Inaugural Graduation Ceremony of Tangaza University; Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine’s Immense Contribution to the Institution’s Development Applauded
Eastern Africa

Inaugural Graduation Ceremony of Tangaza University; Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine’s Immense Contribution to the Institution’s Development Applauded

By December 19, 2024 January 20th, 2025 No Comments

By: Esther Kibe MA,

Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine, Shalom-SCCRR’s International Chairman, is the Vice-Chairman of Tangaza University Council and Chair of Corporate Affairs. On November 15th, Tangaza University had its first graduation ceremony. A few weeks ago, the Shalom team expressed their delight to see Rev. Dr Oliver Noonan, Executive Director, being conferred with his PhD at the first graduation ceremony of the university, none more so than his colleague Fr. Patrick; see the following published link (https://shalomconflictcenter.org/congratulations-rev-dr-oliver-noonan/).

At the event, in a special way, the university Vice Chancellor; Prof. Patrick Mwania recognized Members of the University Council, and particularly Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine who is the council’s Vice Chairman. He applauded Dr. Devine’s long service to the university as a member of the University Governing Council, and currently the Chair of Corporate Affairs. Fr. Devine is the one charged with the responsibility of setting up the Tangaza University Endowment Fund, the Prof, noted. He thanked Dr. Devine for his continued commitment to the university (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YmYHcQaFeA ). Fr. Devine, as an SMA missionary, founder of Shalom-SCCRR and core figure in the development of Tangaza University, among other roles, embodies over 35 years of expertise in educational/infrastructural development, conflict transformation, reconciliation and countering religious extremism in Eastern Africa. He first became a member of the board of Tangaza University College in 1996, when he was elected SMA Regional Superior for Kenya and Tanzania, as it moved forward to become a fully fledged university in its own right, receiving its Charter. Later as chairman for the Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya (RSCK), he strove to bring the organization into an ever closer collaboration with Tangaza’s progression.

Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine, being introduced by the Tangaza Vice Chancellor Prof. Patrick Mwania as he welcomes the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto, accompanied by Dr. Muriithi Ndegwa, Dr. Edward Odundo and Dr. George Muhoho, Chairman of the Council.

As a pivotal figure in Tangaza University’s evolution, he has contributed immensely to its leadership and governance ever since.  He has held many different positions of leadership, not forgetting 12 years as a lecturer. His unwavering dedication was instrumental in guiding the institution to attaining its University Charter in May this year, underscoring his commitment to educational excellence and institutional progress. At a recent university council meeting, he has also been requested to take the lead on setting up an endowment fund for the university.  

Fr. Patrick Devine holding the University Mace during preparation for the Academic Procession

Shalom-SCCRR has an MoU with Tangaza University addressing shared interests and practicalities of co-operation and collaboration. Over the years, Shalom, primarily through Dr. Devine’s many roles with the university and its governance, has fostered impactful partnerships with Tangaza University. The main focus is on advancing conflict transformation, peacebuilding, reconciliation studies and fieldwork applicable to resolving structural and manifest conflict on the African continent. Presently, he is very involved with the development of a distinct degree program to address matters mentioned above and other areas pertaining to religious ideological extremism, violence against women and children, and human and organ trafficking.  Through the conflict resolution and reconciliation course he taught over the years he provided opportunities to Shalom team members, who had a minimum of an MA to be guest lectures in their fields of specialization, such as women and conflict, the extractive industries and conflict, governance and development, negotiation and mediation, conflict and religion, among other areas; it was a win-win experience for both institutions and for the individuals involved!

Please click here for the Vice Chancellor’s Newsletter.

Author: Ms. Esther Kibe, MA – Shalom-SCCRR Communications Department

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