Wespath Leans Into AFRICA UNIVERSITY
investment manager for the second largest segment of AU’s endowment holdings and Kevin Goodwin, an AU advisory development committee member since 2001, served 16 years on the Wespath board of directors.
Goodwin had numerous occasions to share AU’s story with the Wespath staff and his fellow board members, including wearing his AU T-shirt to Board meetings.
gift, dinner and speeches, the agency leaned in:
“We did this $10K donation to AU. It comes from our Illinois Endowment Fund, which is Wespath’s own money...I thought commemorating our board with a gift to AU in their name, the 32 members of our Board, would be great a way to use those funds.” Wespath’s gift to AU became the miracle that four student debtors had been praying for.
Here’s a remarkable thing about longstanding relationships: with time, new opportunities to connect surface, allowing people lean in and deepen the relationship. That happened with Africa University (AU) and Wespath Benefits and Investments, the largest faith-based pension fund in the world.
As a not-for-profit administrative agency of The United Methodist Church, Wespath and AU have been family since the university’s inception. Wespath Institutional Investments is the lead sponsor for AU’s golf tournament, held annually in Orangeburg, SC. In addition, Wespath is the
“[Like] Africa University, programs provided by Wespath enrich the financial education of its members,” said Goodwin. “The investment ties between Wespath and Africa University benefit both organizations.”
Wespath General Secretary and CEO Andrew Q. Hendren visited retired pastors and widows in Mozambique and Zimbabwe in 2023, working on the agency’s Central Conference Pensions Program. In Zimbabwe, he met with Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter Mageto; made friends with Nathan, an AU student from Uganda; took a run on the beautiful campus among the acacia trees and fell in love with Africa University.
At Wespath’s final board meeting of the quadrennium, Hendren explained, going beyond a
Burlingame UMC’s Reaction Supports a Life Circle Moment
For Nothando Sithole life has come full circle. She is back at the AU campus at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, layering new memories over those she made as a toddler accompanying her mother to work.
Her mother, the late Patricia Sithole, joined Africa University in 1992 as a pioneer faculty member in the Humanities department, teaching Intensive English. She died in 2011.
At age 35 and now a mother herself, Sithole is in her second year as a theology major preparing for pastoral ministry. In August 2023, using personal and family resources, Sithole enrolled at AU. But by January 2024, her financial situation changed. Sithole was contemplating dropping out when
Burlingame UMC, located in the San Francisco Bay area, came to the rescue. How that happened is a story in itself.
In 2023, while visiting her daughter in San Francisco, Mrs. Margret Makadzange, a former member of the AU Board of Directors and conference lay leader from Zimbabwe, attended worship services at Burlingame UMC. The congregation asked her to make a presentation about the denomination’s missional work in Zimbabwe. Makadzange highlighted Africa University and spoke about its most crucial need—scholarships for students.
Unable to clear their unpaid fees, the students— Moses Duma (Zimbabwe), Nelly Okongo and Ngoi Wa Ngoi Umba Rhode (D.R. Congo), and Tito de Fatima Jorge (Angola), all pursuing the Master of Arts in Religious Studies—could not write their final examinations, which put their graduation at risk. Emergency financial assistance from Wespath’s gift allowed the four to graduate in June.
After Makadzange’s presentation, the congregation decided to sponsor a student. That student— Nothando Sithole—thanked Burlingame UMC saying, “Without you, I wouldn’t have people who listen to my dreams and a place where I can reach my destiny. Now I have the room to thrive.”
With AU, churches and individuals can stand in the gap for bold dreamers, those who are being called to fulfill the Great Commission. One way to do that is to become a Keystone Congregation. Burlingame UMC, now a Keystone Congregation, is part of AU’s strategy for growth and sustainability in the new/evolving reality of The United Methodist Church and resourcing transformative mission and ministry. Contact your conference treasurer to learn how to become a Keystone Congregation for Africa University.
Johara Farhadieh (center), Wespath chief investment officer; Andrew Hendren, Wespath general secretary and chief executive officer; and James H. Salley, president and CEO, AU Tennessee Inc., after a General Conference session in Charlotte, NC.
Makadzange with Rev. Ann Duncan of Burlingame UMC
AU FUND 100% SUPPORT
The Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church with a 100 percent or more remittance to the AUF apportionment over the past two years are: North Central Jurisdiction
Black clergy honor Bishop Tracy Malone with AU scholarship
Something great happened in May at the 2024 Carolina Black Clergy Leadership Retreat and it was more than the Atlantic Ocean vibes felt in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Among the presentations, conversations, and renewal experiences, around 170 clergy and attendants heard a story that prompted a spontaneous response!
