Please Remember Africa University in Your Will Issue: 04
Vol: 22
July - August 2017
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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.