In her speech, @ClaudetteIrere , who is also an alumna of Oklahoma Christian University, reflected on the transformative role the university has played in shaping leaders grounded in values, integrity, and service.
Drawing from her own journey as an OC Eagle, she reminded graduates that education goes beyond personal success and carries a responsibility to positively impact communities and the nation.
She challenged the Class of 2026 to lead with purpose and character, noting that Rwanda’s future depends not only on technical skills, but also on ethical and service-driven leadership.
“To be made for more means recognizing that success without service is incomplete. Your education equips you not only for personal advancement but also for leadership, stewardship, innovation, and ethical influence. This is the standard of leadership that Rwanda needs as we embark on transformative journeys.”
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, addressed the OC Rwanda 20th Anniversary Gala tonight.
To the graduates : “Keep on representing. We are here for you. Don’t forget that you still have a responsibility to mentor those that come after you.”
To the alumni network : “This must be a national platform for opportunity creation.”
To every partner who has walked this journey : “Your contributions have shaped lives and we will be forever grateful.”
#OCRwandaTurns20 #MadeForMore #GalaEvening2026
@Ivmbaraga , Executive Director of OC Rwanda, opened our 20th Anniversary Gala with words that set the tone for the entire evening.
To the partners. The leaders. The advisory council. The alumni committee. The founders. The families. The friends.
Every single one of you built these 20 years.
We did not gather tonight to mark a date on a calendar. We gathered to honour what happens when people commit to something bigger than themselves.
This is what that looks like.
#OCRwandaTurns20 #MadeForMore #GalaEvening2026
20 years ago it was a vision. Tonight it is a movement.
Chancellor @JdeSteiguer stood before Rwanda's finest tonight and said something that will echo for years to come.
"Let's not just celebrate. Let's get to work."
Because this partnership was never just about degrees. It was always about what happens after. The boardrooms. The communities. The lives shaped. The nation built.
784 alumni already proving it. Three new programs on the way.
In 2027 OCU launches an African Studies Program bringing American students TO Rwanda. Rwanda becomes their classroom.
And OCR students in Kigali will be invited to study at Oklahoma Christian’s campus in Vienna, Austria.
"Rwanda is not just a place you go to visit. It’s a place that stays with you."
@Ivmbaraga , Executive Director of OC Rwanda, opened our 20th Anniversary Gala with words that set the tone for the evening.
To the partners. The leaders. The advisory council. The alumni committee. The founders. The families. The friends.
Every single one of you built this night. Every single one of you built these 20 years.
We did not gather tonight to mark a date on a calendar. We gathered to honour what happens when people commit to something bigger than themselves.
#OCRwanda20 #MadeForMore #GalaEvening2026
She graduated in 2018. Tonight she holds the mic.
MC @irisirumva , Class of 2018 founder and CEO of @leadaccessnow reminds us why we are all here tonight.
“The true value of education is not only found in classrooms. It is found in the courage, the leadership and the service that graduates carry into the world.”
From alumni in the public sector to the private sector tonight their stories take centre stage.
Because 20 years of OCR Rwanda is not just a number. It is hundreds of lives walking proof.
#GalaEvening2026
“Rwanda has now own several world class institutions. This aligns with our country’s vision of becoming the regional hub for innovation.”
President Kagame on the legacy of the 20-year partnership with Oklahoma Christian University. #OCRwanda20#RBANews
“Keep on representing us well. If you ever need anything, do not shy away from asking, we are here for you.”
President Kagame commends the Oklahoma Christian University Rwanda alumni from Rwanda as well as the sponsors who contributed for the realization of the 20 years of partnership. #OCRwanda20 #RBANews
“The Partnership between Rwanda and the OC (Oklahoma Christian University), why does it matter? It matters because relationships built on trust can change the future and we believe it can change the world.”
Oklahoma Christian University Chancelor, John Desteiguer at the #OCRwanda20. #RBANews
This evening at the Kigali Convention Center, President Kagame joins Oklahoma Christian University leadership, and over 350 alumni and stakeholders for a gala dinner celebrating 20 years of partnership between the University and Rwanda. Follow live: https://t.co/pwZeOWwbKK
#Rwanda’s strong partnerships with global organizations and institutions that continue to create meaningful impact for #Rwandans speaks volumes about the country’s leadership and vision. Today, @OCRwanda celebrates 20 years of a remarkable and impactful partnership. #RwandaWorks #VisitRwanda
Cocktail hour at the OCRwanda Gala.
This is what 20 years of relationships looks like alumni, partners and friends reunited under one roof.
The conversations happening in this room tonight will shape the next 20 years. 🇷🇼
#OCRwanda20#GalaEvening2026
Cocktail hour at the OCR Rwanda Gala.
This is what 20 years of relationships looks like alumni, partners and friends reunited under one roof.
The conversations happening in this room tonight will shape the next 20 years. 🇷🇼
#OCRwanda20#GalaEvening2026
The graduation was just the beginning,
The stage is set. KCC is dressed and ready for tonight 20th anniversary Gala.
See you there. 🇷🇼
#OCRwanda20#GalaEvening2026
Dr. John deSteiguer, Chancellor of Oklahoma Christian University, closes with the benediction and a charge to the Class of 2026:
"What a great day. What a great end of this portion of your journey but there's a long way to go."
To the moms, dads, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters and the future Eagles of Rwanda.
We are proud. We are grateful. We are made for more. 🇷🇼
#Graduation2026
We now rise for our invocation.
Leading us is Mrs. Kelly Osborne a two-time graduate of @okchristian Oklahoma Christian University (B.S. Education, M.A. Theology & Culture), Executive Pastor of Spring Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, and a partner to Christ Church Rwanda and KICS for nearly 20 years.
A friend of Rwanda. A servant of God. We are honoured.
#MadeForMore #GraduationClassof2026
Dr. Brian Starr, Provost of Oklahoma Christian University, has officially presented the Class of 2026.
"It is my privilege to confer upon these candidates the Masters degree with all of its rights and privileges."
You earned it, ever single one of you. 🇷🇼❤️
#MadeForMore #Graduation2026