Each year, attendees hear about and celebrate the progress at Africa University (AU). “Africa University has been a long-standing supporter of this retreat,” said Rev. Regina Henderson Moore who served on the design team. “We’re always given words of gratitude from the development office about the work.”
In his report this year, James H. Salley, president and CEO of Africa University (TN) Inc., announced the East Ohio Conference’s
Africa University is deeply thankful for the extravagant generosity of local congregations. Thank you for living out a mindset of abundance and shared mission. To the 16 conferences that achieved a 100% investment in the AUF in 2023, thank you for your faithfulness in sharing your blessings so that lives and communities are transformed.
accomplishment of building and equipping a women’s dormitory, named the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence
Malone, a former retreat participant and presenter, is the first Black clergywoman to serve as president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church. That connection and appreciation for Malone’s leadership led the group to raise more than $7,600 in scholarship support for a female student enrolled at AU. Attendees specifically wanted to sponsor a female student who would be living in the dorm named for Bishop Malone.
Something great did happen: Renewal for retreat attendees and a commitment to nurture a young woman leader at Africa University!
The Carolina Black Clergy Leadership Retreat is sponsored by the three annual conferences, Western North Carolina, North Carolina and South Carolina, but it routinely draws participants from beyond the Carolinas.
Africa University Wins Top Honours and Accolades at Global Competition
At the 2024 Hult Prize Summit, Africa University proved again that it is a center of excellence and an innovation hub for the African continent.
Following a win at the Nairobi Summit in June, the AU team entered the Hult Prize Global Accelerator Program and the Global Finals, which combined virtual training with an in-person phase in London, England in August and September.
AU’s team—known as Reagan Technologies—included Jeffrey Takunda Murungweni, Genius Tadiwa Mukichi, and Simbisai Clotilda Mangwiro, each exceptional in computer and medical laboratory sciences. Taking on innovators from more than 60 universities, the AU team showcased a cutting-edge pavement tile technology that will revolutionize normal walking areas by harnessing kinetic energy to generate electricity. The Hult Prize is an annual competition for startups and ideas solving pressing social issues. Named for Bertil Hult, the prize is awarded to college students and has been called the “Nobel Prize for students.” The global competition happens in four steps: Qualifiers, Summit, Global Accelerator, Global Finals.
In London, Reagan Technologies competed in the Global Accelerator presenting their innovation and advanced to the finals. They competed against 15 teams from diverse regions including India, the USA, Mexico, Canada, Kenya, Egypt, Germany, Turkey, China, and Slovakia. The team’s performance earned them runner-up status in the final round.
This year’s Global Finals grand prize of US$1 million went to Anna Li, a grad student at Carnegie Mellon University-University of Pittsburgh, featuring an at-home heart and lung screening company.
The judges praised the AU team’s cohesive approach and the significant social impact potential of their kinetic tiles. With academic excellence, transformative research, creativity and innovation, AU students demonstrate their focus on improving the quality of life in Africa and beyond.
Adapted from an article by Jeanette Dadzie, staff writer, Africa University News & Events
The AU Team: Jeffrey Takunda Murungweni, Genius Tadiwa Mukichi, and Simbisai Clotilda Mangwiro, collectively Regan Technologies, after emerging victorious at the Hult Prize Summit in Nairobi Kenya, advanced to the finals in September, receiving runner-up status, with accolades from judges.
Bishop Tracy Malone
AU Alumni Surpass 12,000
Africa University held its 30th graduation ceremony in June. In an arena filled with palpable emotion, many were moved to tears as two graduates injured in serious road accident on their way to the ceremony received their certificates. The families, guests and classmates in attendance applauded not only the academic achievements, but the sheer willpower, perseverance and God’s grace that is inherent in reaching graduation for the class of 2024.
Having earned her Bachelor of Accounting degree with honors, Melissa Nkhwazi expressed appreciation for the support she received.
“This scholarship relieved a
significant financial burden and instilled a sense of motivation and determination,” said Nkhwazi.
His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, the former president of Mozambique, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Chissano described the graduates as “architects of Africa’s future, the torchbearers of progress, innovation and change,” noting that “In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face transcend borders and boundaries. It is only through collaboration, cooperation, and solidarity that we can hope to overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of our continent.”
