It’s hard for alumnus Kithio Mwanzia to walk across the Brock University campus without stopping to say hello to everyone he knows along the way.

Mwanzia (BA ’07, MA ’12), is President and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, but it’s clear his roots are still firmly planted in Niagara.

Named the 2018 Outstanding Young Alumni by the Brock University Alumni Association, he returned to campus during this the Grad Send-off event Tuesday, Feb. 6 to receive his award, which recognizes a Brock graduate under the age of 35 who has made a significant impact in their chosen field during the first decade of their career.

“My experience as a student at Brock University was one of the best experiences I’ve have had in my life,” he said, while accepting the award at a luncheon hosted by the Brock University Alumni Association in his honour.

Originally from Kenya, Mwanzia was an enthusiastic international student and motivated student leader.

“I am so grateful for the education and experience I received from Brock,” he says.

As the first international student to hold an executive position on the Brock University Students’ Union, Mwanzia fostered change and left a lasting impact for future international students.

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this award as my time at Brock was one of the most important building blocks in my life. I continue to use the many lessons learned during my time here make a positive difference in the lives of others,” he said.

More than 1,200 senior students took part in the Grad Send-off event Tuesday to learn about the benefits of becoming a Brock graduate, receive tips on resume writing and network with various employers.