Vivian Umulisa was crowned the 2009-2010 Miss National University of Rwanda during the annual Rector’s Excellence Awards held at the University’s main auditorium last Friday night.

The 22-year old Agronomy student beat off stiff competition from seven other contestants to be crowned as the fourth Miss NUR since the annual event was started in 2006.

On top of the crown, Umulisa walked away with a cash prize of Rwf 400,000 and a hotchpotch of prizes donated by different companies.

"I am delighted to be crowned Miss Campus,” said the beaming Umulisa.

"Encouraging female students to excel in their studies and serving the community are two key points on my agenda”.

Paradis Dukoshe and Louise Uwizeye who were the first and second runner-up walked away with Rwf 200,000 and Rwf 100,000 cash prizes respectively.

Started in 2006 at the National University of Rwanda, the culture of crowning a "Miss” has spread to other universities and institutions of higher learning in the Country.

Present at the Miss NUR crowning ceremony were the "Miss” from the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Kigali Institute of Management (KIM) and Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (ISAE).

The contestants for the crown were taken through the catwalk where they modelled in different attires.

They were subjected to a question and answer session to test their general knowledge. The session turned dramatic when one contestant failed to define EDPRS (Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy) and what it is all about.

Top performers in academic and sports disciplines were also recognised for their efforts. Sam Mandela received the Rector’s Excellence award for producing the best dissertation from the then School of Journalism and Communication.

The topic of his dissertation was on billboard advertising.
Theogene Niwenshuti was recognised as the best innovator at the University. He introduced a ‘therapy dance’ which has helped many students traumatised by the events of the 1994 Genocide.

The event was organised by the Campus Initiative Promotion with support from the University and other private companies.

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