News from Nairobi

By James Chege
Librarian
Maryknoll Institute of African Studies
Editor: Father Michael C. Kirwen, Director

Prize Giving Ceremonies

On July 9 the students, field assistants and faculty gathered for the final day of the second immersion program.  The day began with summary lectures given for each course, followed by a coffee break and thereafter a plenary session.

Professor Waruta addresses students and field assistants during the final assembly.

During the plenary session, the lecturers spoke briefly about their courses and invited students who had not taken their respective courses to join their classes. Certificates were handed to field assistants who had qualified for three  levels of certification. Foundational certificates were given to those who have worked in at least six courses and scored a minimum “B” in their course essays. The intermediate certificates were issued to those who had worked an additional six courses, and the advanced certificates were issued to those who had worked in a further six courses for  a total of 18 courses.

All smiles as Judith Onyango receives her intermediate certification from Francis Kimani who was representing the Chairman of the MIASMU board, Fr. Lance Nadeau. 

Another highlight of the day was the prize giving ceremony for outstanding field assistants. Here, the three best male and female field assistants, as chosen through balloting by field assistants and MIASMU staff, received gifts for their hard work and dedication. For the men  field assistants position 1, 2 and 3 went to Victor Okubasu, Francis Kamunya and Lawrence Ofunja respectively. On the ladies side Sarah O’kubasu lead the way followed by Grace Onalo and Emma Masau. All the remaining field assistants were also given a small token of appreciation for their continued efforts in the program.

Francis Kamunya receives his gift from MIASMU assistant director Dr. Edith Chamwama.

The day ended with a celebration featuring the famous ‘nyama choma’ – roast goat meat-- that was enjoyed by all.

MA Student Successfully Defends Thesis

Zacharie Kyungu, a citizen of the Congo,  successfully defended his M.A. thesis on July 2. His thesis was on death and burial rites among the Bukusu Quakers of Bungoma County in western Kenya. His examining panel consisted of the chairperson and thesis adviser, Professor Douglas Waruta; thesis reader Professor Mary Getui; and MIASMU program director, Professor Michael Kirwen.

The thesis committee listens to Kyungu’s thesis defence.

The thesis presented the mindset of the Bukusu regarding death and burial rites.  It highlighted how there must be continuing ties between the living and the departed, even though the dead person is physically absent. One of the strongest ties is through his/her children and through the rituals which unite the two world as relatives and neighbors come to bid farewell and mourn the deceased. The Bukusu sacrifices, rituals, and the memorial services are expressions of “Bukusu Spirituality” regarding death and burial. The challenge for Christians is to find ways to integrate, in a holistic manner, their Christian and Bukusu spiritualities when faced with death and burial.

Zacharie stands between the MIAS director Professor Kirwen and Professor Getui

with Professor Waruta in the foreground. 

Conservatory to conduct ‘Nutcracker’ auditions Aug. 30

Amanda Whalen and Keegan Eide, both MCA students.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold auditions Saturday, Aug. 30, for its holiday production of The Nutcracker, to be performed at Saint Mary’s University Dec. 4-7. Auditions will begin at noon at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The Nutcracker tells the timeless tale of Clara as she is taken into a magical world filled with dancing candy, daring sword fights, and beautiful fairies.

There are numerous opportunities to become involved in this production, from performing in the spotlight to assisting behind the scenes. Roles are available for actors, dancers and community members ages 5 and older (including adults) at all levels of experience.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is a nonprofit arts organization, which offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500. Auditions are free and open to the public.

Conservatory registration open house planned for Sept. 3

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold its winter 2014 registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Valencia Arts enter, 1164 West 10th St.

Here are five reasons to attend:

• It’s a great opportunity to visit the facility, tour the studios and classrooms, and meet the talented instructors and staff.
• The dance attire boutique will be open and staff will assist with fittings and take orders for all of the dance classes.
• You can learn more about programming including some great new opportunities.
• Members of the Friends of MCA will be on hand to tell you more about hands-on volunteer opportunities.
• You will be able to visit with members of the Winona and MCA community and meet new people who love the arts as much as you.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

‘Campus Notes’ schedule

The newsletter will go back to a weekly schedule beginning with the next edition Friday, Aug. 22. The deadline for each Friday issue is the Wednesday prior.

Sympathy to Johnson, Walsh families

Robert “Skipper” Rislove, father to Heidi Johnson, iT, died Saturday, July 26, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford.

Brother J. Francis (Frank) Walsh, FSC, Ph.D., died Wednesday, Aug. 6, in Winona. He was 90. Brother Frank was a 1945 alum of Saint Mary’s University and a De La Salle Christian Brother for 72 years. He joined our faculty in 1953 and served for 20 years, including roles as dean of men and head resident of the dormitories. Brother Frank taught in many other Lasallian schools and also served the Brothers as auxiliary provincial of the former St. Paul / Minneapolis District. He retired in 1993 and lived in the Christian Brothers Community on our Winona campus. Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9–10:30 a.m. in Saint Thomas More Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in the same location, followed by interment at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Johnson and Walsh families.

Cristo Rey students on campus July 24-27 for retreat

In a few weeks Saint Mary’s will welcome Cristo Rey St. Martin High School (Waukegan, Ill.) students to campus. A total of 110 incoming ninth-graders, and 138 people total, are expected to be on campus July 24-27. Please make them feel welcome during their stay on campus.