Acacia e-Newsletter - March-July 2022

Please Remember Africa University in Your Will.

Issue: 02

Vol: 27

March - July 2022

Africa University Development Office | P O Box 340007 | Nashville, TN 37203 Tel. (615) 340-7438 | Fax. (615) 340-7290 | Email: audevoffice@gbhem.org

Beyond 30: Powering an Evolving Dream This year – 2022 – marks the 30th anniversary of Africa University, (AU), and for United Methodists worldwide, it’s an opportunity to celebrate by investing anew.

Africa University is inviting support for a two-year, $5 million 30th Anniversary Campaign—Beyond 30: Powering an Evolving Dream.

Gifts to campaign total more than $2.98 million to date, and target an area of outstanding impact at the institution—scholarships. The campaign has attracted strong support from stakeholders and longstanding supporters.

Dr. Ab Abercrombie, the first international visiting professor in agriculture at Africa University, and Dr. Chris Hope, were the first to honor the institution’s 30th anniversary with a gift of $130,000 for an endowed scholarship.

Current campaign receipts include nine

new endowed scholarship funds.

Three of the nine new endowed scholarships were given anonymously, including a gift of $1.2 million and one that honors longtime missionaries at Africa University, Jane and Larry Kies.

Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Mrs. Racelder Trimble are marking a major milestone— four decades in ministry—while also highlighting Africa University’s 30-year journey and the sustainability of its ministry.

Bishop and Mrs. Trimble have set a $300,000 goal for their participation in the Beyond 30 campaign. They’ve pledged a significant personal gift and are inviting friends and family, as well as the congregations and communities they’ve served to invest with them in endowed scholarship support for Africa University students.

At Africa University, there are now 243 endowed funds that provide support for scholarships, professorships, and maintenance, or are unrestricted.

AU 30th Anniversary 'Trip of a Lifetime' With planning for the formal, in-person activities to mark its 30th anniversary well underway, Africa University is organizing an invitationonly USA to southern Africa charter flight and visit itinerary for its high-profile friends, major donors and institutional stakeholders.

The celebration scheduled for October 22-24, 2022, will take place at AU's main campus at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Invitees taking advantage of the private charter are expected to leave the USA on October 19 and fly direct to Harare,

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Zimbabwe. The charter will return to the USA from South Africa on October 27.

The trip itinerary includes the inauguration of AU's fifth vice chancellor, Rev. Dr. Peter Mageto, the 30th anniversary celebration program and sightseeing in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe, Botswana, and Johannesburg, South Africa, over an eight-day period.

To learn more about the trip, contact the Africa University Development Office at audevoffice@gbhem.org or call 615.340.7438.

AU Breaks Ground for EOC-funded Dormitory The East Ohio Conference (EOC) and Africa University moved into a new phase of the Teach*Reach*Bless campaign with a formal groundbreaking in mid-April. The campaign to increase access to on-campus housing for female students surpassed its

$1.5 million goal a year earlier than initially planned, thanks to the exceptional level of commitment and generosity shown by East Ohio United Methodists.

The campaign, endorsed by East Ohio Conference leadership, and supported by clergy and laity, was the vision of Bishop Tracy S. Malone.

“This is so much more than an investment in a residence hall,” shared Malone. “We are investing in an education, investing in leadership, investing in safe and secure housing.

We are investing in students’ lives!”

The groundbreaking ceremony was a bi-continental affair in which leaders and students at the AU main campus at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe as well as EOC leaders in North Canton, Ohio took part in a ceremonial turning of the soil.

Construction will begin shortly. The first group of students to reside in the new dormitory is expected to move in

by August 2023.

An Investor's Giving Strategy were to sell the securities and they get a full income tax deduction for the value of the gift on the date the gift is completed.

Consider the “buy low and give high” strategy to fund your legacy giving in support of Africa University. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about what will be most advantageous for your tax, estate, and charitable planning.

To learn more about the many ways to support Africa University’s transforming ministry, visit the planned giving website at http: //www.africau.plannedgiving.org / Or, call or write our Director of Planned Giving, Josefa Bethea Wall, Africa University Development Office, P. O. Box 340007, Nashville, TN, 37203-0007, 615.340.7428 (office), jbetheawall@gbhem.org.

August 1: Fee Payment Deadline August 3: Orientation-First Year Students August 15: Lectures Begin October 6: Mid-semester Break October 22-24: VC's Inauguration & 30th Anniversary Celebration

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry The United Methodist Church P O Box 340007 Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0007

It is a brief maxim that is shared with every investor, “buy low and sell high.”

The same strategy holds true for funding charitable gifts.

The transfer of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares you have owned for more than one year can help you support the mission and ministry of the “School of Dreams” without impacting your cash flow.

With the recent volatility in the American stock markets, some donors are making changes to their investment portfolios and considering charitable plans as they make decisions. Gifts of long-term appreciated securities provide donors with two immediate tax benefits — they avoid all capital gains taxes that would result if the donor

Important Dates 2022 - 2023 Academic Year

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Nashville, Tenn.

Permit No. 11

AU Celebrates its 28th Commencement, Awards First Doctoral Degrees On June 11, 712 graduates from 18 African countries were recognized as they garnered degrees and top honors at Africa University's 28th graduation ceremony.

Of special note was AU’s first three graduates receiving Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health degrees: Chipo Chimamise, Tichaona Goto and Ronnie Matambo.

Valedictorian Tanyaradzwa Laura Chemwayi, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in natural resource management, described her time at Africa University as a promise fulfilled.

“In John 19:30, we read the words, ‘It is finished,’” Chemwayi said. “This is the fulfilment of God's purpose. In our lives, this is the close of a chapter for us and a promise

that God has fulfilled in bringing us to this day. It is a promise that we now carry forth for our families, the university and those who come after us, that we shall not let you down or squander this gift we have been given.”

Dr. Shingai Mutasa was the guest of

honor and keynote speaker. His message to the graduating class was underpinned by lessons in history, individual purpose, and the collective responsibility of Africans to develop and further the aspirations of the continent.

“As an African, I fully accept the legacy of the past, as well as the responsibility for the present and the future. The success or failure of our continent is determined by our actions. Its future is also our responsibility.”

The Rev. Peter Mageto, vice chancellor and professor, congratulated the graduates and their families, applauding the discipline and determination that brought them to this point. He encouraged them to continue with the same spirit as they leave the university.