KIU Main Campus: For Sister Stella Kanyunyuzi, stepping into Kampala International University (KIU) was like opening the door to a new world. It was a world alive with intellectual curiosity, vibrant diversity, and boundless challenges. Coming from the structured, contemplative life of a convent, Sr. Stella found this transition to be both exhilarating and transformative, offering her a bridge between her religious commitments and her academic and professional ambitions.

Sr. Stella is one of the students graduating at KIU’s 30th Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

“I joined KIU not only as a student but also as a staff member, serving as an Accountant for Grants in the Research, Innovations, Collaboration, and Entrepreneurship (RICE) department,” she shared.

In this role, she has seamlessly integrated a diverse set of skills and experiences, drawing on her extensive training across various fields, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), certification, educational background, and deep commitment to her faith. These aspects had each prepared her for a position that nurtured both academic and entrepreneurial growth, providing her with a unique perspective and an impactful purpose.

Being part of KIU’s richly diverse and inclusive community was, for Sr. Stella, a revelation. In her daily interactions with students and faculty from around the world, she discovered a range of perspectives she hadn’t imagined.

“The classroom discussions go far beyond the theoretical, opening me up to international views and pushing me to think critically,” she reflected.

This experience, she emphasized, enriched her academic journey and made her work in the RICE department even more rewarding. Supporting innovative projects with the potential for meaningful impact allowed her to weave her own values into her professional responsibilities.

Balancing her religious commitments with academic and professional responsibilities was a challenge that Sr. Stella navigated carefully.

“My life as a sister had been centered on service, prayer, and contemplation,” she explained. But at KIU, she found herself not only as a learner but also as an educator and a professional. Her postgraduate studies in education gave her a strong foundation in communication and sharing knowledge effectively skills she applied in the RICE department.

With her ACCA skills, she has been able to budget strategically for research grants and collaborate with different faculty members on groundbreaking initiatives.

“Each skill I have gained has brought new value to my work and broadened my understanding,” she said with pride.

Through it all, Sr. Stella came to treasure the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that KIU offered.

“What I treasure most is that KIU feels like a second home—an inclusive space where my religious beliefs are respected, and my career aspirations are nurtured,” she said.

The university’s commitment to diversity allowed her to embrace her identity fully, as both a sister and an academic.

“I’ve learned that my faith and my professional journey are complementary, each adding depth and meaning to the other,” she observed.

As she looked back on her time at KIU, Sr. Stella expressed immense gratitude for the growth, friendships, and endless learning she experienced.

“Being part of KIU and RICE has been a joyous journey, one that bridges my life in the convent with an intellectual, purpose-driven path,” she reflected.

With graduation on the horizon, Sr. Stella is filled with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to make a difference in both her spiritual community and the broader world.

We wish Sr. Stella all the best as she graduates.