There was a record number of graduates... 1,398 students!
We were so very honored that Dr. Alan Cureton, President of University of Northwestern St. Paul, was able to be the guest of honor and share the keynote address with the students.
Because of your support, 30 scholarships graduated in 2021 and 76 students received full scholarships.
“Thank you for giving me a chance in education which is a milestone to my success. I can now see a brighter future awaiting me in this road to my destiny. This scholarship really means a lot to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. May the Lord continually bless you and increase you in all ways. Words alone can never be enough to express my gratitude. You remain in my thoughts and prayer. God bless you.”
Prisca graduated with a degree in Education from Daystar.
“I could write a book on how God has seen me through life and I believe I am still going far until I complete my purpose in life. If it were not for Him I would not be here today. It is indeed sweet to trust in Jesus. He has been supporting and giving me strength that I personally cannot understand. He has used people in different ways to support me and see me through this life. In my story, it has always been God.
I am in disbelief, I cannot express how good and kind you are. I am going to graduate because of your kindness and gracious support. I am emotional right now as I type this part, good emotions though. How kind people like you still exist is beyond my understanding. From paying my tuition fee to monthly allowance, it is not even right for me to say thank you. I wish I could do more than just saying thanks. You have no idea how hopeful you have made me, how optimistic I am and how much I am willing to push and be able to forward the kindness someday to others. May the almighty God bless you always! May your cup overflow with goodness! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and be blessed always."
Daisy graduated with a degree in Communication from Daystar.
The Daystar Nursing School was the only nursing program open in all of Kenya during the Covid shutdown! There are now 474 future nurses in the program, including an amazing increase of around 160 new students for this current year! All of last year’s graduates were able to receive immediate internships and are vital in hospitals throughout Kenya. They are bringing hope to so many struggling in hospitals during the pandemic.
President Laban has shared that Daystar predicts another larger class in the next semester. Daystar is in dire need of facilities to educate so many future Christ-centered leaders serving in hospitals. The university has plans to expand the Nursing School to accommodate the growth. The first step is to procure and ship equipment to arrive as soon as possible for new student labs. The total cost for this was $125,000. The goal has been reached! Many of you gave generously to fund the $125,000 that was needed! We are working with a local non-profit, Matter, who specializes in medical equipment. They worked on getting the equipment and then packing it for ocean freight shipment (the container is 8’ high, 8’ wide and 40’ long!).
This equipment (for a nursing skills lab for the Athi River campus) provides great momentum for the future of the Nursing school! President Laban sees this program becoming a flagship program with a great impact on Africa for years to come.
Thank you you so much for your prayers and generous support!
A grand opening for the Jack and Camie Eugster Fitness Center was celebrated at Daystar University in March. The fitness center was made possible by a generous gift from Jack and Camie, and it is now being enjoyed by Daystar University students.
Thank you so much, Jack and Camie!!!
Mark Seignious with Dr. Lydia Radoli (center) and Dr. Beatrice Mbogoh (right) from Daystar University at the dedication of new equipment at Daystar’s Shine FM radio station.
The UNW team was able to train Daystar colleagues to install the communications equipment in the new studios and in the Shine FM radio station.
Thanks to a generous donation and a lot of perseverance from University of Northwestern in St Paul, Minnesota, newly renovated studios with upto-date equipment for communications studies are now installed at Daystar University, giving students the best learning experience possible. Daystar’s radio station, Shine FM, now has the most modern radio equipment available to broadcast high-quality Christian programs and music to the surrounding area.
A Northwestern Media team, led by Jason Sharp, visited Daystar in January of 2020 with a fresh commitment to fill the newly-constructed studios with modern communications equipment. UNW purchased the equipment with a plan to deliver and install it in April of 2020. Then the worldwide Covid pandemic closed international travel!
After four canceled trips, a group from the University of Northwestern, led by Scott Jones, Assistant Vice President – Business Operations and Technology, and Mark Seignious, Communications Department, traveled with the Daystar U.S. team and arrived in early June. Going through customs with 27 bags of equipment was interesting! They thank the Lord for His favor in getting through.
Thank you to the University of Northwestern for their investment in Daystar students and the perseverance to make this a reality!
President Laban with Barb and Elmer Schefers during a 2019 visit to Minnesota.
“A loan made for an education can be one of the best investments you can make, if done wisely.” ELMER SCHEFERS
Elmer and Barb Schefers know loan can make in a life. El received a small student loan which enabled him to complete his university business degree. With this degree, El spent over 40 years working in a successful insurance business while Barb was a full-time care giver to their four children.
The Schefers want to give this same opportunity to Daystar University students. In 2020, they gave generous gifts totaling $250,000 to begin the Schefers Servant Leadership Loan Program. This program provides an opportunity for U.S. donors to support Daystar University students who would otherwise not be able to attend. Over the years, the Schefers have supported over 40 students and started this program with the hopes it would grow over time to be their legacy of assisting students for years to come.
The demand for higher education has increased tremendously in Kenya. Though Daystar’s annual tuition of $6,000 is low compared to U.S. standards, 300-400 bright young people are turned away every year because they cannot raise the tuition. Government grants, loans, and scholarships are not readily available in Kenya.
The Schefers Servant Leadership Loan Program stipulates that the original $250,000 will only be available for student loans when matched, with the goal of reaching an initial $500,000. All interest from the loans will go back into the fund to support more students over time.
The maximum amount awarded is $900 per semester.
Loans will be available to qualified Daystar students who are:
• Are close to completing their academic program.
• Exhibit a strong Christian character.
• Have demonstrated a financial need.
• Possess above average academic achievement (CUM GPA of at least 3.0 for postgraduate students and 2.50 for undergraduate students).
• Demonstrate mature behavior in all areas of university life.
If you are interested in more information about this program please send an email to Alan Cooke at Alan@DaystarUS.org.