Scholarship Gift Highlights Longstanding Connection to AU
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100% SUPPORT
Bishop James M. and Mrs. Dorothy Ault
Methodist Church in 1972, Bishop and Mrs. Ault soon traveled to Mozambique, Zambia and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), to learn more about the denomination’s work and mission. “Visiting churches and schools in those nations and sharing with local church leaders and members in these diverse nations left us with many profoundly moving and enlightening experiences,” said Mrs. Ault. As president of the General Board of Global Ministries from 1985-1989, Bishop Ault helped to guide crucial deliberations leading to the inception
of Africa University. “Seeing Africa University's amazing growth and vitality, including its effective reach to students and faculty from across Sub-Saharan Africa, has been exciting,” said Mrs. Ault. at excitement is a key ingredient in the ongoing success of Africa University’s first churchwide campaign. “We will be successful because Africa and the world need the graduates from Africa University,” said Aubrey Lucas, the chair of the campaign. e campaign raised $26.2 million in cash and pledges in its silent phase. As the public phase of the campaign unfolds, major gifts are being sought from individual contributors. e campaign plans call for about $12 million to be raised through planned giving. To learn more about the Campaign for Africa University, visit www.support-africauniversity.org/campaign. You may contact the Africa University Development office at (615) 340-7438 or email audevoffice@gbhem.org.
CELEBRATING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AFRICA UNIVERSITY AND UNITED METHODIST CONGREGATIONS Thank you for supporting Africa University through your 100 percent remittance of the Africa University Fund apportionment in 2015. Here is the listing of Annual Conferences with 100 percent or more in 2015 (with 2014 performance for comparison): North Central Jurisdiction Dakotas East Ohio Illinois Great Rivers Iowa Minnesota West Michigan West Ohio Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100.03% 99.99% 100% 116.54% 100% 100% 100% 96.27%
2014 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 91.25%
Northeastern Jurisdiction Baltimore-Washington Eastern Pennsylvania Greater New Jersey New England New York Peninsula-Delaware Susquehanna Upper New York West Virginia Western Pennsylvania Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 110.65% 100% 100% 100% 100.43% 100% 100% 100.02% 100.01% 101.11%
2014 100%
100% 100% 95.76%
South Central Jurisdiction Central Texas Oklahoma Indian Missionary Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 100% 89.54%
2014 100% 100% 89.22%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Southeastern Jurisdiction Florida Holston Kentucky North Carolina Red Bird Missionary South Carolina Tennessee Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 101.41% 100% 91.73%
2014 100% 100% 100% 100% 100.50% 102.98% 100% 91%
Western Jurisdiction Alaska United Methodist California Pacific Desert Southwest Oregon Idaho Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountain Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 92.77%
2014 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 91.78%
Fall 2016
new gift will endow a scholarship in honor of Bishop James M. and Mrs. Dorothy Ault and help future Africa University students to realize their full potential for leadership. Initially, Mrs. Ault envisioned making the gift of $130,000 as a bequest in honor of her late husband. When she talked it over with family and friends, they encouraged her to invest now and in both their names. e gift is a major contribution to the Campaign for Africa University—a four-year effort to raise $50 million to upgrade facilities, provide funding for faculty chairs, for research support to help attract faculty and fund muchneeded scholarships. “We hope that the scholarship will enable some gifted young people, both men and women, to become strong and effective leaders wherever they choose to serve,” said Mrs. Ault. e gift highlights a longstanding connection with Africa that Bishop and Mrs. Ault shared. Elected as an episcopal leader of e United
Africa University Today — Fall 2016
AU Focuses on Increased Efficiency and Growth
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he Africa University Board of Directors approved a new academic structure and 10 new degree programs at its October 2016 meeting, giving its blessing to an ambitious plan for academic restructuring and growth. e board’s actions follow the successful reaccreditation of Africa University in April by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). e institution scored high marks for quality assurance in the ZIMCHE review. Along with accreditation for five years, ZIMCHE approved Africa University’s first doctoral program, a Ph.D. in peace, leadership and governance. “By capitalizing on its strengths, Africa University is positioning itself to take advantage of the opportunities that the current environment and the future hold, without losing sight of the importance of being efficient and sustainable,” said Professor Munashe Furusa, AU vice chancellor. A record seven new undergraduate degree programs were approved, offering professional training in areas such as counselling, human capital management, gender and cultural studies, social work, and religion and community health. e three new graduate degree programs are in
