Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage honors Global Alumni Diamond Kassam (Diploma in Dairy and food technology class 1969) for establishing Diamond Kassam scholarship for supporting Egerton University needy students. The fellowship will be sponsoring one needy student per year for next 10yrs, starting from the next Academic year September 2024. This was news communicated to the Vice Chancellor through Global Alumni Chairman Prof Sadru Nazarali who was classmate of Diamond Kassam, both based in Vancouver Canada. Kassam was one of the 15 students during his years after College starting with 3 students in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatoon, UK the Founder of Egerton University as a Teaching farm for only male students. This was after his lovely girlfriend refused to marry him because the house was too small, although its 38 rooms. This is the current Lord Egerton Castle, located at Ngata, which was part of Lord Egerton farm, which has been converted into tourists and cultural center.
From then on, the University has grown from a farm training college to Diploma College and finally a Premier and leading Regional Agricultural University with over 17,000 + students and 85,000 + alumni.
According to Prof Sadru, Kassam liked to party, loved his Tusker beer and his bottle of wine in his younger days. However did excellent in his studies that led him to studies and career establishments abroad. His extensive dairy tech experience after graduation and field services in Tanzania is commendable. “While you had to leave under sad sad circumstances due to Nationalization policies of Tanzania, I am amazed at your business success: notes Prof Sandru. Kassam continued with his business skill after retirement as indicated by Prof Sandru who noted that “I am told that even with a disability you were able to sell 4 used cars on the phone while attending the Edmonton Reunion in 2018” and further quotes “EGERTONIANS ARE VERSATILE BREED...... and you are one of the best” said Prof Sandru about Kassam and all Egerton Alumni.
In his appreciation, the Vice Chancellor noted that “it is my honor and privilege to share his thoughts on Diamond Kassam and heartening to hear about his journey and accomplishments” “Diamond Kassam's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Egertonians, and it's truly inspiring to see how he has excelled despite facing challenges along the way. He noted that “On behalf of Egerton University, I extend our warmest congratulations to Diamond Kassam for his remarkable achievements. His dedication to his studies and his contributions to the field of dairy technology are commendable, and we are proud to count him among our alumni”
Prof Kibwage noted that he was particularly impressed by his success in business and his commitment to giving back through the Diamond Kassam scholarship by sponsoring 1 student every year for next 10yrs. He noted that “Kassam generosity will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of future students at Egerton University”. He conveyed Council, Management, staff and students best wishes to Diamond Kassam, and look forward to welcoming him back to Egerton one day. He also most sincerely thanked Prof Sadru Nazarali the International and Global chair of Egerton Alumni for leading the Egerton university Global Alumni of the 1960s and 70s both locally and globally. Vice chancellor appealed to all Alumni to emulate Kassam by contributing to their Alma Mater.
By Prof Paul Kimurto and Musa Kurian
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
