The Rwandan Students Association at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) in the United States on Saturday February 20 held a cultural gala in which they connected and reflected on the Rwandan culture.

The annual event brought together Rwandan students, Friends of Rwanda and other members of the Lincoln community.

Some of the public figures that graced the event included Mathilde Mukantabana, the Ambassador of Rwanda to the U. S, Maj. Gen Daryl L. Bohac, Adjutant General of Nebraska National Guard and Tiffany Heng-Moss, the chief Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Ambassador Mukantabana applauded the efforts by the Rwandan students to not only pursue their academic endeavors but also finding time to integrate in other communities.  

"Rwandan students! We are incredibly proud of you. Your academic work did not deter you from finding time to celebrate your nation.”

She added: "It’s also obvious by looking around this room that you have made Nebraska your home. You have strengthened the bonds of friendship and solidarity among your peers and tonight you are bringing Rwanda to Lincoln, Nebraska.” 

The primary purpose of the cultural gala was to bring together the Rwandan community at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln so as to embrace their shared identity, Ubunyarwanda, and give the wider Lincoln community a taste of Rwandan culture.

According to Tiffany Heng-Moss, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the celebration helped the Nebraska community celebrate Rwandan students and their background.

"This is a great time to celebrate Rwanda, experience the culture and to connect as a community. It is also time to celebrate our Rwandan scholars. They are optimistic, self-confident and they know their role and responsibility as global citizens, they are servant leaders and they are committed to their communities.”

Clare Umutoni, the president of the Rwandan Students Association at the University of Nebraska also hailed the event which she said helped the Nebraska community learn more about Rwanda.

"It is an opportunity for Nebraskans to learn more about Rwanda as a country, celebrate its culture, all the while creating meaningful connections through music, dance, Rwandan food and other aspects.” said Umutoni.

At the launch of its first edition in 2020, the event was acclaimed as a considerable success and scooped University of Lincoln "Program of the Year" award.

The ceremony was attended by over 250 people while more than 500 others were following it online to comply with the Covid-19 preventive protocols.