Honorary degree recipient - Julie Gichuru

Citation reader: Ingrid Chadwick

Mr. President, it is my honour to present to you Ms. Julie Gichuru, an award-winning journalist, peace advocate and conscientious entrepreneur.

Julie Gichuru is best known in her native Kenya for her long career as a media personality. Her television specials promoting a non-violent response to the 2007 Kenyan election led Ms. Gichuru to become the first African woman to receive the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness.

Over the past decade, her investments in media, fashion retail and the entertainment sectors have extended her reach and positive influence. As a result, she has been named one of the top 100 most influential Africans or African women in the world on several occasions.

Ms. Gichuru’s ongoing contributions through her production company and as chief public affairs and communications officer at the Mastercard Foundation help promote a positive message about Africa, on the continent and beyond.

She’s also a passionate promoter of maternal healthcare and safety for women.

She continues to push for Kenyan and African progress through her work with prominent organizations such as the World Bank Group, African Development Bank, various UN agencies and Africa Leadership Initiative.

Mr. President, on behalf of the Board of Governors and Senate, it is my privilege and honour to present to you Ms. Julie Gichuru, so that you may confer upon her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

See Julie Gichuru's Grand African Welcome to Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya) and Barak Obama (USA) , July 25, 2015.