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
