Oct. 31, 2026: Kohima College, Kohima, organised a retirement programme in honour of Kevileno Kemp, Associate Professor, Department of Education, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the College Conference Hall.
The programme was led by Dr Prescilla Ezong, while the Scripture reading and prayer were conducted by Dr Kekhriesenuo Christina. A musical presentation, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” was presented by Dr Visiezolie Yashü.
The programme featured short speeches by Dr Vitsosie Vüprü, Principal, Kohima College; Associate Professor Dorothy Swuro, HoD, Department of Education; Associate Professor Mhalezolie Kire, President, KCTA; and Wati Longkumer, General Secretary, Kohima College Students’ Council.
In her retirement speech, Associate Professor Kevileno Kemp expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to have served at Kohima College. To quote her, “KCK has always been a centre of belonging to me”. Describing herself as fortunate, she reflected on the privilege of returning to the institution where she had graduated and working alongside distinguished members of the academic community.
Recalling her years of service, she acknowledged the invaluable lessons she had gained from colleagues across different generations, including senior mentors, peers and former students who had returned to the institution as teachers. She observed that the experience of working with people from diverse age groups had taught her lessons that no academic degree could offer.
She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Principal, the Vice Principal, her departmental colleagues and members of the college fraternity for their constant support, understanding and encouragement throughout her career. She particularly highlighted the knowledge gained through everyday interactions and conversations with colleagues from different departments, describing the staffroom as a place of informal learning and exchange of perspectives.
Kemp also acknowledged the contribution of the college’s administrative staff, whose assistance with institutional procedures and paperwork had been invaluable in supporting the work of teachers.
Looking ahead to retirement, she remarked humorously that her next major assignment would be continuing her learning journey with her Gen Alpha grandchild, who, she said, would teach her new levels of patience and negotiation.
Expressing humility and gratitude for the retirement programme organised in her honour, she thanked the Kohima College Teachers’ Association (KCTA), the organising committee and every member of the KCK family for their efforts in making the occasion memorable. She also conveyed her appreciation to everyone who had taken the time to be present and to those who had contributed to the programme.
In a lighter moment, Kemp recalled how she would usually prefer sitting near the exit door during programmes, partly to make it easier to leave when necessary. Being seated in the first row on her retirement day, she said, was both embarrassing and deeply humbling. She wished every employee of Kohima College good health and the privilege of experiencing such an honour.
Concluding her address, she expressed pride in being part of the legacy of Kohima College, describing it as a prestigious institution. As she embarked on a new chapter of life, she wished the college continued success, growth and greater achievements in the years ahead.
The programme concluded with the closing hymn, “Count Your Blessings,” followed by the doxology and refreshments.
