NUI Blog - Northrise University Initiative

The girls of Alpha Phi raised $5540.00 for Northrise during Greek Week at USD, winning the competition and earning themselves a 3-hour Newport Yacht cruise!  The girls rallied together to support Northrise, by encouraging family and friends to donate to Northrise during the online giving campaign.  In total, the students of USD raised over $17,000 to support the work of Northrise University in Zambia!  Northrise is thankful to the girls of Alpha Phi, and ALL the students of the University of San Diego!

by Agness Nshindano

When the class of 2007 graduated, the valedictorian, Godfrey Mpala, echoed these words with emotion “…this day does not mark the end, but rather it is the beginning of our great journey to reaching higher heights…”  That statement has been confirmed over the years as we have seen many of our graduates soaring high…

Today, what makes us even happier is the fact that three of our graduates have been accepted into Masters Programs at other universities. Godfrey Mpala has been accepted into the Masters of Information Technology (MIT) program at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom while Alice Simutowe has been accepted into the Masters of Theology (MTh) program at South Africa Theological Seminary. With the introduction of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Northrise University (NU), Banji Simasiku took an opportunity to broaden her career prospects by joining the MBA program being offered.

This clearly shows that the education that is offered at NU is indeed reputable and offered with excellence.

Getting an education is one thing. Getting an education with excellence is another and both our students and graduates understand the difference…

At Northrise University, we are “Being Excellent at What is Good…”

At Northrise University, we have reasons to be proud of our alumni. Over 80% of our former students have been absorbed in the industry. A few have followed their dreams and started new companies while others are already enjoying the challenges and satisfaction that comes with reaching the next level within their organizations.  The Media Team was privileged to talk to one of the NU Alumni, Jerald Kanyanta.  Follow me as I zoom in on him; lets take a closer look at his story…

Jerald was born in the family of ten (10) and he is the sixth born child. His Dad, who is now retired, used to be a Lecturer at Mufulira College of Education.  Jerald’s hometown is Mufurila, a small town in the copperbelt region.

In 2002, Jerald completed his grade 12 and the one thing that was on his mind was to get into University.  While thinking of where to go, he came accross a Northrise University Advert in the newspaper. This was a good thing because all he had ever wanted for a career was computers. He came to Northrise with the thought that he would not be staying long. However, within a few days of being at NU, the whole idea changed.  “I was so priviliged to be part of that class… One thing I loved the most about NU was the balance between theory and hands on experience. That gave me a masive advantage in computers.” He says

Beside academics, Jerald speaks of learning how to believe in himself, and how to give birth to a dream/vision and believe in it. After graduation (class of 2006) He opened his own Business Centre at Kamuchanga Shoping Centre in his hometown. It was the first business centre in the area but today; the area has more than seven such centers. “It makes me proud to be the initiator of such a development in that community and I owe it to the skills I acquired at NU”.

After a year, Jerald was privileged to join a premier ISP Company in the country, Zamnet.  He worked as a Customer Support Specialist for a year and received a promotion to Network Specialist in the Networks Administration group. This Year, 2010, Jerald was considered for yet another promotion as Operations Manager – South (regional level). Today, Jerald is based in Livingstone – Zambia’s Tourist Capital – as Acting Operations Manager – South.

“The greatest treasure I got from Northrise, apart from the education, is my understanding of how God wants me to be… “A people person…” Look at the sponsors; they don’t know any of us, yet through them God worked a miracle in my life… Northrise has changed my life… I have chosen to live not just for my family but for anyone in need; no mater who they are.”

In ending he says, “To me, Northrise University was a Life Changing, Mind Changing, and Character Shaping University.”

by Agness Nshindano

Northrise University is pleased to call its first academic building “Kuhula House.” Prior to its naming, this building was commonly referred to as “the Northrise Business Building”. The naming process started by first deciding that it will have a Zambian name. Several English words were proposed that included Treasure, Knowledge, Care, Growth and Unity, Freedom, Net, Peace and Turning Point. The task for members of staff was to find the equivalent vernacular name for any of these words. After the vernacular equivalents were proposed, each member of staff voted for three most preferred names and “Kuhula” emerged the winning word.

Kuhula is a Lozi dialect for growth, increase, development, expansion and anything close to these meaning. As the Business Building is the very first academic structure on the main campus, Northrise is looking forward to the growth of the rest of the buildings as well as the growth of the students who will go through this building; that they will grow in the knowledge of God, increase in their knowledge, develop in their character and make a lasting positive impact wherever the Lord will call them.

