Please Remember Africa University in Your Will Issue: 05
Vol: 19 September - October 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 Remembers, Honors Friends and Advocates with Drum Awards
2014
The honorees are (from left to right): Rev. Dr. Roger Ireson, former general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and Mrs. Judith A. Ireson; Mrs. Grace Muradzikwa, secretary of the AU Board of Directors; Mr. Kent Weeks, former AU Legal Counsel, and Mrs. Karen H. Weeks. Twenty-four AU supporters who passed away recently were also remembered for their contributions at a brief memorial service during the event.
An atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving and story-telling marked the 14th annual Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society Dinner, held on September 5th in Nashville, TN. Friends, supporters, staff and advisors gathered to celebrate the giv-
ers and the gifts that make Africa University’s transformative ministry possible. Eleven new members were inducted into the society, bringing the total membership to 351. Six existing members were recognized for making
their 2nd and 3rd planned gifts. Africa University’s highest honor—the Drum Award—was presented to five individuals who have been staunch and effective advocates. The recipients are all major donors and have played critical roles in Africa University’s development over the past 22 years.
VC Shares Vision for Africa University’s Continuing Growth and Impact Two months into his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Dr. Munashe Furusa outlined his priorities for the institution to long-time supporters and members of its Board and Advisory Development Committees. Accountability, improvements to the quality of life of students on campus, and enhancing the pan-African nature/diversity of the student body, are at the top of his agenda. “I have learned with great humility and appreciation the contributions that people have made through their churches and conferences,” said Furusa. “Individuals have sacrificed their family resources. They deserve that we are accountable and transparent in the way that we use those resources.” Furusa outlined an ongoing process and plan to re-imagine and right-size the institution that he described as “cutting and pruning, while growing”. This
Dr. Munashe Furusa, (left), and Bishop Marcus Matthews, (right), chair of the Board and Advisory Development Committees, receive a gift from Rev. Joseph Abram, a committee member and pastor in the Walterboro District of the South Carolina Conference.
includes evaluating how academic programs and units are performing, given the resources that are allocated to them. He also highlighted that student housing and recreational facilities need attention. Furusa noted that the university must become
more client-friendly across the board, and student-centered, so that the environment nurtures great leaders. Furusa has engaged faculty, staff and students in conversations about the university’s strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth and impact. In the wake of those conversations, he is energized and optimistic. “Africa University is a special place. ... First, Africa happens at Africa University every day. And secondly, Africa University has a lot of love that has been poured into it. You just feel it and sense it as you walk the corridors, as you talk to people, as you look at the beautiful buildings that have been put up there... So I just want to say I’m very grateful. … And I fully believe Africa University is going to be a premier university.” - Heather Hahn of United Methodist News Service contributed to this report. Click here for the UMNS article.