A special BGU Ethiopia event was held with Dr. Martine Audéoud and Dr. Belete Mebratu, together with Alumni and current students, on September 24th, 2025. The meeting was organized on the occasion of Dr. Martine’s visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr. Martine presented the evolution of BGU’s Mission from the early phase to the current BGU 4.0 Mission. BGU 4.0 Mission focuses on channeling all efforts at the university towards matters of achieving sustainability, modulization, marketing, master advisors, and regional ecosystems to realize its mission of educating Christ-centered leaders. Dr. Belete presented on the importance of the role of Alumni in student recruitment, where he emphasized the contributions of BGU Alumni in supporting potential students in joining BGU for their studies. Accordingly, it was highlighted that members of the BGU Alumni can promote BGU’s program on social media, share testimonies of their lived experiences to potential candidates, and enhance their engagement in various forms with BGU.
Following the presentations, engaging discussions took place based on questions from participants. The discussions included the role BGU plays in educating leaders who are highly needed in the current times of change throughout the world. The need to strengthen the BGU Alumni Association and the need for engagement thereof were also highlighted. Questions and answers pertaining to BGU’s programs, financing of studies, and application processes were part of the discussions as well. One-to-one meetings were also held with new applicants.
Addis Ababa is the cultural, financial, and administrative capital city of Ethiopia, and it is undergoing a major transformation. The city is 2355 meters (7726 feet) above sea level. Addis will be hosting the BGU City Immersion between April 24 and May 2, 2026. The city is inhabited by more than 3 million people and is known for being the hub for 97 diplomatic missions, including embassies, consulates, and high commissions of various countries, and 188 non-governmental organizations. The headquarters of the African Union is located in Addis Ababa. The Economic Commission for Africa, the European Union, and many other organizations are in this city. The National Museum of Ethiopia is located here, where you can find the replica of the skeleton of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), a 3.2 million-year-old human ancestor, who is thought to be the earliest known so far, and who was discovered in 1974 in the Afar region of Ethiopia. Its cultural, historical, and linguistic diversities are among the tourist attractions of Addis Ababa.
Dr. Belete Mebratu
Academic Dean