In the past weeks, Kuhula House has made tremendous  progress towards it completion. The inside of the building has been wired and plastered. Presently, tiles are being laid, walls are being painted, and the ceiling is being fitted. All the windows have been fitted.  We can’t wait to see the outside plastered and painted in the next few weeks.

Kuhula is just the beginning; we look forward to what is yet to come…

by Danny Ortega

This past weekend, friends of Northrise in Houston, TX helped pack a 40′ container with the supplies for the new business building at the Northrise Farms in Zambia.  The container was packed completely full with computers, furniture, supplies, appliances,  and many other donated items that will help Northrise meet the needs of many more students throughout Zambia.

Special thanks to all the people who helped fill this container!

Update **  The container will leave the US mid February.  Pray that God will guide it’s path!

The newly established chapter of Northrise University Initiative in Houston is preparing to send a 40′ shipping container to Ndola this weekend! The container contains computers and furniture for the new business building being finalized in Ndola. If you are in the Houston area this weekend, be sure to stop by and lend a hand!

For more information about the Houston Chapter of Northrise Univeristy Initiatitve, contact adam.sallee@northrise.org

by Agness Nshindano

Northrise University (NU) is delighted to welcome both its new as well as returning students to the 2010 Academic year!  On Monday, 18th of January, all – new and returning students – arrived at Northrise University to begin Introductory Seminar Week – a series of seminars offered to all students at different levels.

Introduction to University Studies, a seminar offered to new students, included orientation activities. The week was designed to make the transition to university as comfortable as possible by helping students acclimatize to learning and research as well as to the Northrise environment. They were implored to cease the opportunity of education and view coming to NU as a new phase in life, as well as to start the race running. Students were encouraged that the road to acquiring new skills should not be turned into a one-way street. “Much as it is a joy for lecturers and staff of NU to help you attain your goals, it is your full responsibility to ensure you take advantage of all teachings available, to attend and participate actively in all lectures and tutorials, to study hard, and to ensure assignments are submitted on time,   We hope to make your stay a memorable one,” said the Academic Dean.

The HIV/Aids Seminar was offered to the Sophomore (second year students) who were glad to learn not only the statistics of the pandemic but also the ways of helping to reduce these numbers.

The Third Years had a great challenge of being the change agents of our local communities. The Community Development Seminar, which sensitized students on poverty and other civil related issues such as injustice and crime, left so many of them stirred. “Will I stand aloof to watch statistics worsen??” What a challenge! Dr. Lazarus Phiri, took this Seminar. His students were glad to learn that there is always something you can do to help… It’s never too little…

The Fourth Year students were privileged to attend a Career Development Seminar. This seminar is aimed at helping students who are almost at the end of their academic journey at Northrise University to see what lies ahead. They were also glad to be given tips on how to reach the pinnacle of their careers by Dr. Mutesa, their instructor.

To all students of Northrise University, the Staff and Faculty wish you the very best and hope you succeed in achieving your goals. To use the words of Abigail Adams, always remember that “learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”

By Linda Lawler

Isn’t it wonderful to see how God works? But before I share one of my favourite gifts (going to the USC with Dr. Zimba) of the Christmas season…a little background.

My husband Drew and I (we are USC alumni, as are many Northrise University supporters) thought wouldn’t it be great if USC and Northrise University could some how get connected – but wasn’t sure how that looked. Sometimes the best place to start is the top. So, Drew contacted Steve Sample, the president of USC, who in turn connected Drew to Adam Clayton Powell, vice provost of globalization. An appointment was set 10 days before Chritmas.

Arriving at USC before 9:00am for our appointment was a delightful treat. The campus was quiet (it was finals week) the early morning sun was just hitting the tips of the trees and collegiate brick buildings. I couldn’t help but think how 30 years had passed so quickly since I was a student here. And what a privilege it was now to be back on campus on this appointment with Dr. Zimba, president of Northrise University at my alma mater.

USC’s Office of Globalization works with all of the university schools to support and strengthen their effort to create international academics and research partnerships as well as opportunity for students to learn outside USC. Right now, they are very interested in getting more involved in Africa. Powell’s background includes being a consultant on projects in South Africa and has visited Zambia.

As the meeting concluded Mr. Powell told Dr. Zimba when he returned in March that he should contact some of the university schools: business, religion and communication.

The three of us came out of the meeting hopeful and grateful. Oh and of course, to complete the visit Dr. Zimba has his picture taken in front of Tommy Trojan! Fight On!