Monday, March 31, 2014

UGCSI 2014 Newsletter

UGCSI Chancellor Prof. Michal P. Pitzl

Looking Back & Always Moving Forward

A Year of Growing and Learning
The year 2013 proved to be a year of learning, growing and building for United Graduate College and Seminary International  (UGCSI). UGCSI must be an ever-changing institution as it continues to make biblical education attainable anywhere in the world. UGCSI is in the business of infecting people’s thinking with the correct information. In order to remain on the cutting edge of international biblical online education we must change and move and grow.

The new global educator must be ready to change as new technology changes how people want education delivered. In an article published by EdTechmagazine.com in 2012, “50 Striking Statistics about Distance Learning in Higher Education,” statistics show that more students are taking online courses in their higher education programs. The demand for online courses from the business world and from student populations is forcing traditional schools and their administration and faculty to find better ways to provide more effective online courses for their higher education programs.

In 2013 UGCSI began to revamp its entire system, including curriculum, which will be coming down in 2014. UGCSI’s Academic and Advisory Councils engaged in research and development to upgrade our curriculum to be more Kingdom minded. The Councils also explored the possibility of creating a unique international citation system for writing.

At UGCSI we have developed a system that enables us to tailor make programs to fit the needs of individuals and their countries. Our education system is becoming more specialized, something that also addresses the hearts and minds of the next generation of learners. Next generation learners are technologically savvy and are looking for specialized programs that meet their unique needs. As the needs of the world change, UGCSI is seeking to change to meet those needs. For this reason 2013 was a major year of instructional training for our staff. Our international instructors come from various countries around the world, including Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan and the USA, to name a few. These next generation educators are training for the move forward.

A New Year of Expansion
The global effect of UGCSI is taking off. In 2014 we are expanding into Latin America and also the Caribbean. We have new professors that have started working with our international institution. There is a great hunger for effective biblical education in the world, and the computer gives us the access to go anywhere in the world. Top global leaders are excited to work with our global online education system that can reach the masses because of its ability to change and adapt.

Prof. Christopher Douglas out of Trinidad and Tobago joins our team. Dr. Douglas is a former lecturer, Vice President and National Director for various Bible colleges and schools in the Caribbean. He also founded Ministry Gifts Bible Institute.

Prof. Arkanjelo Wani Lemi joins us from South Sudan where he and other church leaders mediated the recent conflict in South Sudan. Prof. Lemi is also the founder of Sudan Christian University.

Prof. Jared Onyari comes to us from Kenya where he specializes in peace building, conflict transformation and human rights. He has also been awarded numerous honors, including the honor of Ambassador of Peace by the Universal Peace Federation.

Prof. David Ssali is a naturopathic doctor and health educator based out of Kampala, Uganda. He produces herbal medicines and aims to empower people through health education. Prof. Ssali has mentored diplomats, government officials, and students at colleges and seminaries and whole communities throughout his country.

We welcome these great leaders and the leaders and learners they represent in their regions to our family at United Graduate College and Seminary International.

Please read the article below for highlights on other great leaders who were recently honored by UGCSI.

Preparing for what is Ahead
In the coming days begin to change your mind at a new level. As a next generation student or educator, you should be ever learning. Every great leader knows that nobody gets to the top and stays there without hard work and diligence. We can never become an institution that makes copies. Originals keep things progressing and moving forward. We must continue our education and find ways to better ourselves everyday. We must hunger to learn more about our craft. At UGCSI we will provide some of the resources and guidance you need, but how can you develop yourself and your craft.


We want to hear from you. What is your unique idea for online education, kingdom and ministry education, curriculum planning, communications and student relations (just to name a few)? Please contact our Chancellor of Operations, Prof. Donella Pitzl (ugcs.dpitzl@yahoo.com) as you better yourself and have feedback for UGCSI. The future of international ministry education is waiting for your unique idea.
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Article - The Investigator – Uganda’s first online tabloid
BUSINESS NEWS
Details Category: Business News Published on 10 December 2013 Hits: 460
Business gurus Mukwano, Karim Hirji, Bitature, Elly Karuhanga, Principal Judge Bamwine and Dr Ssali clinch honorary degrees and professorships
By Robert Ndawula
Sixteen eminent Ugandans who have excelled in business, scientific research and judicial circles, are due to be rewarded with honorary doctorates and professorships.
The list has Patrick Bitature a promoter of investment and chairman Uganda investment authority and Australia envoy.
Karim Hirji is a leading industrialist and Hotelier well known for his Imperial Hotel Group and other investments in Kampala and Entebbe.  
Dr David Ssali is the brain behind Dama Medicinal Herbs. He started his research by studying & understanding people's lifestyles, nutrition & hygiene. Ssali discovered that for the skin to suffer various ailments the body was trying to get rid of toxic waste.
Rwamirama Bright a politician and former army officer is also known for his promotion of research in animal food production. He serves as the minster for agriculture, animal industry and fisheries.
Elly Karuhanga is a pioneer investor in oil and Gas industry he also serves as the chairman Tullow oil and legal consultant. These and others will be awarded with doctorate and professorship.
The Chief Chancellor of the United Graduate College and Seminary Intl. (UGCSI) Prof. Clyde Rivers, accompanied by the Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Mondo Kagonyera will lead the awarding ceremony on Saturday 14th December 2013 at Serena Conference Centre.
The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi will be the Guest of Honor.
The United Graduate College and Seminary Intl. is represented and coordinated in Uganda by H.E. Dr. Boney Katatumba the Hon. Envoy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Uganda. He was also awarded Doctorate in 2010 including, MTN Chief Dr. Charles Mbiire, his mother Dr.Tereza Mbiire, former National Water MD, Prof. William Muhairwe, Dr.Tom Buruku, Dr. Hasmuk Dawrda, Dr. Robert Kayanja and his wife Dr. Jessica Kayanja.
Dr. Katatumba revealed that the University honors and awards people who have exemplary achievements in society and help the poor and help the disadvantaged.
Dr. Katatumba said it’s important to recognize and honor with Doctorates not only academicians but also people who have visible achievements that make better lives in society by creating employment, assisting the poor among others.
He further said you sometimes meet an academic PhD who still rides boda boda or matatu, in rented flats, with no home in his village as compared to a Doctorate by Honor who has big development project and visible success; such are the people UGCSI with award Doctorates and Professorships on the 14th Dec.
UGCSI has another high level category of honoring political Heads of State. H.E. Museveni was honored for great leadership in establishing and maintaining peace in Uganda.
Joachim Chissano former President of Mozambique was honored for his good governance and being the only president in African history to turn power over early in his career as President of Mozambique, Vice President of Kenya, Kalonzo Musyoka honored for efforts of promoting peace in Kenya, Sudan and Burundi. Pierre Nkurunziza for promoting peace after 12 years civil war between Tutsi and Hutu tribes. Former President Obasanjo of Nigeria honored for anti corruption policies introduced in Nigeria, President Wolde Giorgio of Ethiopia honored for efforts to build a better environment in his country.
Dr. Katatumba concluded by quoting the Bible: “You will be honored if you honor others” He said it’s a pleasure to be associated with appreciating other people’s achievements before he dies.
Angella Katatumba and the Magic Hornz Band will be performing live At the Prestigious Award Ceremony.