Please Remember Africa University in Your Will Issue: 04

Vol: 22

July - August 2017

Give Now

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

Gift Supports New Theology Institute

BWC Support Continues

gy and ministeriAn anonymous gift al practice, along of $50,000 will supwith adherence port the establishto its African conment of an Institute text, holds promof Theology and ise for making Religious Studies at Africa University Africa University. the premier place The gift was for the study of received in midreligion in this July, at the close region of the of an AU Taskforce meeting in Atlanta, The Institute is to transform how Theology and world (Africa),” Waits noted. GA. ministry are studied at AU. Planning is in the Representatives of the General early stages but the Taskforce enviBoard of Higher Education and sions an Institute that is strategic in its work, culturally relevant, Ministry participated in the discusand effective in supporting the dis- sions, which lay the groundwork for a ciple-making mission of The United new approach to theological and ministerial training at Africa University. Methodist Church. The Taskforce report, including a Dr. James L. Waits, a recentlyconcept document and recommendaretired AU board member, hosted the meeting which brought together uni- tions, will be discussed at upcoming versity trustees, executives, faculty meetings of the College of African Bishops of The United Methodist members, partners and friends. “The integration of classical theolo- Church and the AU Board of Directors.

A 30-member delegation from the Baltimore Washington Conference (BWC), led by Bishop L a T r e l l e Easterling, visited the AU campus and presented a gift of $8,000 to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Munashe Furusa, in July. “This is a gift from the Baltimore Washington Conference for the continued work of Africa University’s powerful ministry. This work is bigger than us, it is bigger than anything we can hope or dream of,” said Bishop Easterling. The delegation was at the campus for the biennial Pastors School at AU—a joint initiative of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area and the Baltimore Washington Conference. Members met with university leaders for an update on AU’s progress and impact.

Dining Hall Gets a New Look

AU Ranked #2 in Zimbabwe

Africa University’s food service facility, the Ndorimana Bonaventure Dining Hall, has a colorful new look and increased seating capacity. New furniture that seats 400 was installed in early July. “The changes going on in the dining hall are all very exciting...the university continues to make great strides towards transforming the student experience,” said Shamiso Makiwa, a senior in the College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education. An electronic payment system is helping to make customer transactions almost effortless. These improvements build on a revamp of dining hall menus to introduce greater variety and celebrate the diversity of African cuisine. “We are customer-oriented and strive to serve great food...and deliver an excel-

Modern dining tables and chairs now grace both levels of the dining hall.

lent service,” said Sarah Dube, the food services manager. The university plans to convert from electric to gas equipment in the dining hall as part of the facility upgrade and move towards increased efficiency in its operations.

Africa University has its sights set on producing transformational leaders for Africa. In July, Africa University achieved its highest ranking to date, number two among universities in Zimbabwe. The ranking, by uniRank™— an international higher education directory reviewing accredited Universities and Colleges in the world—reflects the growth of the institution over the past 25 years. Academic restructuring and the launch of several PhD programs have reinforced the research culture at AU, leading to more research output and citations.

First UMC of Burlington, VT is Helping Africa University Plan for 100 Years and Beyond An ancient Chinese proverb states, “If you are planning for one year, sow rice; for 10 years, plant trees; for 100 years, educate your children.” Africa University is planning for 100 years and beyond with the help of churches like First Church Burlington (VT) and individuals who have established endowed funds. In 1995, First Church established an endowed scholarship fund with the sum of $44,585.00. In 21 years, the fund has not only grown to $135,481.85 because of the university’s excellent stewardship, but it has also educated a small cadre of young men and women who have returned to their communities to engage in transforming ministries! Africa University’s endowment program has witnessed remarkable growth because supporters like First Church Burlington see the benefits of establishing their own named funds to carry their legacy forward

in perpetuity and influence future generations. A strong endowment program also allows Africa University to have a financially secure and stable future. Creating an endowment is not complicated. For more information, please call or write our Director of Planned Giving, Elaine Jenkins, Africa University Development Office, P. O. Box 340007, Nashville, TN, 37203-0007, Elaine Jenkins, director 615/340-7428 (tele- of planned giving. phone), 615/340-7290 (fax), ejenkins@ gbhem.org (email address).or visit the planned giving website at http://www.africau.plannedgiving.org/

Interested in Transforming

About 500 new students are expected to arrive at Africa University’s main campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe in August. Freshman orientation begins on August 10th. Lectures start on August 21st, and all newly-registered students will be formally welcomed into the campus community on Dedication Sunday (August 27th) and at a matriculation ceremony on September 22nd.

Thank You for Investing in Change Leaders

POTENTIAL INTO PROGRESS? Consider investing in the “Campaign for Africa University”. Seeding Hope. Shaping Opportunity is AU’s first church-wide campaign. The goal is $50 million to address all phases of growth and enhance sustainability by endowing student scholarships, funding innovation in teaching and research, and adding to the campus infrastructure. Share the gift of an educational experience that produces global leaders who are principled, bold, and proactive in serving communities. Nurture leaders with the passion, drive, and commitment to create long lasting change in Africa. To give online, go to support-africauniversity.org or make your check payable to “Africa University” and mail it to the AU Development Office, P O Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007.

Loreen Dube is one of two Africa University alumni chosen to participate in the 2017 Young African Leaders (YALI) program. Dube earned a degree in Agribusiness in 2015. She has since launched two start-ups in Zimbabwe— Eldors Fruits and Bomba Organic. Dube explains that her passion for agriculture is driven by a firm belief that sustainable agriculture is integral to harnessing food security in Africa.

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

100% of your gift to Africa University will be used as designated.

2017 Freshman Orientation Begins August 10th

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