SPRING 2025
AU Helped Shape New Bishops
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hree Africa University graduates were Episcopal Area, earned his bachelor’s degree in Development Community were important as elected as bishops in The United theology at AU in 2005. He said he chose AU well. Methodist Church, exemplifying the because the university had already educated The school’s multicultural character helped school’s mission of training leaders for him grow as a leader. “Africa University the continent. is a university of diversity, with several The Revs. Emmanuel Sinzohagera, nations and cultures,” Jungo said. Moisés Bernardo Jungo, and João Filimone “The interaction with people of Sambo were elected March 15 during the different nationalities helped me to Africa Central Conference gathering in deal with various problems of different Johannesburg, South Africa. natures.” “Africa University is known as one of Bishop Sambo, assigned to the the prestigious universities in Africa due to Mozambique Episcopal Area, graduated its high quality of education,” said Bishop from AU in 2007 with a Bachelor of Sinzohagera, assigned to lead the new Divinity degree. He said the university Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area. shaped him “academically, spiritually, Not only is AU a United Methodistculturally and as a blooming leader.” related university, “it has helped in “It was at Africa University where my the education of many African church sense of ubuntu grew… where the sense From left: Bishop Gift Machinga of Zimbabwe, Bishop João Sambo of Mozambique, leaders,” he said. of Pan-Africanism was shaped,” he said. Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera of Burundi and Bishop Moisés Jungo of Angola. Bishop Sinzohagera earned his Master “AU has always been a motivating hub of Arts in religious studies at AU, majoring in several Angolans and was well known for training for its students who, upon graduation, can lead church and society, and graduated in 2023. He clergy. ethically, with excellence and respect to human also serves as speaker of the senate in Burundi. For him, AU’s multicultural community and dignity.” Bishop Jungo, who now leads the East Angola its strategic location in the Southern Africa
Solar Power Plant Paves Way to a Greener Future Africa University is preparing to bring a new 510-kilowatt solar power plant online, its biggest step yet toward energy sustainability. With funding from AU endowment income provided by Africa University (TN) Inc., university leaders broke ground on the project in March. “This was a dream,” said Vice-Chancellor Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto. “Now it’s a reality—because of your support. The solar plant will save AU over $11,000 in monthly diesel fuel costs usually incurred from running multiple backup generators. It’s expected to serve as a model for sustainable innovation across the continent and aligns with the institution’s green campus evolution, part of AU’s
Strategic Plan 2023–2027, focused on efficiency, sustainability, and reducing the carbon footprint. Phase one is a 250-kilowatt system with 460 solar panels to power core campus facilities such as labs, offices, and lecture rooms. A 600kWh battery bank will store excess energy for nighttime use. “We’ll run directly off solar during the day,” explained Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Talon Garikayi. “Batteries will kick in from around 4:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.” Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, chair of AU Tennessee Inc. Board praised the initiative as part of the university’s broader mission to be “a light to the world.”
AU Board members: Mr. James Salley, Rev. Jamisse Taimo, Rev. Alfiado Zunguza, Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto, and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.