Please Remember Africa University in Your Will Issue: 04 Vol: 20 September - October 2015
Give Now
Africa University Development Office | P O Box 340007 | Nashville, TN 37203 Tel. (615) 340-7438 | Email: audevoffice@gbhem.org
Record Level Results for AU’s Planned Giving Program Africa University recognized 21 individuals for their generosity and commitment to the institution at the 15th annual Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society Dinner, held on September 11th in Nashville, TN. About 120 friends and supporters of the university gathered to remember, honor and induct new members into the society in an evening filled with thanksgiving and delight. The 2015 Legacy Society inductees, 11 in number, included Mr. Gerald R. Aubrey and Mrs. Jerry Jo Voris Burkman. The Indianapolis-based couple are long-standing friends of Africa University and retired missionaries who served in Africa, Europe and the Far East. In support of the current $1.6M Indiana Conference campaign for Africa University, the couple endowed a scholarship in memory of Mrs. Burkman’s parents, Merle and
Mr. Gerald Aubrey and Mrs. Jerry Jo Voris Burkman (center) are 2015 Legacy Society inductees and Mr. Kevin G. Goodwin and Mrs. Karen Olsen Goodwin (right) recently made their third planned gift. Esther Voris, saying that they were “impressed with the purpose of Africa University, especially the whole continent focus of the vision.” Mr. Kevin G. Goodwin and his wife, Mrs. Karen Olsen Goodwin, were among the 10 members of the Legacy Society who have made new gifts. As their third planned gift to Africa University, the Goodwins are funding an endowed scholarship. They chose to tithe from a family bequest.
ELMA Challenge Grant Generates $1M+ African donors went over the top on their contributions to Africa University under the ELMA Foundation Matching Grant Appeal. Their gifts exceeded the appeal goal of $500,000 by $23,417. Launched in March 2013, the ELMA Foundation Matching Grant Appeal helped the university to meet immediate funding gaps in its operating budget. Over a two-year period, the ELMA Foundation matched gifts by qualified African donors dollar for dollar—disbursing funds on a quarterly basis. Thanks to the match, the appeal generated more than $1 million for the university. “We are grateful to the ELMA Foundation for providing the matching grant which helped the university to cultivate the African donor base and inject much need-
ed funds into its operational budget,” said Dr. Munashe Furusa, the vice chancellor. “We are equally grateful to all who generously invested in the university through the appeal,” said Furusa. “Your support was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal and enhance our capacity to continue the work of investing in Africa’s future.” African businesses, institutions and nongovernmental organizations contributed more than 65% of the total amount raised. A key element to the success of the appeal was the influence of the university’s alumni and their parents, who leveraged their networks to generate gifts. Africa University alumni, students, faculty, staff, trustees, and United Methodist churches also made significant gifts.
Africa University’s planned giving program recorded gifts totaling more than $3.8 million in the first eight months of 2015, including the university’s first planned gift in excess of $1 million. The Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society, named for a founding Board member and chair of the Building and Grounds Committee from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, has a membership of 360.
Scholarship to Honor Dr. Maggie Jackson
An effort is underway to endow a scholarship at Africa University in honor of Dr. Magnolia “Maggie” Jackson. Friends and colleagues of Dr. Jackson have a goal of $150,000 which, when invested, will provide income to support at least one student annually. Through this scholarship initiative, organizers aim to recognize Jackson’s 38-year career in higher education and her extensive voluntary service within and beyond The United Methodist Church.