Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.
Meet Derrick Tindimwebwa, a sophomore construction management major from Kampala, Uganda, whose family ties and fascination with building led him to 91ֿ.
At a young age, Tindimwebwa helped his father create makeshift structures for farm animals.
“Back home, I was always fascinated with buildings and how structures worked,” Tindimwebwa told 91ֿ Today.
Tindimwebwa’s father, a farmer in Uganda, earned his Ph.D. at the University of Florida, where he met a friend, Andrew Lepp, Ph.D., who he previously worked with in Uganda. Lepp is currently a professor in the School of Foundation, Leadership and Administration here at 91ֿ. That relationship had a lasting effect on Tindimwebwa.
“That’s how I got to find out about 91ֿ,” Tindimwebwa said.
When first arriving at 91ֿ, Tindimwebwa was fortunate to have a connection with Lepp, and he even stayed with the professor for a time.
“Professor Andrew Lepp was a great mentor and father figure for me,” Tindimwebwa said. Because of the relationship between Lepp and his family, Tindimwebwa said, “it was more of a home away from home, so to speak.”
Through the ongoing support of close friends and family, Tindimwebwa began adjusting to new communities around campus, including the undergraduate student government.
“It helped in the assimilation,” Tindimwebwa said. “I was able to meet people on campus and foster communication between student groups.”
Currently, Tindimwebwa is the director for community involvement for the undergraduate student government and plans to expand the organization’s horizons through advocacy and education around the greater Kent area.
Tindimwebwa also joined 91ֿ’s rugby club.
“I thrived and got the experience of playing team sports in America,” Tindimwebwa said.
Through the recommendation of a teammate on the rugby team, Tindimwebwa applied for and attained his first internship in construction management.
“I guess my story of growth should be looked at as a testament to dedication and the sense of community at 91ֿ,” Tindimwebwa said. “From a little Ugandan boy who came with a lot of hopes and dreams to a contributing member of the community genuinely warms my heart.”
Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.