The first Sudanese student from Kentucky has earned a master's degree. Kuany Anyieth, left, received a master's degree in Civil Engineering and a certificate in Environmental Engineering from the University of Louisville. Last year, Kuany earned dual degrees from the University of Louisville: a bachelor of science in Physics from the College of Arts and Sciences and a bachelor of science in Civil Engineering from the Speed Scientific School. He received several scholarships from the Sudanese Refugee Education Fund and other organizations.

In addition to Kuany's achievement, five Sudanese scholars from this area received bachelor's degrees during the 2007-2008 academic year and two received associate's degrees. All were recognized during the 3rd Annual Sudanese Scholars Celebration on June 7 at Resurrection Episcopal Church in Louisville. See the Current Events page for more details about the ceremony.

    Akech "Gabriel" Kwai Kwai, left, received a bachelor's degree with dual concentration in Finance and Computer Information Systems from Murray State University in December 2007. Akech, a multiple award winner from the Sudanese Refugee Education Fund and the Woodcock Foundation, served as an officer in several college organizations, including the Murray State African Forum and the Association of Information Technology Specialists.

 He is is the founder and director of the W.E.E.P. for Southern Sudan, which promotes equality and provides education and skills to girls. Through his  extraordinary initiative and leadership, W.E.E.P. for Southern Sudan successfully placed 12 top female students from refugee camps in Kenyan secondary schools. Making more than a dozen speeches and presentations at religious religious and civil groups throughout Kentucky, Gabriel secured financial commitments that will enable all the girls to complete high school.   

     Jacob Mayol Mabil, left, earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Louisville in December 2007.

A multiple award winner from the Sudanese Refugee Education Fund and the Woodcock Foundation, Jacob quietly but persistently accumulated college credits, first at Jefferson Community College and then at the University of Louisville, while working full time at an aluminum factory on the weekends. in addition to earning a high grade point average in college, he earned a five year service award and outstanding attendance bonuses at his company.

   

Peter Pandak Thiong, left, earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources from Berea College. At Berea, he attracted a wide circle of friends and admirers, including the pigs and goats he cared for on the campus’s working farm. At nearly 6 feet 6 inches tall, he was the biggest tractor farmer in Madison County, Kentucky.

Peter now works for Catholic Charities in Louisville, directing a federally funded program to help refugees develop sustainable agricultural projects throughout Kentucky.

 

Deng Bul Kuer, left, earned a bachelor's degree with dual concentration in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Northern Kentucky University. He plans to attend law school in the future. A Dean's List student at both Northern Kentucky University and Jefferson Community College, Deng received multiple awards from the Sudanese Refugee Education Fund and the Woodcock Foundation.

 

Mabior "John" Thuch Ghack, far left, earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky. After he arrived in Louisville in 2001, Mabior began taking English classes at Kentucky Refugee Ministries then later entered Jefferson Community College (JCC), attending classes during the day and working nights at a gas station. He earned an associate’s degree in science with honors from JCC and later transferred to the University of Kentucky. He received multiple awards from the Sudanese Refugee Education Fund and the Woodcock Foundation. 

Two Sudanese students from this area received associate's degrees during the 2007-2008 school year. Both have received awards from the Sudanese Refugee Education Fund:

Christine Natiki Lokiru, left,  received an associate’s degree in arts from Jefferson Community College. She will continue her studies at the University of Louisville, where she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Christine was one of only two girls in her entire Sudanese village of about 10,000 people to complete high school. She is believed to be the first woman from the Didinga tribal group in Sudan to earn a college degree in the United States.

                          

Abraham Deng  Goch, left,  earned an associate’s degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Divine Word College, a Catholic seminary in Epworth, Iowa. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Dubuque.