The Midwest and Central Chapter of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Alumni Association of North America held its election of new executives and annual get-to-gether event on Saturday February 26, 2011 at the Akainyah Gallery, downtown Chicago, IL.

In his keynote address, the National President, Dr. Joe Okyere Conduah advised the chapter members to effectively use the Alumni body as a springboard to assist Ghana indirectly in technological advancement through liaising with KNUST, other universities and bodies; to develop and draw awareness on programs and courses that will equip the universities and its graduates to meet the modern global demands and improve on international recognition. He also urged members to invite more Alumni to join the association to give the association a bigger voice in the achievements of the said objectives.

As part of his activities to drive membership, recruit new Alumni and move the association in the forward direction; Mr. Henry Domi, the new chapter president who is also the national assistant secretary , plans to encourage alumni to register with the association for mentorship and networking and also get connected with current students in the different programs at KNUST using live meetings to educate them on some of the new and emerging areas in their field of study and how they can take advantages and align themselves after school. He added that, delegates will be visiting the university regularly to gather some of the emerging problems on campus and how to strategically deal with them. In all, four (4) new executives (listed below) were sworn into office by Dr. Joe Okyere-Conduah, the National President of KNUST Alumni Association, North America;
Mr. Henry Domi - President, Dr. Alexander Anim-Mensah - Secretary, Mr. Joseph Madjinor - Publicity Officer, Ms. Esther Ofosuhene –Treasurer.
Present at the event included Alumni, friends and affiliate members. Some recognized Alumni at the event included Prof. Samuel Akainyah (Kennedy King College and Akainyah Gallery - Chicago, IL), who received an appreciation award for his outstanding support and dedicated service to the association. Others include; Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Afriyie (Professor at North Eastern University-Chicago, IL and Director of West African Relations for International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET) ), Chaplain Dr. Gabriel Amoteng-Boahen (University of Chicago, IL), Mr. John A. Abbeyea (President, Abbeyea and Associates), Mr. Robert Acquaye (Accra Committee Chair, Chicago Sister Cities International) and Mr. Jesus Birikorang (KNUST Alumni National Vice President and with Discovery). Mr. Robert Acquaye representing Chicago Sister Cities International advised the association to look beyond its objectives and consider the junior and senior secondary schools students I n Ghana to offer them some assistance. He further mentioned his organization will offer assistance if we identify schools the Alumni want to help in material or in kind. The Alumni believes this new idea will fuel the upcoming meeting in Virgina where invited Alumni include PV Obeng, current and former vice Chancellors, and CEO and top companies officials in the USA and Ghana. In addition, guests will be invited to educate the attendants on some of the global trends and how to seize those opportunities. This will serve as learning experiences for other associations to assist in Ghana’s growth and advancement.
KNUST Alumni in the Midwest/Central area are encouraged to contact any of the following executives members to register for membership of local chapter: Mr. Henry Domi (President) - kwazo64@gmail.com, phone: 312 823 3742; Dr. Alexander Anim-Mensah (Secretary) - alexraymonda@yahoo.com, 513 497 5038/336 601 2698, Joseph Madjinor (Organizing Secretaty) - Jmadjinor@yahoo.com 773 530 6683
Major Upcoming Alumni Event: KNUST 2011 NATIONAL BIENNIAL CONVENTION
KNUST Alumni of North America is delighted to invite you to attend 8th Biennial Convention which will be held in Washington DC metro area on the July 4th, 2011 holiday weekend at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield, Virginia. The event coincides with anniversary of the establishment of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and to celebrate the Centenary of the birth of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Founder of the Nation, and to recognize his extraordinary vision for the emancipation of Ghana and the rest of Africa. The theme for the dialogue will be “BEYOND THE HORIZON”: Assessing KNUST’s Future Strategies for addressing current national and international challenges facing the University.
Program Highlights:
Arrival of Guest and Socializing: (July 1, 2011 – 8pm-12am) The Hotel will be open for guest arrival and socialization at the Hilton auditorium. This event is open to all alumni, friends and family. This will be an opportunity to have close contacts with our high profile guests and dignitaries who will be participating in the event.
Keynote Address: July 2, 2011 – 8am-12pm) The Association has extended invitations to diplomatic dignitaries, thought provoking, inspiring and tireless leaders in the world communities to spearhead the event. We will send specific information out as soon as their roles are confirmed. The session will create the opportunity to hear from our guests. There will also be break-up sessions led by the guest speakers and University faculty staffs to brainstorm the convention theme and how it could be fulfilled.
Conference: (July 2, 2011 - 12pm-2pm) In the afternoon, The Provosts and Vice Chancellors alongside the invited key note speakers will lead thought provoking discussions to deliberate with members critical topics ranging from effective networking and the means to contribute to the University. The University faculty will also update the alumni body the new developments on campus and alumni concerns.
General Election: Elections will be held to elect National Executive bodies. Among the open positions are President and Vice, Secretary and Assistant, Treasurer and Publicity officer.
Dinner Dance and Fund raising: (July 2, 2011 – 8pm -2am) The Alumni body, and Guest Speakers including the diplomats and dignitaries will meet for Dinner Dance and fund raising. During the event, the current Vice Chancellor will confer honorary degrees to important and outstanding individuals who have contributed immensely to the cause of the University and the Association. This is the Fun part!!! This will be a ticketed event. Stay tuned for detailed information.
Capital Sightseeing Tour: (July 3, 2011 – 10am-12pm) Washington DC capital tour buses would convey alumni for a sightseeing into the capital for historical and memorial place in the City, the historical images, white house tales and many things in the capital. This will also be followed by a picnic hosted by the DMV chapter of the association.
Picnic hosted by DMV Chapter: (July 3, 2011 – 2pm-7pm) ,regarding departure and last minute socializing, the DMV chapter will host an outdoor picnic for members.
Post Convention Academia Tour: (July 5 – July 8, 2011 - Week long Event) The Vice Chancellor, Provosts, University Faculties and alumni executives will visit several universities in the Washington DC Metro area. This would be a great project, whereby they get the opportunity to interact with faculty members from some of the finest Universities in United States.
Please stay tuned for specifics and detailed information about the event. For further information and contacts please visit our website. http://www.ustalumni.com
God Bless KNUST and Ghana as a whole!