Ashesi Commencement 2024 Class Gift Presentation, Maxine '24 & Wofa '24

Summary

In a heartfelt commencement speech, the speaker expresses gratitude to AESS alumni Sylvia and Bama for their inspiring achievements, while also honoring their contribution to the class of 2024. The speaker announces a generous donation of 28,450 Ghana cedis, supported by the MasterCard Foundation, aimed at funding fee waivers and constructing a shade over the Ash Pit bleachers. This gesture symbolizes the class’s unity, leadership, and gratitude towards their university, inspiring fellow graduates to continue contributing with enthusiasm to their community and legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gratitude is extended to Sylvia and Bama, AESS alumni from the class of 2006, for their achievements and impact on the current class.
• 😀 The Class of 2024 confers the honorary title of 'Class of 2024 Member' to Sylvia and Bama as the first AESS alumni to speak at commencement.
• 😀 The honorary title comes with perks like inside jokes and a lifetime of shared memories, marking a symbolic gesture of inclusion.
• 😀 The speaker expresses deep gratitude and pride for being part of the remarkable Class of 2024, having learned both academically and personally from each other.
• 😀 The class is committed to leadership and generosity, values instilled by AESS University, which they carry forward into the future.
• 😀 The Class of 2024, in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, has donated a total of 28,450 Ghana Cedis to the university.
• 😀 6,400 Ghana Cedis of the donation is from the MasterCard Foundation, supporting fee waivers for scholarship applicants who cannot afford application fees.
• 😀 The remaining donation is allocated for the construction of a shade over the bleachers at the Ash Pit, a significant place for class memories and gatherings.
• 😀 The shade will provide protection from the elements and symbolize the gratitude the class holds for AESS University.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the generosity of classmates who contributed and encourages others to join in, as there is still room for more contributions.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the hope that this donation will be the first of many from the class, and expresses a commitment to future contributions with even greater enthusiasm.

Q & A

What is the significance of Sylvia and Bama in the commencement speech?

Sylvia and Bama are acknowledged as distinguished alumni, specifically from the class of 2006. Their achievements and dedication have paved the way for the current graduating class, making them important figures to honor during the ceremony.

What honorary title was conferred upon Sylvia and Bama by the class of 2024?

The class of 2024 conferred upon Sylvia and Bama the title of honorary members of the class of 2024. This gesture is symbolic of the deep respect and appreciation the class has for their impact.

What is the significance of the honorary title given to Sylvia and Bama?

The honorary title is a symbolic gesture acknowledging Sylvia and Bama's role in shaping the university and inspiring the current graduates. It also includes a playful reference to shared experiences, like inside jokes and lifelong memories.

How does the class of 2024 show its gratitude during the commencement?

The class of 2024 demonstrates its gratitude through a donation made in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation. This includes financial support for fee waivers and a contribution to the construction of a shade over the bleachers on the university's ash pit.

What is the total amount donated by the class of 2024 and the MasterCard Foundation?

The total donation is 28,450 Ghana Cedis. Of this, 6,400 Ghana Cedis comes from the MasterCard Foundation to support fee waivers for scholarship applicants who cannot pay their application fees. The remaining amount is contributed by the class of 2024 for the construction of a shade over the bleachers.

How will the donated funds be used by the university?

The funds will be used for two main purposes: one portion will support fee waivers for scholarship applicants, while the other portion will fund the construction of a shade over the bleachers, a space with sentimental value for the class.

What is the significance of the shade over the bleachers on the ash pit?

The shade over the bleachers will provide comfort and protection from the elements, making the ash pit a more welcoming space. It also symbolizes the class's gratitude to the university for creating a space filled with memories of sports events, gatherings, and personal moments.

How does the class of 2024 feel about their journey at the university?

The class of 2024 expresses immense gratitude and pride for the incredible journey they've had. They reflect on the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the growth experienced together, which has fostered a sense of leadership and generosity.

What is the class of 2024’s future outlook regarding contributions?

The class of 2024 hopes that their donation will be the first of many. They anticipate continuing to contribute to the university and beyond with greater enthusiasm in the future, reflecting their commitment to supporting causes and making a positive impact.

What does the speaker suggest for those who haven't contributed to the donation?

The speaker encourages those who haven't contributed yet to still get involved, implying there are opportunities to add to the donations later and showing that there is always room for more kindness and generosity.