Alumni Spotlight: The Refinement of Jacob Banda

For Jacob Banda, the journey to Northrise University wasn’t a calculated first choice, but in hindsight, it was a divine appointment. “I initially came because I was unable to secure a place at CBU,” Jacob admits with refreshing honesty. “However, with time, I realized it was God who led me here to study the program I ultimately pursued.”

That program, Finance and Accounting, proved to be a rigorous proving ground. Graduating in the historic “virtual class” of 2020, Jacob remembers the grit required to cross the finish line. In a testament to his resilience, he was one of only two students in his intake to complete the program on schedule.

Shaping the Heart and Mind

While the academics were demanding, Jacob’s experience was defined by a “well-rounded” approach to growth. He didn’t just study; he served. As the first Student Council member responsible for Spiritual Affairs, Jacob found a safe harbor to develop his gifts in leadership, administration, and song.

It was during a seemingly routine Computer Literacy Basics class that Jacob’s entire worldview shifted. A devotion led by lecturer Mr. Mulenga Musonda on Colossians 3:22–23 struck a chord.

“He shared that as Christians, there is no divide between the secular and the sacred,” Jacob recalls. “Everything we do should be done unto the Lord. That teaching completely transformed my work ethic.”

This integration of faith and excellence became the hallmark of his time at Northrise, fueled further by the “1600 squad”, a close-knit circle of friends who became his lifelong support system.

From the Classroom to the Workforce

The transition to professional life began at Voyagers, where an internship blossomed into full-time employment. Today, Jacob serves as the Finance Administrator at Mechanics for Africa, a Christ-centered college. It is a role that perfectly aligns his professional expertise with his desire to serve in a purpose-driven environment.

Reflecting on his transition from student to professional, Jacob notes that the greatest hurdle was realizing that the learning never stops. “Initially, I lacked an understanding of how much more there was to learn beyond school,” he says. “Once I embraced continuous learning and accepted that mistakes are part of growth, my progress accelerated.”

A Legacy of Service

Despite his professional success, Jacob’s proudest milestone is his family. He credits the peace and strength of his home life, anchored by his wife and children, as the foundation that allows him to excel in the boardroom.

Jacob continues to be a pillar of the Northrise community, currently serving as the Vice President of the Northrise Alumni Association. Under his leadership, the association has sponsored student education and supported graduation ceremonies, ensuring the next generation has the same opportunities he did.

The “Forge”

When asked to summarize his Northrise experience in a single phrase, Jacob doesn’t hesitate: “The Forge.”

“Northrise has been instrumental in shaping and refining the man I am becoming,” he explains. To the current students navigating the stress of midterms and presentations, his message is simple: Embrace the process.

“The stress has value beyond what you can see right now,” Jacob encourages. “Northrise truly changed my life. It provided the ideal environment to build a foundation for my career, and I am still building on that foundation today.”