40th Anniversary Reunion – Program Overview
Mengistu Hulluka Batch – Alemaya College of Agriculture
After forty years, the Alemayan Class of 1985 gathered once again to reconnect, honor those who shaped their journey, remember departed classmates, and strengthen bonds for the future. This two-day celebration brought together alumni from across Ethiopia and around the world in a hybrid format combining on-site and virtual participation.
The reunion recognized three exceptional leaders whose guidance profoundly shaped the Alemaya experience:
- H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mengistu Huluka – Dean of Alemaya College of Agriculture
- The late Dr. Beyene Chichaybelu – Dean of the Graduate School & Coordinator of the Gambella/Giloabol Resettlement Program
- Prof. Gelana Amente – Dean of Students
The celebration also featured a keynote address by Prof. Eyasu Elias, State Minister for Natural Resources and Development, reflecting on agricultural development, natural resource management, and the contributions of Alemaya graduates to Ethiopia and beyond.
Event Details
- Date: January 17–18, 2026
- Format: Hybrid (On-site & Virtual)
- Attendance: Approximately 60 alumni and guests
- Day 1 Venue: EIAR Hall, Addis Ababa
- Day 2 Venue: Kayo Land Farm, Lega Tafo
- Masters of Ceremony: Mulu A., Assefa T., Tamirat T.
Day 1 – Celebration & Reflection (EIAR Hall)
Program Highlights
- Registration & Networking; VIP Guest Reception
- Opening Ceremony – by Kejela Gemtesa
- Website Walkthrough – by Melaku Ayele (Alemayan85.org)
- Keynote Address – Prof. Eyasu Elias, State Minister for Natural Resources and Development
- Alumni Reflections – Part 1
- Men's Dorm Life & Cafeteria — Kebede M.
- Women's Dorm Life — Yewubdar H. / Etagegn B. / Almaz N.
- Freshman & Library Life — Sisay L.
- "Batty/Gende Boy" Memories — Minas T.
- Assosa Experience — Assefa T. / Mosissa W.
- Recognition Ceremony & Celebration – honoring:
- H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mengistu Huluka
- Prof. Gelana Amente
- Dr. Beyene Chichaybelu (posthumously, represented by Mrs. Yalemeshet Weldeamanuel)
- Cake Cutting & Champagne Toast – including the Alemayan 1985 anthem
- Thematic Presentations on academic, research, policy, consultancy, non-profit work, and technology/AI
- Alumni Reflections – Part 2, poetry and kene presentation by Assefa Teferi
- Closing Remarks – by Dereje Adugna
Photos & Videos – Day 1
Use the arrows or dots below to browse through selected Day 1 photos and video placeholders.
Day 2 – Celebration at Kayo Land
Program Highlights
Day 2 was hosted at Kayo Land Farm by Kejela G. and family, featuring sports, nature, traditional food, and storytelling around a campfire.
- Reception on Arrival – coffee, traditional dabo difo, home-grown honey drinks, and reflections
- Sports & Recreation – volleyball, badminton, and fun sports
- Botanical Garden & Bee Hives – exploration walks, group photos, and discussions
- Traditional Lunch – fasting and non-fasting meals with soft drinks, wine, and local beverages
- Campfire & Coffee Ceremony – informal networking, storytelling, and discussions on legacy projects
- Vote of Thanks, Closing & Farewell
Photos & Videos – Day 2
Scroll through Day 2 highlights at Kayo Land using the slider below.
Anniversary Media
Feature Video
This space is reserved for the main anniversary video (or playlist) hosted on YouTube. Clicking the thumbnail or button below will open the video in a new tab.
Gallery Placeholders
These slots can later link to dedicated photo galleries (e.g., EIAR Hall, Kayo Land, honorees, group photos).