Mbarara, Uganda – December 13th, 2023
In a groundbreaking initiative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) is set to host Professor Bob Hopkins, a distinguished figure in Business Communications and Social Entrepreneurship from Dallas College – Eastfield, Texas, USA. Prof. Hopkins, renowned for his extensive work in philanthropy and volunteerism, will be collaborating with the Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Centre (PHARMBIOTRAC) at MUST to propel the dialogue on philanthropy and social entrepreneurship in academia and society.
Established in 2017 as part of the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE II), PHARMBIOTRAC has been a beacon for advancing traditional medicine and Pharm-Biotechnology for the socio-economic development of Africa. Now, in partnership with Prof. Bob Hopkins, the center aims to take a leap forward by integrating active philanthropy and social entrepreneurship into the academic and societal fabric.
Prof. Bob Hopkins, also the Founder and President of Philanthropy & Volunteerism in Entrepreneurship (PAVE), arrives in Uganda for an extended stay from December 11, 2023, to January 16, 2024. His visit is marked by a series of working sessions with PHARMBIOTRAC/MUST and other organizations, focusing on engaging multiple stakeholders towards fostering a culture of philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.
MUST recognizes the pivotal role universities play in promoting innovation, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness through education, research, and meaningful partnerships. This collaboration seeks to position MUST as a hub for philanthropic and social entrepreneurship initiatives, aligning with the university’s commitment to holistic development.
During his stay, Prof. Bob Hopkins will deliver lectures and seminars on key concepts of philanthropy that go beyond financial contributions. Emphasizing community engagement, he will guide PHARMBIOTRAC, faculty, staff, students, and community partners on initiating and sustaining short- and long-term philanthropic initiatives.
His first visit was at Kihumuro Campus (MUST). It was not just a theoretical discourse but a practical endeavor to empower individuals with the skills and mindset needed to create positive change. Prof. Hopkins’ wealth of experience in fundraising for over 100 nonprofits and NGOs over the past thirty years undoubtedly provided valuable insights to the academic and social landscape in Uganda.
Prof. Bob Hopkins’ visit ignited a multidimensional approach to promoting and supporting the dialogue of philanthropy and social entrepreneurship among MUST Students. As academia and society came together under the banner of active philanthropy, the transformative potential for the socio-economic development of communities is vast and promising. The collaborative efforts between PHARMBIOTRAC/MUST and Prof. Bob Hopkins marked a significant step towards a brighter and more socially conscious future for Uganda and beyond. Watch the Session on EYIT TV