA ARA Branch Network
It was highlighted that following the appointment by the University of Zambia of the Alumni Relations and Advancement Board in December 2016, the Board had since considered and approved the ARA Business Plan and Budget 2017. Thus, the launch of the UNZA Americas Alumni Relations and Advancement Operation was a strategic initiative in line with the 2017 Business Plan.
Dr Mabula highlighted the tremendous efforts the University of Zambia was making to strengthen University governance and to address challenges associated with advancing teaching and research excellence. She also commended government through the Embassy for hosting this event and providing an opportunity to promote higher education in Zambia.
Head of Alumni Relations and Advancement, Kennedy Msusa made a presentation on UNZA’s heritage, its achievements and the strategic role of the alumni relations and advancement operation. He discussed the ARA value chain and emphasized the need to deepen the learning experience of existing students as a way of growing their affinity to the University of Zambia. He explained that the ARA had established an endowment fund and would be seeking to raise funds towards construction of the multipurpose teaching and learning centre at the Fund Raising Dinner on 20 October 2017 to be officiated upon by His Excellency the President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The launch attracted alumni and friends of the University of Zambia from different States in the United States. UNZA Management’s initiative to engage the Alum in the effort to transform the institution was well received.