Kenyan Alumni shares inspiring story with students

A former student has returned to Perth to share his inspiring success story with his lecturers and current students.

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Derek Summers, Computing Subject Leader; Collins Oywera; Paul McNeil, Gloag Foundation; Veronica Lynch, Vice Principal – External; Jill Elder, Sector Development Director for Business, Management, Computing and Leisure; Catherine Etri, Interim Associate Principal – Academic.

A former student has returned to Perth to share his inspiring success story with his lecturers and current students. Collins Oywera came from Kenya in 2001 to study at Perth College UHI through sponsorship from the Gloag Foundation which has funded 17 students since 2001.

Collins studied for three years graduating with a BSc Computing and now has a flourishing career in Kenya. Welcomed back to the college by Veronica Lynch, Vice Principal – External Engagement, current computing students heard how, through hard work and determination, Collins progressed through his career to become Chief Executive Officer of a children’s education and welfare charity.

Jill Elder, Sector Development Director for Business, Management, Computing and Leisure said: “We are delighted to welcome Collins back to the department where he studied more than ten years ago, and learn of his success back in Kenya. It is inspirational for our current students to listen to his journey and the impact he is having in his current role. It is also fantastic for our staff to meet alumni and hear how the time Collins spent studying at Perth College UHI helped prepare him for his future career.”

Collins explained: “I am delighted to return to my old university and welcomed the opportunity to speak to students who are here today. As an ambassador for Perth College UHI in Kenya, I can help prepare students who may be interested in coming to Scotland to study in the future.”

Dame Ann Gloag, founder of the Gloag Foundation said: “We are delighted to have given the opportunity of a Perth College UHI education to many students over the last 18 years and are especially proud of Collins and all he has achieved. He is a great role model for current students as he truly values the education he received and has used it as the springboard for his career success.”