AU’s 30th graduation speaker, H.E.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Located 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 degree programs in four colleges and one school: Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CHANS); Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance (CBPLG); Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS); Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education (CSSTH&E); and the School of Law.
The AU Vice Chancellor Rev. Professor Peter Mageto expressed his gratitude to government, partners and the private sector— Unicef, USAID, Mastercard Foundation, Econet, Stanbic, Ecobank and First Mutual, among others— for their valuable support to the institution.
“Whether through scholarships, infrastructure projects, or mentorship programs, your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of our students,” Mageto said.
The event turned into a powerful symbol of hope and triumph over adversity, etching unforgettable memories in the hearts of everyone present.
30 TO 30 is an alumni profile series that celebrates Africa University’s 30th graduation. The series highlights the contributions of 30 Africa University graduates at work on the continent and across the globe.
Glory Ilunga K. Mulimba
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, 2014 graduate, D.R. Congo
Position: Community Development Superintendent for Mutanda Mining Sarl (Glencore)
My time at AU
Africa University awakened my thirst for community service, strengthened my leadership style, and informed my sense of responsibility. This education allowed me to have hands-on involvement (and) empowered me to take on significant roles within my community.
Now I have developed a deep understanding of challenges faced by communities and how collaborative efforts can address them.
Post-graduate Impact and Achievements
Today, I contribute actively to the socioeconomic development of communities affected by mining operations in my country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. My work focuses on improving household incomes and creating wealth to enable the community to achieve selfsustainability. It is a multifaceted approach to community development. I initiate and oversee various programs and projects designed to uplift and empower local residents.
My role involves close collaboration with local communities. My efforts also include liaising with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure that our projects are culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable.
Africa University continues to be the evidence of faith, hope and belief in the visions of dreamers. Thank you for investing in changed lives and communities! Encourage your church to keep its investment goal for the Africa University Fund at the figure set by the 20216 General Conference and strive for a 100 percent apportionment remittance. Sending a portion of your goal each month makes it easier to reach full remittance by year’s end. Your church’s generosity ensures support of Africa University’s operational costs such as utilities, equipment, and faculty salaries.
Consider these additional ways of helping the university educate new leaders for the nations of Africa:
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.
Usahwira—This word in the Shona language means “a beautiful friendship.” Encourage your local church can become a partner with Africa University by supporting one student for four years. The annual cost of supporting one undergraduate student is just $6,500. Local churches and individuals may provide full or partial scholarships.
Endowment Fund—Give to the Africa University Endowment Fund (World Service Special Gift #03-01-88). 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 https://support.africau.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 download resources to help tell the story of the Africa University Fund apportionment, visit: ResourceUMC and/ or the resources page at support.africau.org.
Africa University Development Office P O Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007 (615) 340-7438; Fax: (615) 340-7290 audevoffice@africau.org https://support.africau.org
Joaquim Chissano urged the class of 2024, which was 57.5 female and included 569 graduates from 22 African countries to transcend borders and work collaboratively to unlock Africa’s potential.
Transformative Global Leadership Conference
Global event embraces Black excellence and leadership in the Bible and world
By Kathy L. Gilbert
Black church leaders, educators, pastors and students from Africa and across the U.S. came together Sept. 5-7 on the campus of the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, TN and via online streaming for the inaugural Transformative Global Leadership Conference.The theme for the conference was “The Cross of the Diaspora: Shouldering the Charge to Lead in Faith and Justice.”
In the opening worship, Rev. LaShante Walker, senior pastor of Howard Congregation Church, Nashville, preached on Judges 4-5 about Deborah, woman chosen by God to be the judge of Israel, as just one example from the Bible about leadership.
“We are not substitutes, we were selected and chosen by God to lead,” she said. “We are not just at the foot of discourse; we are the solution.”
As conference conveners, Rev. Sondrea Tolbert, executive director of Scarritt Bennett Center; Rev. Dr. Forrest E. Harris, president, American Baptist College and director of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School; Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto, Vice Chancellor, Africa University; and James H. Salley, president and chief executive officer, Africa University (Tennessee), Inc., ‘cast the vision.’
“We are the faith bearers; we must be at the front.
Global Leadership Conference Panels
By Kathy L. Gilbert
Two panels generated considerable discussion and interest in continuing conversation during Transformative Global Leadership Conference (TGLC).
