RCU’s Vice Chancellor Urges Freshmen to Embrace the Future and become Unstoppable Leaders.
“You are here to learn to embrace the future, have your minds shaped while also being shaped into future leaders and unstoppable communities,” Reformed Church University (RCU) Vice‑Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Dumbu told a gathering of first‑year students at the university’s Harare Campus in Hatfield.
Professor Dumbu delivered the address during the campus orientation for freshmen, laying out expectations for the new intake and underscoring the institution’s mission and values. He was joined on stage by members of RCU’s executive leadership, including Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Professor Jeriphanos Makaye, Registrar Mary Molly Mapanga, Librarian Mondli Sibanda and Senior Chaplain Reverend Jude Mashamba.
In his remarks, Professor Dumbu reiterated the university’s academic mandate and urged students to remain focused on their core purpose: learning. “You are here to learn,” he said, emphasising that academic discipline and commitment should guide students’ time at RCU.
Professor Dumbu also highlighted the university’s core values and norms, describing them as the compass that will shape both individual conduct and the collective culture on campus. While stressing scholarship, he drew attention to RCU’s inclusivity niche, noting that the institution seeks to create an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed and supported.
Members of the executive management who accompanied the Vice‑Chancellor briefly addressed operational and student support matters. Registrar Mapanga outlined administrative procedures and expectations, while Librarian Sibanda spoke on information resources available to students. Senior Chaplain Mashamba offered pastoral guidance, signalling the university’s commitment to spiritual as well as intellectual development.
The orientation at the Harare Campus forms part of RCU’s broader efforts to integrate new students into academic life, provide guidance on university regulations and support services, and foster a sense of community among the incoming cohort. As the semester begins, university officials urged students to embrace opportunities for growth, adhere to institutional standards and contribute positively.