57^TH CONGREGATIONS’ OPENING DAY EXHIBITION

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) marked the opening day of its 57th Congregation with a vibrant and well-curated exhibition on December 11, 2024. The event, held on the Sam Jonah Library forecourt of the university's, showcased UCC’s achievements, innovations, and community impact, highlighting its pivotal role as a center for academic excellence and societal development. The exhibition featured over 20 booths, each representing various faculties, schools, departments, and student-led organizations.

Key highlights of the event included:

The School of Agriculture presented cutting-edge research on climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices. Similarly, the School of Physical Sciences showcased innovative renewable energy solutions and robotics projects developed by students and faculty.

The Faculty of Arts displayed works from the Department of Communication Studies, the Centre for African and International Studies, and the Department of Music and Dance. Their exhibits emphasized the importance of culture and communication in addressing contemporary global challenges.

The School of Medical Sciences and the School of Nursing and Midwifery provided free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, diabetes risk assessments, and counseling services. The booths highlighted ongoing research on public health issues in Ghana.

The Student Financial Support Office (StufSo) of the University of Cape Coast also played an integral role in the 57th Congregation Opening Day Exhibition. This exhibition provided an excellent platform for the office to highlight its contributions to student welfare and to engage with stakeholders on its impactful initiatives. The office aimed to Showcase its programs and initiatives that support financially challenged but academically promising students, create awareness about the various scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid opportunities available at UCC, engage donors, alumni, and prospective partners to strengthen collaborations for expanding financial aid resources during the exhibition.

The students financial support offices’ booth provided detailed information on the financial aid application process, eligibility criteria, and the impact of existing programs on student success. Visitors to the booth engaged in discussions with staff about the challenges faced by students in need and the role of financial support in enhancing student retention and graduation rates. Alumni and donors shared ideas on how to strengthen support systems for students. Brochures, flyers, and digital presentations provided detailed insights into the impact of donor contributions, encouraging further support for SFSO initiatives. The office also engaged with stakeholders like, prospective donors, who expressed interest in supporting scholarships and mentoring initiatives, Alumni, who offered to establish funds to benefit students from their respective regions and Students, who gained clarity on the available financial aid opportunities and the application process during the opening day exhibition.

The 57th Congregation Opening Day Exhibition underscored UCC’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence, innovation, and societal engagement. It served as a platform to celebrate the university’s achievements and inspire continued collaboration between the institution, its stakeholders, and the broader community. The participation of the Student Financial Support Office at the 57th Congregation Opening Day Exhibition was highly impactful. It not only increased awareness about the office’s critical role in supporting students but also strengthened its relationships with donors, alumni, and the wider UCC community.

The event reaffirmed the importance of financial support in enabling students to achieve academic success and empowered the office to continue its mission of ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. The exhibition was a resounding success, setting an excellent tone for the weeklong congregation activities.