"I am greatly honored to be the first PhD graduate of the University. It is very exciting moment for me and ECSU as well, as it is the first milestone in the university. " Mesfin Tilaye, the first PhD graduate of the University, said this in a cocktail party prepared to honor the University`s achievement in graduating the first PhD student in its history, January 23, 2014. Mesfin advised his colleagues, "Studying at PhD level has its own ups and dawns, but you have to have the endurance to see its fruits".