Black Women Leading with Excellence
“The panel on “Black Women Leading with Excellence” brought to the fore the realization that despite our geographical locations and diversity, every woman should be an inspiration to another woman,” said Prof. Pamela Machakanja, executive director of the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance at Africa University.
Her co-panelists were Dr. Iva Carruthers, executive director, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference and Rev. LaShante Walker, senior pastor of Howard Congregational Church, Nashville, TN.
“The panelists amplified the transformative
Black people—Africans— have not had the space, this is our time. We are here to stake our claim for global transformation,” said Mageto.
In introducing the keynote speaker, Dr. Shingai Mutasa, CEO of Masawara, Salley called him a true son of Africa. Masawara is an Africa-focused and diversified investment holding company.
The land in Zimbabwe where Africa University sits belonged to Mutasa’s great, great grandfather, Chief Mutasa, leader of the Manica people. It was ceded to a Methodist bishop in 1896 as a site for
womanist perspective that showed, as women of African descent, we should unapologetically prioritize the rich experiences of black women, amplify our voices, traditions and concerns...knowing that God is passionate about justice,” Machakanja said.
The Miseducation of Jesus
educating and providing medical care to Africans. Mutasa is passionate about building strong brands of African origin to serve African markets.
“Everyone else benefits from Africa except Africans,” said Mutasa. Africa, which has 35 percent of the world’s population, has historically been robbed of its people and resources. Religion and faith are key factors for the people of Africa.
“We have the power to shape our own destiny,” Mutasa said. “The future is ours to shape.”
Over the three days, conference attendees shared experiences and tools and unpacked opportunities for engaging in effective advocacy and change-making together.
Their aim is to equip and encourage faith leaders for ongoing, cross-generational work on climate, health and economic justice for Africa and for diasporic Africans.
Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto, vice chancellor (president) of Africa University, was part of a plenary on “The Miseducation of Jesus”. He spoke alongside Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce, dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School; Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis, president/dean of Gammon Theological Seminary; and Dr. Riggins R. Earl, professor, Interdenominational Theological Center.
Rev. Dr. Forrest E. Harris, president of American Baptist College moderated the conversation.
“The Cross of the Diaspora through the
session on the ‘Miseducation of Jesus’ granted us an opportunity to rethink deeply how African Christianity shaped the Christian mind, though this continues to be neglected so deeply in the western theological curriculums and discourses. . . . The links between the foundational Divinity Schools in Carthage and Alexandria speaks volumes to the 21st century Church of the Future, that Africa and her descendants in the Diaspora have a great role to play in shaping the world now and in the future,” Mageto said.
Gilbert is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tennessee.
(from left) mr. James salley, Dr. Phyllis qualls, rev. Dr forrest harris, rev lashante Walker, rev sonDrea tolbert, anD rev. Prof. Peter mageto
rev. Dr henry masters’ session Was an exPloration of the black Presence in the bible
Panelists from left: Dr riggins r earl rev. Dr canDace leWis rev. Dr yolanDa Pierce, anD rev. Prof. Peter mageto
AU’s Trustees and Advisors focus on growth and sustainability
The 2024 Fall Africa University Board and Advisory Development Committees’ met September 7, in Nashville, TN. Prior to beginning their work committee members and friends of Africa University gathered for a dinner and recognition celebration of the Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society—honoring close to 500 members who have made planned gifts over the 24 years the society has existed.
New members inducted into the society on September 6 included Rev. Zachary and Mrs. Sharon Beasley, the late Mr. Robert Bell and Dr. Marion Bell, Ms. Wendelin Douglas, Ms. Betty Ann Henderson, Dr. Rhodes and Mrs. Amy Logan, Ms. Sally Morris, Dr. Dale and Mrs. Elizabeth Otto, the late Mr. Larry Powell and Mrs. Patricia Powell, Mr. Charles and Dr. Clara Reed, and Mr. Byron Smith and Rev. Thessa Smith.
On Saturday, Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter Mageto’s report was packed with examples of student excellence, global partnerships, and academic expansion. In his overview of the past year, Mageto said, “We had 370 applications for seven scholarships (offered to AU students by one of the institution’s corporate partners, Stanbic Bank). Your university is growing strong. If we had more scholarships we could have more students.”
A major highlight of Mageto’s campus update was the newly constructed Bishop Tracy S. Malone Dormitory, a 92-bed facility that opened to female students in January.
While discussing the needs for Africa University, Mageto said “it hurts my heart” that more than 100 female students are living off campus in their first year of college. One of the university’s priorities is the education of women. Mageto said he dreams of having on-campus housing for married students and those with families.
