SUMMER 2022
Africa University Celebrates Its 28th Commencement At Africa University’s 28th graduation ceremony on June 11, the academic achievements of 712 graduates from 18 African countries were recognized as they garnered degrees and top honors. “Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence and Leadership Transformation in Africa” was the theme, and the graduates represented: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Rev. Peter Mageto, vice chancellor and professor, congratulated the graduates and their families, applauding the discipline and determination that brought them to this point. Mageto highlighted the university’s progress in research, particularly related to malaria, child rights and nursing. “We are proud to report,” Mageto said, “that we are in the final stages of clearance for the Bachelor of Law and the Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Food Security and Development, set to begin in August 2022, as we contribute toward the global effort of ensuring food security. AU’s first three graduates receiving Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health degrees are Chipo Chimamise, Tichaona Goto and Ronnie
Matambo. Mageto described future infrastructural developments, such as the East Ohio Women’s Hostel that will provide additional accommodations for AU’s female students. Dr. Shingai Mutasa was the guest of honor and keynote speaker. His message to the graduating class was underpinned by lessons in history, individual purpose, and the collective responsibility of Africans to develop and further the aspirations of the continent. Mutasa encouraged the graduates to imagine their places and roles in creating Africa’s future, emphasizing the importance of identity and fearlessly walking in the truth of one’s heritage and origin. He predicted that by 2050, the population of Africa would double and one in every four people of the working population on the planet would be African. Valedictorian Tanyaradzwa Laura Chemwayi thanked the university’s management, faculty and staff for guidance, love and support over the years. “This is the fulfilment of God’s purpose in our lives,” she said. “It is a promise that we now carry forth for our families, the university and those who come after us, that we shall not let you down or squander this gift we have been given.”
Graduates celebrate June 11 during Africa University’s 28th graduation ceremony in Mutare, Zimbabwe.
Valedictorian Tanyaradzwa Laura Chemwayi speaks during Africa University’s 28th graduation ceremony in Mutare, Zimbabwe, on June 11.
AU 30th Anniversary Campaign Underway Through the AU Development Office, Africa University is inviting support for a two-year, $5 million 30th Anniversary Campaign—Beyond 30: Powering an Evolving Dream. Already generating more than $2.98M in cash and pledges, the campaign includes nine endowed scholarship funds added. Gifts to the Beyond 30 campaign target an area of outstanding impact—scholarships. Three of the nine new endowed scholarship gifts were given anonymously, including a lead gift of $1.2 million and another gift that honors longtime missionaries at Africa University, Jane and Larry Kies. There are
now 243 endowed funds that provide support for scholarships, professorships, and maintenance, or are unrestricted.
MAJOR DONORS | MAJOR GIFTS: COMMITTED AND RESOURCEFUL FRIENDS FUEL AN EVOLVING DREAM: Longstanding AU advocates and members of the AU Board of Directors are leading by example: Dr. Ab Abercrombie, the first international visiting professor in Agriculture, and Dr. Chris Hope, were the first to honor the institution’s 30th anniversary with a gift of $130,000 for an endowed scholarship. Continued on page 2.
Jane and Larry Kies
AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY
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SUMMER 2022
United Methodists in Northeastern Jurisdiction Model Generosity By Barbara Dunlap-Berg
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 2021 2020 Dakotas 100% 100% East Ohio 100% Illinois Great Rivers 100% Indiana 100% Northern Illinois 100% West Ohio 100% 100% Wisconsin 100.23% Jurisdiction Total Support 88.06% 90.5%
Last year the Peninsula-Delaware was one of four Northeastern Jurisdiction conferences to maintain a 100% investment in the Africa University Fund, continuing a long tradition. Delawareans and United Methodists Kevin and Karen Goodwin are longtime champions of Africa University. When the 1996 General Conference asked for $1 per member to fund Africa University, Kevin requested additional details. At the time, he chaired missions at Hockessin United Methodist Church in Delaware. The response, he said, “included information on endowing AU scholarships, so I proposed it to the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference and then spent two years traveling and preaching (as laity) to raise the $97,000 required.
