Please Remember Africa University in Your Will Issue: 03
Vol: 19
May - June 2014
Give Now
Africa University Development Office | P O Box 340007 | Nashville, TN 37203 Tel. (615) 340-7438 | Fax. (615) 340-7290 | Email: audevoffice@gbhem.org
University Hosts Community Appreciation, Farewell Event for VC Tagwira Even during his toughest days as Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Dr. Fanuel Tagwira exhibited a faithinspired optimism, and his passion for the student experience was evident in every decision. “Professor Tagwira served the University community during a very difficult time and his ever-smiling face gave hope to many,” said Mrs. Grace Muradzikwa, Board secretary and chairperson of the Leadership Transition Committee. Tagwira, a pioneer faculty member and expert in soil chemistry, joined Africa University to help launch the school of agriculture in 1992. He rose to professorial rank and served as dean of the faculty for five years. Tagwira took the helm as Interim Vice Chancellor of Africa University in
Professor Fanuel Tagwira
January 2008 and was formally elected to the role in April 2009. At the time, Zimbabwe was in the midst of an unprecedented economic downturn. Mr. James Salley, the uni-
Bishop’s Offering to Support Scholarships at AU Students at Africa University will benefit from donations collected as part of the Florida Conference’s annual giving ministry in June. Half of the funds Rev. Armando Rodriguez, collected around Jr. with Salvador Chicosseno, the annual con- an Angolan who is currently ference gather- studying at AU with support ing will go toward from the Florida Conference. scholarships, said Bishop Ken Carter. The rest will help kick-start a new intern program for young adults willing to serve in selected communities in Florida. “Our generosity through the Annual Conference offering will transform those who are equipped as servant leaders, both on the African continent and in our own state, and also those who will be blessed by their witness,” Carter said. “We are asking local churches to receive an offering on June 8 (Pentecost) as a
participation in this expression of God’s mission.” Also known as the “bishop’s offering,” the annual giving ministry netted nearly $130,000 in 2013. The scholarships to be funded through the bishop’s offering would go to students in the university’s Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance and the School of Theology. “We were impressed with the profound work of the Institute for Peace, Leadership and Governance,” Carter said. “It is clear that Africa University is equipping leaders who will return to their homes and communities having been transformed by strategic learning and deepened relationships.” Last fall, the conference kicked off a drive to increase its support of Africa University. In February, Bishop Carter led a 10-person group made up of clergy and lay leaders on a visit to the AU campus to learn more about the needs of AU’s students and faculty.
-Adapted from an article by Susan Green, managing editor of the Florida Conference Connection. Photo by Rev. Armando Rodriquez, Jr.
versity’s chief advancement officer, noted that Tagwira worked tirelessly and kept Africa University open while other universities in Zimbabwe shut their doors. “Very few people have any idea or knowledge of what it took from him to maintain an institution operating every day, putting three meals on the table in the dining hall, and having employees never miss a pay check, during the darkest hours of the economy of Zimbabwe,” said Salley. A community appreciation and farewell event for Dr. Tagwira is scheduled for June 6th in Mutare, Zimbabwe. His last official function as Vice Chancellor is the 2014 Graduation Ceremony, which takes place on June 7th. The incoming vice chancellor, Dr. Munashe Furusa will assume office on July 1st.
Choir to Visit BaltimoreWashington and Florida
The Africa University Choir begins a month-long USA tour on May 27th. The choir will perform at the annual conference gatherings and do local church itineration in the BaltimoreWashington Conference and the Florida Conference. There are 15 students from eight African countries in this year’s touring choir, which is being led by the director, Mr. Tendekai Kuture. Choir members perform in more than 12 African languages and share a passion for music ministry.