October 2018
IUGB FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
Message From the Executive Director
I love milestones like graduations as well as gatherings like the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which happens every year in September. Leaders from all industries from all over the world descend on New York City. There are countless meetings, galas, conferences, small and big gatherings covering topics like education, business, women empowerment, youth employment, politics and many others. It is a busy time in the city. I typically have the privilege of meeting new friends and re-connecting with old colleagues by attending informative events throughout the week. It gives me the opportunity to discuss the great work that IUGB is doing. People are amazed that there is a thriving private university in Cote d'Ivoire. I enjoy inspiring people with the story of IUGB.

Two weeks before UNGA on September 6, 2018, I was in Abidjan to attend the 4th Commencement Ceremony at IUGB. As the graduating students took their seats, I must say that I became teary-eyed. I thought about all of the hard work by parents, administrators, professors and most importantly the students. I was filled with pride and joy. You can read more about the graduation ceremony in this newsletter.

Tomorrow is October 2 and it is the last day to participate in Global Giving. If you have not done so already, please do give any amount to support females in STEM at IUGB. 

From my heart and mind,
Amini Kajunju
IUGB Hosts its 4th Commencement Ceremony
On Saturday September 8, 2018, IUGB hosted its 4 th commencement ceremony at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan. This graduation cohort consisted of 48 students, 38 from the school of Business and Social Sciences (BSS) and 10 from the school of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The majority of student graduates were female (54%). Due to the growing number of attendees, this is the first time IUGB hosted its commencement ceremony outside of its traditional venue of the city of Grand-Bassam. In fact, the number of attendees exceeded 1,000. Guests included parents and family members of the graduates, IUGB Board members, students, faculty and staff, embassies, and IUGB strategic partners, namely the IUGB Foundation, CGECI, Coca-Cola, Cargill, Citibank, GE and the US Embassy.

The Keynote Speaker, His Excellency Mr. Amadou Gon COULIBALY was represented for the occasion by Mr. Albert Toikeusse MABRI, Minister of Employment and Social Protection. Mr. MABRI expressed his pride not only as the Minister of Employment but also as a parent of one of the new graduates, to see IUGB training and producing quality future leaders to serve the needs of Cote d’Ivoire and the Sub region. He encouraged the students to keep striving for excellence in all of their future endeavors.

This year, the IUGB’s administration introduced the Students Awards, which will become a yearly tradition moving forward. The students’ awards are an occasion to not only celebrate the graduates’ milestones but also to highlight the achievement of outstanding IUGB students who are making the university proud by their excellent academic performance, leadership, creativity and talent. These awards are also a way to showcase good examples and motivate the whole student body to strive for excellence. Each award is sponsored by one of IUGB’s strategic partners: ( View award recipients )
Testimony of IUGB Graduate Miss Adjoba Marie Emilienne ADIKO
I was born on September 18, 1996 and I am the last sibling of 7 children. I have always been a determined person and that’s why, I decided to sit for my A ‘level exam early in 11 th  grade, before the end of my high school, and I succeeded.

I had the opportunity to study at the “Université de l'Amitié des Peuples” in Russia but I decided to stay in my country in order to understand better our realities and the needs of the population. I want to devote my life and career to help build my country through economic and social policies that will be beneficial to the people. The opportunity I had to get a good quality of education at the International University of Grand-Bassam strengthened my decision to stay. I majored in Political Science major and for me, it was the best choice to achieve my dreams and make a difference.

During my time at IUGB, I stood out by becoming President of the Political Science club and responsible for the academic affairs at the Student Government Association. I designed programs to get students interested in political activism and academic activities. I won a Leadership Prize at the spring 2015 student Gala night.

IUGB helped me develop skills such as perspicacity, leadership and writing which I was able to use in the non-academic world. In 2016, I started a blog to share my involvement in political and social activities. I am now one of the most cited bloggers in Cote d’Ivoire. I received the African Talent Award of the best blogger of the year 2017.

I believe that I can make a change.  I believe I can be the change.
IUGB Foundation Signs a Partnership Agreement with Ethiopian Airlines
The IUGB Foundation has signed a partnership agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to support the 4th Commencement Ceremony of IUGB and to offer free airfare tickets for five IUGB students attending Leaders of the World Conference at Montclair State University in October 2018. Two recent graduates won the top two prizes offered by Ethiopian Airlines at the graduation ceremony. One student won a free round-trip ticket from Newark to Abidjan. And other student won a dinner for three with Country Director of Ethiopian Airlines and a parent.

The Foundation and the University will also sign a long-term corporate agreement with the airline which will deepen the relationship. Ethiopian Airlines is one of the longest running airline companies in Africa. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. In May, it began offering direct flights from Newark to Abidjan. This new partnership with Cote d'Ivoire and with institutions like IUGB and IUGB Foundation tells you that Ethiopian Airlines continues to be committed to the growth and development of Africa.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FEMALE IN STEM


Here is a reminder that our fundraising deadline for the Global Giving Accelerator ends midnight, Tuesday October 2nd (eastern standard time). We are raising money for scholarships for females to study STEM at IUGB. We only need 18 more donors to give $1,245 to become a permanent Global Giving Partner. Please give today.

Share this link:
as widely as possible. Together, we can!

Opportunities and Events
IUGB and IUGB Foundation Will Participate in AAI's State of Education in Africa Conference  

IUGB's President Saliou Toure and IUGB Foundation Executive Director Amini Kajunju have accepted an invitation to participate in AAI's State of Education in Africa conference in Abidjan on October 9 and 10, 2018. This event brings together global policy-makers, scholars, private sector, philanthropy and more to discuss the vast opportunities for higher education in Africa to address some of the most formidable issues in career readiness, economic development, governance and leadership and national sustainability.

This conference, which is in its fourth year, was the brainchild of Amini Kajunju, the former President and CEO of AAI. Due to his distinguished career in academia and government, President Toure will join a panel on reforms on higher education in Africa. Ms. Kajunju will moderate a panel about Africa in the media. For more information about the conference, please visit https://www.soeafrica.org/ .
Oprah Winfrey Foundation African Women’s Public Service Fellowship 2019 for study in the USA (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: December 1st, 2018

The African Women’s Public Service Fellowship, made possible by a donation from the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, expands the opportunity for African women to impact for public service in their home countries.

The Fellowship provides full tuition, fees, housing or a housing stipend (if enrolling in the Global EMPA program), travel to and from the United States, and a small stipend to cover books and miscellaneous expenses.

Fellowship recipients commit to return to their respective home countries at the conclusion of the program with the goal of assuming a leadership position on the continent where they can meaningfully contribute to the challenges currently confronting Africa. (Click here to apply)