Chicago Friends Raise Funds for Hekima University
By Fr. Paul Kalenzi, SJ
On Wednesday, the 17th of April, 230 of Hekima University’s donors came together at Theater on the Lake, Chicago, to raise funds and to bid me farewell as I prepare to return to the Eastern Africa Province. The event was organized by the Hon. Jeanne Wrenn, a friend who had attended past Hekima events and was touched by the story of Ms. Mercy Omwoyo, a Kenyan student in Chicago. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Judge Wrenn; her brother Mr. John Wrenn who generously offered the scenic venue; and my colleagues at the Midwest Jesuits Advancement and Communications Office who made diligent preparations for the event.
I am equally grateful to the host committee who publicized the event by inviting their friends; and our many sponsors who provided a wide range of food and beverages, as well as Kenyan artefacts and South African wine for sale.
At the event, Fr. Jeremiah Boland, pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help where I minister on Sundays, gave the invocation. Judge Jeanne Wrenn spoke of the need for education in Africa and Mr. John Chandler, president of Saint Ignatius College Prep where I worked, offered a tribute. The presentation for guests featured a video showing the Molo site, interspersed with student testimonies and an inspiring message from Fr. Kizito Kiyimba, SJ, provincial of the Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa. I expressed my gratitude to our friends for their support and highlighted our benefactors including Dr. David and Mrs. Mary Zamierowski whose donation of $250,000 is our largest to date. I described how gifts at various levels, from $5 to $10,000, can contribute to the realization of Hekima University. There is a long road ahead in our efforts to mobilize resources for Hekima University. We are fortunate to have in Fr. Endashaw Debrework a seasoned professional who will continue this work.
More pictures of the event can be found at: https://midwestjesuits.smugmug.com/Companions-Events/April-17-2024-Hekima-University-Event
