By Elinciya Witman
Midlands State University (MSU) celebrated 25 years of operation during its Alumni Reunion and Business Expo on March 7, 2026. The event, themed “Igniting Innovation, Defining Destiny,” marked the university’s achievement of producing over 90,000 graduates.
The key highlight of the reunion was the launch of the alumni portal, designed to harness the potential of graduates to drive institutional growth. Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, MSU Vice Chancellor, emphasized that the reunion signifies a shift from merely celebrating past achievements to actively fostering future growth, representing a significant milestone in MSU’s progress over the past 25 years.
“Today is important because it transforms our focus from memory to momentum. We celebrated this 25-year milestone with a gala dinner, public lectures, seminars, a Research and Innovation Expo, and a golf tournament. This Reunion and Business Expo is the culmination of our efforts, turning celebration into enterprise,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the university, which began with only four faculties, has expanded to ten faculties, three research institutes, and two centers focused on entrepreneurship and public policy, thereby establishing itself as a comprehensive institution.
He expressed pride in the over 90,000 graduates, stating, “These graduates now carry the MSU name into every sector, continent, and discipline. You are the fruit of this tree. Our task now is to convert this abundance of talent and goodwill into structured, measurable national value.”
Ambassador Dr. Frederick M. Shava, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, commended MSU for strengthening ties with its alumni. He stressed that a university’s strength is reflected in its graduates, who play a crucial role in growth and development. Successful alumni contribute through funding, research, and forming vital partnerships.
“It is a truism that a university can only be as good as its former students. This underscores the importance of a close connection between a university and its alumni. Successful alumni are among a university’s most critical benefactors, providing endowments, research grants, scholarships, fellowships, and funding for infrastructure development. This is why Midlands State University will launch an Alumni Fund today.”
He further stated that just as a nation is built by its citizens, a university is built by its graduates.
“At the national level, our developmental philosophy is anchored in the mantra: ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ / ‘Zimbabwe is built by its citizens.’ In the same vein, ‘University inovakwa nekusimudzirwa nemaGraduates ayo’ / ‘A University is built and sustained by its alumni.'”
Dr. Mutswiri highlighted the importance of mentorship as a vital expression of loyalty to the university, urging alumni to return not only with financial support but also with guidance.
“Mentorship must become one of our defining acts of loyalty. A university is strongest when those who passed through it return not only with money but with guidance. We need alumni mentors in every faculty and profession who can help students understand the market, the profession, the discipline, the ethics, the risks, and the opportunities. We need alumni who can review CVs, conduct mock interviews, open apprenticeship routes, supervise enterprise ideas, and support final-year projects with real industry relevance. We need seasoned graduates to stand by young graduates until they gain confidence, competence, and direction.”
The event showcased the power of alumni-driven innovation, with businesses taking center stage to market their products and services. The Minister was presented with a portrait and other undisclosed gifts from the alumni.
The launch of the alumni portal and the call for strategic partnerships underscore the university’s commitment to harnessing the talents of its graduates. As the institution looks to the future, it is clear that the innovative spirit of its alumni is shaping MSU’s destiny.
