Farewell Fall 2017!

One of our favorite USP traditions is the farewell dinner. After the last of the exams has been taken and papers written, the USP community (staff, students, host-families, practicum supervisors, Honours College roommates, lecturers and various members of the UCU administration) gathers together to celebrate the accomplishments of the students and the completion of the semester. In true Ugandan fashion (all protocols observed!) the event is kicked off with speeches from several different individuals who speak briefly (or perhaps not-so-briefly) about their time with USP, and what it has meant to them. Hearing about the relationships that have been formed, the lessons that have been learned and the memories that have been made over the course of the semester is powerful. The journey is not an easy one, but pausing to look back and reflect on the semester together is immensely good. It is pure joy and satisfaction, being together and celebrating as one big community before the students leave to return home. 

The speaches are followed by the presentation of certificates to the USP students and a big Ugandan buffet dinner. The USP students take the opportunity to serve the food to all the guests, as a gesture of appreciation for the love and hospitality they have been shown in so many ways throughout the semester. The evening is brought to a close with the cutting/eating of the cake. Again, as per tradition, the cake is ceremoniously cut by all who made speeches earlier in the evening, before being served to the guests. 

We are so grateful for a fantastic semester, for a terrific group of students, and for all the people who make up USP, from host moms to roommates, to drivers, to lecturers and supervisors-- webale nyo!! 

Fall 2017 Farewell Dinner 

Sam, Paige, Brianna, Jamie and Lauren ready to celebrate!

Paige, Benji and Morgan, our Program Assistants and the MC's of the farewell dinner

Megan Beam arriving with her host family, the Magera's.

Rachel Land with a co-worker from her practicum site, Off Tu Mission.

Julianna Kabakjian delivering her speech on behalf of the General Studies Emphasis 

The social work cohort, thanking Lisa Tokpa, the Social Work Coordinator.

Joanna Hipple with her host mother, Mirica Kisitu, as she receives her certificate of completion.

Alexa Bragg with her host father, Mr. Kavuma, receiving her certificate from Dr. Musinguzi.

Jessica Fox with her host mother, Jacquline Mugabe.

Students serving dinner to the guests.

The cutting of the cake by all the speech givers. 

The USP staff, grateful for Fall 2017!