Alumni Spotlight: Pete Ondeng

(ABILENE, Texas)–Pete Ondeng came to Hardin-Simmons from Kenya in 1978, and ever since, he has called the Abilene campus a home. He graduated in 1982 with a B.B.A in Accounting, and almost 30 years later he returned to the United States to be inducted into the HSU Hall of Leaders. Admired by a large community, Ondeng announced last may that he would contest the presidency of Kenya, as he dreamed of changing and restoring his country.

Ondeng grew up in Kenya and attended a school sponsored by missionary families. He grew up with one of the missionaries’ sons as a best friend, until the boy passed away two years before graduating from high school. The family knew Ondeng very well, so they decided to adopt him and sponsor his higher education in the United States. After forming his Cowboy experience for four years, he graduated with countless memories and friendships that he still keeps in his heart.

“I never thought I would be coming to Hardin-Simmons, but it just happened by the grace of God,” he says. “Coming to HSU, I thought I was going to have a much harder time adjusting: first to a new country, a new culture, and that kind of things. Then also to a new school, a new setting; for me it was easy,” Ondeng says.

During his time at HSU, Pete Ondeng was dedicated to his studies and also to the HSU community. He was invited to join a fraternity, which was dissolved a few years later. For Ondeng, pledging and being part of this group meant an excellent opportunity to build strong friendships which he still maintains. He also got involved in athletics, mainly soccer, and had a campus job.

For Ondeng, Abilene was a great city to meet new people and get to know them, something he could not have done it in a big city, he explains.

“My first impression of the States was the city of Dallas, a big city. When we got to the campus, I was very glad I was away from all that noise and traffic of the city. It also made it easier economically,” says Ondeng.

During his time at Hardin-Simmons, Ondeng experienced a Christian education enlightened by faith, and he discusses how that shaped the person he is now.

“Hardin-Simmons integrates Christian faith, and there is a lot of people who think that is for people who go to the ministry. The integration of Christianity and everything that we are doing has to lay on some good foundation values that have helped me through my life,” Ondeng says.

“I really believe that our faith should guide everything we do, and that is what I found interesting at Hardin-Simmons. Even when studying accounting, you look through the lenses of a Christian,” he says.

After graduating, Ondeng worked in the U.S for a couple of years. Then, he decided to go back to Kenya, where he has been working ever since. The last few years, he has been working with economic development and helping different organizations. Ondeng was always interested in politics and has many years of experience in the field. With that in mind, he decided to run for president of his home country last year. The campaign was short because, after some time, he decided to suspend the candidacy and support another candidate.

“I have always been interested in finding where can I fit to influence the society,” Ondeng says.

As a notable alumnus of Hardin-Simmons, the school decided to name him to the Hall of Leaders. President Bruntmyer announced this award via Skype call to Ondeng.

“I feel so honored to receive this award, and I know there are many people who have done so many incredible things. I am here to receive this and thank God for the honor,” says Ondeng.

“If someone would ask me if they should go to HSU I would tell them yes. I look at my experience in a very positive way. Hardin-Simmons helped me to shape my perspectives, to shape my paradigms from a professional and Christian way,” he says. “I did have an experience of not only coming here to learn but also to build relationships that will last me for a lifetime,” Ondeng says.