Northeastern Jurisdiction 2021 2020 Baltimore-Washington 100% New England 100% 100% New York 100.34% Peninsula-Delaware 100% 100% Susquehanna 100% Upper New York 100% 100% West Virginia 100% 100% Western Pennsylvania 100% 100% Jurisdiction Total Support 89.42% 96.11%
“We started funding endowed scholarships at AU in 1997,” Kevin recalled. Twenty-five years later, he still reports annually to the conference on the university’s continuing development and encourages congregations to celebrate AU Sunday.
South Central Jurisdiction Oklahoma Indian Missionary Jurisdiction Total Support
“Kevin and Karen Goodwin,” Salley said, “are two of our most passionate friends and fundraisers who know and appreciate the value of education and seek to empower good citizens for Africa. I’m thrilled that Peninsula-Delaware is consistently giving at the 100% level. . . .The Goodwin and PeninsulaDelaware model can be duplicated in other areas.
2021 100% 74.24%
2020 100% 74.18%
Southeastern Jurisdiction 2021 2020 Florida 100% 100% North Alabama 100% North Carolina 100% Red Bird Missionary 100% 100% South Carolina 100% 100% Tennessee 100% Virginia 102.91% Western North Carolina 110.64% Jurisdiction Total Support 86.53% 90.97% Western Jurisdiction 2021 2020 Alaska United Methodist 100% California Nevada 100% 100% California Pacific 100% Desert Southwest 100% Mountain Sky 100% Oregon-Idaho 100% Pacific Northwest 100% Jurisdiction Total Support 93.30% 99.93%
Early on, James H. Salley, now president and CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc., invited Kevin to join the AU Development Committee, along with the Planned Giving Council.
Karen and Kevin Goodwin
That’s something for which the Africa University Development Office team will strive.” The Goodwins value the interrelationship of education and mission. Endowed scholarships are vital, Kevin said. “They mean AU is also available to students not from upper-class families and to women.” He noted that the Peninsula-Delaware Conference AU Endowment is now able to fully support three students each year. Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, who now leads both Peninsula-Delaware and Baltimore-Washington annual conferences, credited Africa University with producing brilliant leaders . . . . “A financial investment in endowed scholarships is an investment in a brighter future for Africa and the world.” Barbara Dunlap-Berg is a freelance writer and editor, based in Carbondale, Illinois.
AU 30th Anniversary Campaign Underway A new effort from Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Mrs. Racelder Trimble marks a major milestone for them— four decades in ministry—while also highlighting Africa University’s 30-year journey. They set a $300,000 goal for a new endowed scholarship fund; pledged a significant personal gift; and are inviting friends, family, and congregations and communities where they’ve served to support. Beyond 30: Powering an Evolving Dream has received gifts of $50,000 each for scholarship endowments from Mr. Mac Tichenor and Mrs. Lisa Tichenor, chair of the AU (Tennessee) Inc. Board of Directors, and Mr. Charlie Moore, treasurer of the AU (Zimbabwe) Board
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of Directors, and Mrs. Carol Moore.
USA – ZIMBABWE CHARTER FLIGHT FOR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OCTOBER 22-24 Interested in being “in-person” for the celebrations in Zimbabwe? The AU Development Office is preparing a charter flight option for travel to Zimbabwe in October. This option is linked to AU’s Beyond 30: Powering an Evolving Dream. campaign and invites donors who initiate a new gift of $130,000 or more and make a commitment to complete it by December 31, 2023, to participate in the trip. Expected departure from the USA originating airport is Wednesday, October 19 with the return from Zimbabwe on Wednesday, October 26.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Desert Spring UMC Honors Couple Through AU Endowed Scholarship By Barbara Dunlap-Berg Desert Spring United Methodist Church in Las Vegas recently launched an endowment project for a $130,000 scholarship at Africa University to honor members, Robert “Bob” Bell and Dr. Marion Bell. Creating an endowed scholarship with Desert Spring UMC was Robert’s last project before his death last November.
at Africa University. When the director of planned giving came to thank the congregation for sending the $75,000, the Bells took her to lunch. Two years later, with Desert Spring’s help, Marion and Bob were on their way to AU. As a visiting scholar in 2014 and 2016, Marion taught transformational leadership in the College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education.
