Soon-to-be University of Dayton graduates show perseverance, resilience
Cynthia Bukirwa’s path to graduation spanned 8,300 miles and began with a 13-hour bus ride from Uganda to Nairobi, Kenya. Her journey led her to Columbus, Ohio, where she reunited with her mother after five years apart. Now, inspired by her mother’s story and resilience, Bukirwa is heading to medical school.
Her mother had moved to Columbus seeking treatment after suffering severe acid burns. During those years apart, Bukirwa lived with extended family in Uganda from ages 12 to 17. Her education was interrupted multiple times, including a yearlong break to navigate the immigration process. Just as she was settling into life in the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic added further challenges to her academic pursuit.
“Like everyone else, I struggled during the pandemic,” Bukirwa recalled. “I didn’t know how I’d pay for college, but giving up wasn’t an option. In my Ugandan upbringing, education isn’t optional — you figure out a way, no matter what.” She credited her high school counselor with introducing her to the Flyer Promise program and encouraging her to apply to the University of Dayton (UD).
“Coming to UD was the best decision I’ve made. The experiences and people here have been incredible,” she said.
Next, Bukirwa will attend the University of Toledo College of Medicine, aiming to become a plastic surgeon — a goal rooted in her mother’s experience.
“When my mom was burned, she lacked proper care during the nine months we were in Uganda. After 30 surgeries in Columbus, she was almost unrecognizable — in a good way,” Bukirwa explained. “Her doctors didn’t just change her physically, they improved every part of her life. That holistic approach to medicine is what I want to pursue — healing not just the body, but the whole person.”
Bukirwa will be joined at the University of Dayton’s commencement on May 11 — fittingly, Mother’s Day — by Laurien Gisigo, whose story is also shaped by resilience and family. His parents survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis, and the family relocated to the U.S. when Gisigo was 14.
“Graduating on Mother’s Day is incredibly meaningful,” Gisigo said. “My mother never had the chance to attend college, so seeing me walk across that stage will be a powerful moment for both of us.”
After arriving in Dayton just a month before starting high school — in his second language — and transferring schools, Gisigo says the Flyer Promise program and UD’s community helped him find his place. He also took part in a study abroad experience in Japan.
“Meeting people from across the world through UD is something I treasure,” he said. “It shows how strong the sense of community is here.”
After graduation, Gisigo plans to travel through Europe with a roommate before visiting Rwanda — his first trip back since leaving. In September, he will begin work as an area manager at an Amazon facility in Vandalia, Ohio.
At the ceremony, the University of Dayton will also award an honorary degree to Larry Connor, managing partner of The Connor Group. Connor is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist with $5 billion in real estate holdings across 17 U.S. cities. His philanthropic efforts support education, scientific research, and space exploration.
“Larry Connor exemplifies the leadership, innovation, and service we strive to instill in our students,” said UD President Eric F. Spina. “We’re proud to honor his extraordinary contributions.”
The university will also award roughly 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at a ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 12:45 p.m., and the School of Law’s commencement will take place that morning at 9 a.m. A baccalaureate Mass is scheduled for 4 p.m. that day at the Frericks Center.
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