Relating to the growing need for clean and more affordable energy, Mageto reported that the university is working to reduce its reliance on the national grid and electricity authority. Construction of a solar plant on the campus was approved with phase one funding of $750K in 2023. Africa University’s main campus is in an area that enjoys abundant sunshine. Many in the group agreed that Africa University could be a world leader in solar energy.
Report from the AU Office of Institutional Advancement
In his report, James Salley, president/CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc., explained that the 2020/2024 General Conference approved the continuation of the Africa University Fund apportionment and World Service Special Gifts—general church investments that supports Africa University’s core needs as well as scholarships, infrastructure and academic development. However, the denominational budget commitment to the Africa University Fund (AUF) was reduced to $4.8 million for 2025-2028, down from $9.3 million in 2021-2024.
Churches and individuals can respond to the cuts through two strategies:
• Investing in the AUF at 2016 budget level and deliver a 100 percent investment
• Become a Keystone Congregation which requires a multi-year commitment to provide annual scholarship support of $6,500 or more.
Africa University has set a goal of securing at least two new keystone congregations in every annual conference in the United States by 2027 and rolling out its Africa University Sunday initiative across the Central Conferences in Africa.
2024 Highlights:
• The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences launched.
• Academic, professional and support staff at AU grew to 364.
• Enrollment for 2024-25 academic year totaled 1703 students.
• AU received 635 new applications for scholarships this year. 77 applicants—66 new and 11 continuing students—were successful.
On Sunday, ten United Methodist congregations in the TennesseeWestern Kentucky Conference welcomed Board and Advisory Development Committee members and university leaders for the annual Africa University Sunday celebration. Through the sharing of student and alumni stories, as well as research and community service outcomes, congregants learned more about how they participate in transforming lives and communities as they invest in the global mission of The United Methodist Church.
the 2024 richarD e. “Dick” reeves legacy society inDuctees incluDeD (clockWise, l to r): mrs. Patricia PoWell anD mr. larry PoWell (Posthumously), mr. byron anD rev. thessa smith, ms. sally morris, Dr marion bell, her Daughter kristie bell, anD mr robert bell (Posthumously), ms betty henDerson (With James salley anD aDvisory committee member brenDa chaDWick), Dr rhoDes anD mrs amy logan anD family, James salley With mrs sharon beasley, Daughter rev. Dr erin beasley, rev. Zachary beasley, Dr clara reeD anD mr charles reeD
members celebrateD the success of the bishoP Julius c anD mrs racelDer granDberry trimble enDoWeD scholarshiP camPaign anD PresenteD bishoP Julius trimble With the Drum aWarD.
Dr. shingai mutasa is PresenteD With au’s Drum aWarD by mr. James salley rev alfiaDo ZunguZa anD rev Prof. Peter mageto the aWarD recogniZes his suPPort for africa university anD his Passion for eDucating young PeoPle.
vice chancellor Dr. Peter mageto’s rePort on stuDent excellence anD global PartnershiPs thrilleD au trustees anD aDvisors
Latest News from Africa University
Robert and Marion Lee Bell
Robert (Bob) and Marion Bell have made a profound impact in the many communities in which they lived and worked across the world. With the establishment of the Robert and Marion Bell Endowed Scholarship Fund, their impact will go even further, giving Africa University students the opportunity to do the same.
Upon Mr. Bell’s death in 2021, Dr. Bell approached their pastor at Desert Spring United Methodist Church, Las Vegas, Nev., to memorialize her husband’s work across 28 African countries. Her pastor, Rev. David Devereaux, and member, Jerry McGuire, suggested an endowment fund to support the future of Africa University. Family, friends and a loving congregation continued this work raised more than $130,000.
In 2014 and 2016, Dr. Bell was asked to serve as a visiting professor, teaching transformational leadership at Africa University. The Bells brought their love of Africa and their skills to the university, where Bob rebuilt computers, set up a computer lab, and assisted with the building of faculty housing, as a member of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
Marion and Robert Bell
Their commitment to building communities is at the core of the support the Robert and Marion Bell Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide to visionary students who are committed to fostering economic growth and development within the African continent.
The AU Today is published by the Africa University Development Office. For more information, contact the Africa University Development Office P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007
Tel: (615) 340-7438
Fax: (615) 340-7290
Email: audevoffice@africau.org
https://support.africau.org
AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY | FALL 2024
