{{The visit by Rwandan President to William Penn University continues to create waves of excitement among the university community and Rwandans living in North America alike.}}<\/p>\n
President Paul Kagame will be the keynote speaker at the university\u2019s commencement ceremony planned this Saturday, where he will address a graduating class of 370 students and also receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, for his contributions to the humanities or human welfare.<\/p>\n
George Mugabo has lived most of his life in the United States. He said he\u2019s excited about the President\u2019s visit and the recognition he continues to receive worldwide.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat an honour. We are indeed so glad that the University is recognizing him. He deserves it,\u201d said Mugabo, who drove miles to Iowa to join his fellow Rwandans to support the president and affirm their support for the direction he has given Rwandan, just 18 years after the Genocide against Tutsi.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives you chills when you hear he is coming. He has done a lot to transform our country and the only way for us to be grateful is to come here and express our support and appreciation,\u201d added Mugabo.<\/p>\n
While announcing that President Kagame will be their guest this weekend, William Penn University President Dr. Ann Fields noted that President Kagame has been recognized as a world leader for his role in human interest issues and one who is known for empowering young people and women, as evident by the high percentage of women serving on the Rwandan Parliament \u2013 56%.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Kagame has received multiple honors during his presidency including: the Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2009, being named to Time magazine\u2019s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, and His Excellency received the \u2018Lifetime Leadership Award for Development and Equality\u2019 by Rwandan Women in 2010.\u201d<\/p>\n
William Penn University\u2019s relationship with Rwanda began in September of 2007 when Rwandan Ambassador to the United States, James Kimonyo, presented the keynote speech at the President\u2019s Convocation. <\/p>\n
In July of 2008, William Penn signed an agreement with the Rwandan Ministry of Education to accept four Rwandan \u201cPresidential Scholars\u201d to enroll at William Penn University. Three of these four young people will graduate at the ceremony. <\/p>\n
The university refused to heed to calls from a few genocide deniers, negationists, liars and political opportunists like Theogene Rudasingwa who wanted the President\u2019s visit cancelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWilliam Penn does not foresee the presence of protestors to be an issue or interfere with the day\u2019s activities,\u201d the university said in a statement.
\nAfter failing to garner any support from most Rwandans, Rudasingwa is said to be rallying support from Congolese and other foreigners to stage a protest.<\/p>\n
“I highly doubt anybody will really show up. After failing to win over Rwandans, he is now asking Congolese and Burundians to join him. What a pity,” said Mugabo<\/p>\n
The university has received an outpouring of support from Rwandans from across North America to the University for their decision to honour President Kagame.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a remarkable recognition for President Kagame\u2019s effective leadership, and Rwanda\u2019s determination to heal the wounds inflicted during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi!\u201d wrote one Agasaro.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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