development studies and health sciences. e plan also calls for the university’s seven existing academic units to merge into three colleges in order to increase operational efficiency. Going forward, all programs will be organized under these three Trustee and institute director, Prof. Pamela Machakanja (in yellow), colleges—Health, is overseeing the launch of AU’s first doctoral program. Agriculture and Natural Sciences; Commerce, Peace, Leadership and stronger position for realizing its transformative Governance; and Social Sciences, Humanities, pan-African mission and vision,” said Furusa. eology and Education. e move eliminates In spite of concerns regarding social unrest, a number of high-level administrative positions the economic impact of a severe drought in and other overhead costs, as well as addresses the countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe and the challenge of declining enrollment in a number loss of oil revenue in Angola and Nigeria, of disciplines. Faculty and administrative staff enrollment targets for the 2016-2017 academic are doing their part as the university has year were met. e university has a current increased the teaching load of faculty from nine enrollment of approximately 1,400 full-time to 12 hours per semester and performance students, and 26 of Africa’s 55 countries are bonuses have been eliminated for 2016-2017. represented in the student body. “is realignment puts the university in a
How You Can Help ocated at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, Africa University is an accredited United Methodist-related educational institution in Africa, established by action of the General Conference. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in six faculties of learning: agriculture and natural resources, education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, management and administration, and theology. The Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance offers post-graduate diplomas and master’s programs.
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frica University held a special retirees’ recognition dinner to bid farewell to seven members of staff who have made formative contributions to the institution. Pictured from left to right are Mrs. May Mrema (agriculture faculty), Mrs. Tsitsi Kagurabadza (founding director of food services), Mr. Davidson Fonnah (education faculty), Mr. Lovemore Matongo (head driver), Dr. Donnan Gwashu (humanities faculty), Mr. Ernest Muzorewa (agriculture faculty), and Mr. Andrew Gumbo (management and administration faculty), along with Prof. Munashe Furusa, the vice chancellor, and Mrs. Zanele Furusa.
Africa University continues to be the evidence of faith, hope and belief in the visions of dreamers. We are counting on you! Encourage your church to set a 100 percent apportionment remittance goal. Sending a portion of your goal each month makes it easier to reach full remittance by year’s end. Your church’s 100 percent apportionment remittance means 100 percent Continued next page.
How you can help... continued. support of Africa University’s operational budget, for costs such as utilities, equipment and faculty salaries.
Outgoing Trustees Celebrated
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undreds of Africa University supporters gathered in Lyndhurst, Ohio in midSeptember for a scholarship banquet honoring Dr. Maggie Jackson, a long-time Africa University trustee who retired from the AU Board in October. “e contributions of Dr. Maggie Jackson to Africa University are well known. We will not forget the work you are doing among us,” said Bishop David Yemba, the chancellor of Africa University. e banquet raised awareness and support for the $150,000 Dr. Maggie Jackson endowed scholarship to benefit students at Africa University. “All that I am, all I have been is because of Jesus the Christ,” Jackson said in her address to banquet guests. “I’m honored that you have chosen to be here to celebrate on behalf of the students of Africa University. I have seen the struggles of students wanting to enhance their well-being so that they can return to their village, their town, their country and be leaders – be it clergy, be it farmers, be it teachers – but to be used to help the community be better.”
Planned Gifts are the foundation for the long-term survival of Africa University. As you make your estate plans, consider leaving a gift or bequest to Africa University in your will. If you have already included the university in your estate plans, please let us know so we may welcome you to the Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society.
Dr. Maggie Jackson and Ms. Angella Current-Felder.
Africa University held its celebration of the leadership contributions of Dr. Maggie Jackson and Ms. Angella Current Felder, a fellow trustee who has also retired, at an October 13 gathering at the main campus in Zimbabwe. Both Jackson and Current-Felder have been strong advocates for Africa University since its inception. Jackson served as a trustee for 15 years and chaired the Buildings and Grounds Committee for more than five years. CurrentFelder, a former staff member of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), served as the secretary of the Finance Committee of the AU Board for 20 years. She was elected to the AU Board by GBHEM in 2011.
