It is said that greatness is archived through excellence. This was the atmosphere around Hekima University College on 16 June 2020 during the Buechner Awards for the Academic year 2019/2020. The award signifies excellence in various academic and theological endeavors by students from the Jesuit School of Theology (JST) and the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR).

The award is given to any student who distinguished himself or herself through academic writing and in giving homilies. During the award-giving ceremony, the Deputy Principal-Academic Affairs, Rev. Dr. Peter Knox SJ, said that the award “is a way of encouraging Hekima students to put more effort into research and writing and whilst preparing their homilies as well.”

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Unfortunately, this year’s award ceremony was celebrated without the full Hekima University College community due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. However, the smiles were evident as the awardees faces beamed with joy, a sign that they felt encouraged by the school administration.