EPSU Welcomes Class of 2006 for 20-Year Reunion, Unveils Alumni Association Vision
Addis Ababa – 23 August 2026
The Ethiopian Public Service University (EPSU) hosted a memorable 20-year reunion for its Class of 2006 on August 23, 2026, at Hidase Hall.
During the commemorative session, Dr. Dereje Teklemariam, Director of International Collaboration and Partnerships, announced the formalization of the EPSU Alumni Association, currently under active development, and called on graduates to serve as strategic co-architects of national transformation.
Reflecting on the past two decades, Dr. Dereje reminded the cohort that they left the former Ethiopian Civil Service University equipped with a mandate for public stewardship. Since then, they have driven critical policy reforms, steered institutions through complex transitions, and mentored successive leaders. The university has simultaneously evolved into EPSU, embracing digital governance and a broader global mission, a trajectory now anchored by the emerging alumni network, coordinated under EPSU Alumni Organizing Committee lead by Dr. Wagari Negari.
Drawing inspiration from global benchmarks, where public policy alumni from Harvard, Columbia, and the World Trade Institute have reshaped governance, launched social enterprises, and influenced continental trade frameworks, Dr. Dereje underscored that EPSU's own graduates, now serving in various areas of responsibilities, are maintaining that same standard of transformative leadership.
To harness this collective expertise, the Director outlined a seven-pillar strategic agenda for the intended association. The strategy focuses on policy incubation and curriculum advisory, where senior alumni will collaborate with faculty on policy papers and syllabus reviews to ensure EPSU programs remain responsive to modern e-governance challenges. Inspired by Oxford and Princeton, it aims to bridge generations through mentorship ecosystems and endowment funds that equip future civil servants with essential resources and guidance. Additionally, the plan promotes global partnerships and lifelong learning by offering executive roundtables and masterclasses to connect alumni with international research networks and continuous professional development. To drive economic modernization through public-private partnerships, financial and regulatory experts will design transparent frameworks to unlock capital, accelerate infrastructure development, and spur domestic innovation. The agenda further supports professional and career growth by establishing clear career pathways that enable alumni to translate their expertise into measurable public sector outcomes. Beyond these professional channels, the association will curate vibrant social and cultural events to reinforce alumni bonds, celebrate Ethiopia's rich heritage, and nurture a lifelong sense of belonging to the EPSU family. Finally, it emphasizes community impact and civic learning by mobilizing alumni for grassroots community projects, volunteer initiatives, and civic education drives—transforming collective expertise into tangible societal upliftment and addressing Ethiopia's developmental challenges at the local level.
Concluding his address, Dr. Dereje affirmed that EPSU is not an isolated ivory tower but a dynamic hub for public discourse and continental progress. He extended a direct invitation to the reunion attendees: "We do not want to build this platform for you; we want to build it with you." Welcoming the Class of 2006 as foundational architects of the Alumni Association, he reiterated that the university's campuses remain permanently open to innovative ideas dedicated to serving Ethiopia and Africa.
Dr. Dereje concluded with an uplifting charge to the alumni: "Feel alive. Return to your campus—together. Rekindle friendships. Renew purpose. And live longer."
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