AKU Tanzania bids fond farewell to Provost Prof Carl Amrhein

Dar es Salaam. In an emotional ceremony coloured with both gratitude and sorrow, Aga Khan University (AKU) Tanzania bid farewell to Prof Carl Amrhein, its esteemed Provost and Vice President, Academic.

The event, attended by faculty, staff, and students alike on March 7, 2024, was a testament to Prof Amrhein's seven-year profound impact on the institution and its community.

AKU’s Associate Vice Provost, Prof Eunice Pallangyo, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks, acknowledging Prof Amrhein's leadership and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

“There is a common saying, “It’s hard to part ways," and this is true today for all of us at AKU Tanzania. Carl's leadership has been characterised by his unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering those around him, fostering a culture of support, care, and respect within our institution. It's hard to part ways with such an exceptional leader and friend," she remarked.

According to Prof Pallangyo, through initiatives such as the Professor Emeritus position and the Faculty Award of Excellence, “he ensured that our faculty felt valued, heard, and respected.”

The outgoing provost had a dedication to students’ welfare and contributions to sports facilities and scholarships, Prof Pallangyo said.

“In recognition of the growth in enrolments and new programmes, our esteemed provost fully supported the expansion of our institution through infrastructure setting,” she said.

This, she said, was strong evidence of the provost’s deep commitment to growing the academy at AKU Tanzania.

“My utmost appreciation to Carl is for his outstanding leadership, foresight, and unwavering commitment to furthering AKU’s mission in Tanzania. His impact is lasting, and we are striving towards a promising future for AKU and the communities we support,” she said.

AKU’s Dean, Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED-EA), Prof Jane Rarieya, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude on behalf of the academic community.

"Your tenure has been nothing short of exceptional, marked by dedication, wisdom, and a relentless pursuit of excellence," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

“There is no doubt that under your guidance, AKU has thrived and flourished. Your strategic vision has propelled us forward, fostering an environment where innovation and learning go hand in hand.”

Throughout the ceremony, accolades were showered upon Prof Amrhein for his dedication to both faculty and students.

Gifts were presented to Prof Amrhein as tokens of appreciation, symbolising the gratitude of the AKU community for his years of service and leadership.

Additionally, the ceremony was enhanced by the vibrant presence of artists from Uganda, whose colourful displays added a touch of artistic flair to the day’s evening proceedings.

Amidst the emotional farewells, Prof Amrhein took a moment to share his reflections and offer words of wisdom to AKU students.

"Studying at this institution is just a passport to the world," he emphasised. "For those of you who get a chance to join AKU, you have a spectacular future. I need AKU graduates all over the world; I need to see AKU graduates continue to impact societies positively across the globe."

Prof Amrhein's parting words resonated deeply with those in attendance, underscoring the institution's commitment to producing responsible and impactful graduates.

As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Prof Amrhein's legacy at AKU Tanzania will continue to inspire future generations, according to Dr Emmanuel Sule of AKU’s Arusha Climate & Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER).

“This farewell ceremony for Prof Carl Amrhein is a testament to his outstanding leadership, dedication, and the profound impact he has had on AKU Tanzania and our community,” he said.

Dr Sule further said, “His departure leaves a void that will be felt deeply, but his legacy of excellence and compassion will endure for years to come.”