This is My CSU!
October 2006 - Robert Serunjogi
Senior, Political Science & History
Robert Serunjogi is a man in motion with a dream. The dream includes furthering his education as an investment in the future for himself, his family, and his native country of Uganda.
Robert
Surviving on very little sleep most days, this motivated student of political science and history remains focused on his education goal: "With a good education I will be able to help my family and community," he says.
An astute observation made as a child growing up in a country experiencing civil war and political unrest motivates Serunjogi. Those who had an education were the people who were able to escape from the war environment and find new opportunities and a better life elsewhere. People without education were forced to rely on an ineffective government in turmoil, often leading to death for uneducated, struggling citizens.
Serunjogi has worked as a custodian in Facilities Management at Colorado State University since 1998. Since arriving in Fort Collins, Serunjogi has obtained his GED, mastered the English language and accumulated enough academic credits to be classified as a senior – all while working full-time from 4 p.m. to midnight five days per week.
"Ever since I was young and saw how important education is, I have been committed to achieving my degree."
In addition to his studies and CSU job, Serunjogi has held other part-time jobs at places like McDonald’s and Safeway to meet the financial demands of his living expenses and to pay for his education.
In the spring, he was awarded a $2,500 Joan Gaynor Kuder Scholarship, given annually to full-time Colorado State employees who have made sustained progress toward their degree and exhibit passion and commitment to life-long learning.