Desert Spring member Jerry E. McGuire said the congregation encourages and supports people to engage in the ministry to which God calls them. “That helps Desert Spring live into its purpose,” he explained. “Our current ministry initiative is to honor Bob and his love and commitment to God, The Robert “Bob” Bell and Dr. Marion Bell United Methodist Church, Africa University, and Marion as a partner in ministry with Bob.” Years later, when Africa University was a reality, Bob was part of a Volunteers in Mission team. In 1999, “We know that Africa University is educating the Bob and Marion retired from the Washington, D.C., leaders of tomorrow, and we are excited to be a part of area and moved to Las Vegas. They became active at the impact these students will have throughout their Desert Spring United Methodist Church. lives. We believe AU will continue to be a vital and much-needed institution for decades to come.” “Shortly after we arrived,” Marion, now 90, said, “Desert Spring began raising money for a science chair Early in their marriage, the Bells promised to give their lives to use as God saw fit. The family’s partnership with Africa started in the 1960s when they moved to what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Robert joined the field staff of Congo Polytechnic Institute, teaching science and mathematics.
RETIRED TEACHER SHARES LOVE OF MBIRA
“I was accepted,” Patience said, “and that brought joy to my life.” In 1992, she joined AU as a theology student and member of the pioneer class. She credits Africa University with emphasizing positive moral values and the importance of working hard to earn a living. Graduating in 1994, she began working as a teacher in January 1995. Patience retired from teaching in Zimbabwe government schools in 2015. She now finds joy in teaching mbira [thumb piano] music in camps and colleges across the United States, as well as giving cultural talks in universities. With a
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 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 generosity ensures 100 percent support of Africa University’s operational budget for 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 under $6,000. 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 support-africauniversity.org. To learn about Africa University and its impact, visit africau.edu.
AU ALUMNI PROFILE
Growing up in Harare, with her mother and eight siblings, Patience (Chaitezvi) Munjeri longed to go to college. Reading a newspaper ad, she learned about the soon-to-open Africa University and decided to apply.
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 three colleges: Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CHANS); Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance (CBPLG); and Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education (CSSTH&E). New academic programs include master’s and doctoral degree programs in military chaplaincy, migration, citizenship and refugee protection; and entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
By Barbara Dunlap-Berg
cultural exchange visa, she tours the U.S. and Canada. “The interesting aspect that I always share is comparative religion,” Patience said. “I mainly compare traditional music and its religion with Christianity.” Thirty years after she began her studies at Africa University, Patience continues sharing how the United Methodist school changed her life.
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.org and/ or the resources page at support-africauniversity.org. Current resources include: • Africa University at 30 - Talking Points • Africa University: The School of Hope (video) • Usahwira (brochure) • AU in a Nutshell (presentation) Africa University Development Office P O Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007 (615) 340-7438; Fax: (615) 340-7290 audevoffice@gbhem.org www.support-africauniversity.org
“When I tell people that I studied at Africa University,” she said, “the first question they ask is, ‘Where did you get the money? It’s an expensive university.’” She tells them that her tuition was paid for by people she never met. “That changed my life completely,” she said. Patience strives to pay it forward by helping orphans with books, school supplies, uniforms and tuition.
Nurturing Leaders. Changing Lives.
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Latest News from Africa University AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY
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SUMMER 2022
Missions: A Theme for Life KAREN AND DAVID FIESER recognize the importance of attaining a higher education and have made a commitment to ensure future students have what they need to achieve their dreams. While they have yet to visit the university, the Fiesers have supported farm development at Africa University for a number of years.
The Fiesers have connected their life theme to Africa University. They have included the university in their estate plans and will support the important work of agricultural development for generations of Africa University students.
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
David Fieser grew up on a western Kansas farm and Rev. Karen Fieser in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A United Methodist missionary training event in Stoney Point, New York brought them together in 1969. Both were prepared to serve as short-term missionaries for the church. Karen was assigned to Mexico as a nurse and David to Bolivia and then Mexico as an agriculturalist. “With the church as the foundation of our marriage of more than fifty years, our interest and participation in missions has been a theme,” said the Fiesers. Their lives have not strayed far from that theme. David lives out his calling as a farmer and a steward of the land. Karen transitioned from nursing to hospital chaplaincy as an elder in the UMC.
Tel: (615) 340-7438 Fax: (615) 340-7290 Email: audevoffice@gbhem.org support-africauniversity.org.
Karen and David Fieser