Alumna Takes Charge of Student Life
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n August 2016, Dr. Mazvita Margaret Machinga became the acting dean of student affairs at Africa University — a school that she entered as a first generation university student in 1998. “When I was a student, God sent some people to be there for me and journey with me during tough times,” said Machinga. “Christ’s love for me, even as a student, motivates me to love others in response. I want to be a channel of God’s grace to others.” Machinga supervises seven key units that include student housing, food services, health services, counselling and career services, and campus life and student development, among others. One of the most important parts of Machinga’s job is to build a strong sense of community among the students. “I have a passion for caring jobs; being the
Consider these additional ways of helping the university educate new leaders for the nations of Africa:
acting dean for student affairs avails me the opportunity…to respond to students’ needs so that they are able to achieve their academic and personal goals,” said Machinga. Her own experiences as a student have led Machinga to make the development of a more robust campus life and student development program a high priority. “Having systems that boost creative thinking amongst students is one of the greatest ways of building leaders for Africa,” said Machinga. After earning a bachelor of education degree from Africa University in 2000, Machinga worked in a rehabilitation program for street children in Zimbabwe and served in prison ministry as prerelease counselor. She holds master’s degrees in Practical eology and Psychology as well as a doctorate with a major in Pastoral Psychotherapy.
Usahwira—This word in the Shona language means “a beautiful friendship.” Encourage your local church to become a partner with Africa University by supporting one student at the university for four years. The annual cost of supporting one undergraduate student is just under $6,000. Local churches may provide full or partial scholarships. Endowment Fund—Give to the Africa University Endowment Fund (World Service Special Gift #03-0188). The interest income from the endowment provides scholarships for our students. For more information about giving opportunities or to make a gift, visit us at support-africauniversity.org. To learn about Africa University and its impact, visit africau.edu. Let’s work together to continue the transformation of lives and of Africa. To order resources to help tell the story of the Africa University Fund apportionment, visit umcgiving.org or infoserv.um.org. Or, call United Methodist Communications, toll-free (888) 346-3862, during normal business hours. Available resources include: • Africa University: A Place of Peace, Learning and Hope DVD (600115) • Africa University Fund: Pieces of the Dream DVD (600512) • We are Africa University (600611) Africa University Development Office P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007 (615) 340-7438 audevoffice@gbhem.org www.support-africauniversity.org
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Africa University Today — Fall 2016
Donor Profile: Africa University Inspires an Impassioned Love Poem
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oseph (Joe) Abram, Jr. is a man of many talents, including that of poet. Before retiring in 2015, he served 11 churches in four appointments over a period of 35 years as an ordained Elder of the South Carolina Annual Conference. In his retirement, he and his wife JoAnn own and manage a home improvement construction business, and he also co-owns with his son Joseph, III, a restaurant located in Marion, South Carolina. Joe and JoAnn have both been long-time, generous supporters of Africa University since the mid-90s. Joe’s first visit to the university took place in January 2014. Upon seeing the campus, Joe was inspired to write an impassioned ode to Africa University, the second verse of which reads as follows: Today, my heart leaped for joy and skipped a beat, When, at long last, I beheld you, my sweet. My days, months, years are filled with thoughts of you, at’s why it’s a joy to do each year what I do.
Joe and JoAnn’s endowed scholarship fund will provide financial assistance for qualified students for generations to come. eir legacy of generosity and love for Africa University will always be remembered. Elaine Jenkins, Director of Planned Giving
Joe and JoAnn Abram
For the past 17 years, Joe has faithfully solicited funds to provide scholarship support for students at Africa University. Since his visit to the university in 2014, Joe and JoAnn have pledged to endow a full scholarship at Africa University. Why? ese words from the last verse of Joe’s poem explain: Because we met, my work will never end, It will live on, in, and through you, my dear African friend.
The AU Today is published by the Africa University Development Office, in partnership with the Office of Communications, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). For more information, contact the: Africa University Development Office P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007 Tel: Fax: Email:
(615) 340-7438 (615) 340-7290 audevoffice@gbhem.org support-africauniversity.org.