The Diamond Jubilee Celebration has commenced!
The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Launching Ceremony took place on Friday, January 3, 2014 at the Science Amba Hall at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. University of Gondar President, Professor Mengesha, welcomed a diverse audience of students, academic staff members and dignitaries from Ethiopia and abroad with a speech that laid the foundation for the celebratory year to come. Celebrations include the Alumni Graduation Ceremony and the Diamond Jubilee Exhibition Opening on July 5, 2014, the inauguration of the new 1000-bed referral hospital on July 6, 2014, and a Next Steps Conference on July 7, 2014.
Following Professor Mengesha’s welcoming speech were keynote speeches delivered by Dr. Sintayehu W/Michael, Professor Denis Carlson, Dr. Getachew, and Dr. G/Selasie Ekubazgie. Each orator spoke of the incredible transformation of a small, public health training center to a prestigious and comprehensive University. The children of the Community School then roused the crowd with a moving performance of the University theme song. The song transitioned to an interpretive play of the history of the University with students acting as doctors, administrators, patients, dignitaries, and more.
A cake and candle ceremony followed the theatrics. Professor Mengesha had the honor of lighting the first candle of sixty and cutting the large ceremonial cake. The audience then turned its attention to two videos that explained the many celebrations upcoming in 2014. The Diamond Jubilee Launching Ceremony Program had a strong effect on those who attended, and if it is any indication of the celebrations to come, then we can expect a great year.