CMU-Africa celebrates 10th graduation

Carnegie Mellon University Africa recently celebrated its 10th graduation ceremony, a significant milestone for the institution. The event, held on May 26th, honored the achievements of the Class of 2023, which included 158 graduates from the Master of Science in Information Technology, the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the inaugural cohort of the Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence program.

The ceremony included a host of distinguished speakers, including Valentine Uwamariya, the minister of education in the Government of Rwanda, and Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian. Solomon Assefa, vice president of IBM Research, delivered the keynote address. In addition, the ceremony included remarks from the Strecker Dean of the College of Engineering Bill Sanders, class valedictorian Brighton Mahatchi, and Alumni Association President Bobson Rugambwa.

In his address, President Jahanian praised the graduates for their exceptional accomplishments and emphasized their role in shaping Africa's future. He underscored the importance of utilizing technology for positive societal impact and encouraged the graduates to apply their skills in addressing the continent's pressing challenges.

Dean Sanders expressed his pride in the graduates' achievements and emphasized the significance of graduate education in nation-building. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving complex problems in Africa and urged the graduates to embrace confidence, innovation, creativity, and diversity as they embark on their professional journeys.

Solomon Assefa shared insights into the transformative power of technology and its potential to propel Africa to the forefront of scientific advances. He also acknowledged IBM's recognition of the excellence displayed by CMU-Africa alumni and interns, highlighting the institution's world-class status.

Valentine Uwamariya delivered words of encouragement to the graduates. She emphasized the critical role of education in national development and commended Carnegie Mellon University Africa for its commitment to nurturing highly skilled professionals on the continent. She expressed confidence in the graduates' ability to contribute to Africa's vision of becoming a technology-driven economy and urged them to remain true to themselves, understand their goals, and work tirelessly to achieve them.

Brighton Mahatchi reflected on the challenges and triumphs experienced by the graduating class, emphasizing the power of collaboration and the pursuit of knowledge. He concluded his remarks by challenging his fellow graduates to give back and strive to be the best versions of themselves.

The CMU-Africa graduation ceremony celebrated exceptional graduates in leadership, research, academics, and student life. Two distinguished awards, the Lakshmi Subramanian CMU-Africa Student Excellence Award, and the Jeremiah Mpagazehe Rising Research Award, were presented.

The 2023 Lakshmi Subramanian CMU-Africa Student Excellence Awardees, Medhn Hadush and Muhammad Omer were recognized from the Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence program. Hadush excelled in the Neurorobotics course and completed an impressive internship. Omer was honored for his exceptional performance as a Teaching Assistant.

Miquilina Anagbah, from the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program, received the award for her outstanding leadership and organizational skills, as well as her research contributions.

Arisema Mihretu, a graduate from the Master of Science in Information Technology program, was recognized for her remarkable academic performance and contributions to student life.

Pamaly Zantou, from the Master of Science in Engineering and Computer Engineering program, received the 2023 Jeremiah Mpagazehe Rising Researcher Award for their outstanding research contributions.

These exceptional individuals demonstrate unwavering commitment and extraordinary achievements, inspiring their peers and embodying the values of CMU-Africa.

The 10th Carnegie Mellon University Africa Graduation ceremony exemplified the institution's dedication to excellence in computer engineering and artificial intelligence education. Equipped with their world-class education, our graduates are well-positioned to make significant contributions to the growth and development of Africa's technology sector.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 graduates on their remarkable accomplishments!