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Malcolm Graham: A Life Well-Lived
Malcolm Graham: A Life Well-Lived 1931-2020 When prospective students arrived Many had never experienced stories barefoot and penniless, but hungry for told around a campfire. His son, Devon, an education, Malcolm Graham could recalls, “They hung on to every word relate. Now director of Gitwe Adventist of Dad’s ‘continued stories,’ and there Secondary School in Rwanda, he, too, was always a groan of disappointment had at one time been barefoot and when he stopped each segment right penniless in his youth. So he created at a cliffhanger moment. Nobody ever jobs for them that were paid out of his missed a campfire.” own pocket. school and academy. He had studied and he had seen many of his students Another program Malcolm established At the time Malcolm and Lorine, with was for the visually impaired. He 10-year-old Loritha and four-year- wanted everyone to have a rich old twins, Dari and Devon, accepted experience, so he introduced archery at an invitation to serve in Rwanda in the camp. Devon writes, “It could have 1965, Malcolm’s passion for Christian been a recipe for disaster, but it quickly education had already developed strong became one of the campers’ favorites. roots. Now, with Lorine’s support and Each archer was paired with a staff encouragement, he was fulfilling his member who pointed him or her in the life-long dream of mission service. right direction. When the balloons that Although born in a tar-paper shack, began to pop, the excitement levels Malcolm was able to attend church went through the roof.” theology at Burman University and As Burman University’s 17th president education at Pacific Union College. (1982-87), Malcolm encountered Responding to the need for Adventist exceptional challenges that required all teachers, he had taught in both his ingenuity, creativity, and diplomacy. elementary and secondary schools. They also required personal sacrifice. Now in Gitwe, Malcolm was intent on For example, Burman was deeply in upgrading the infrastructure and legal debt. At a memorable meeting, the status of the school. Canadian conferences pledged funds. By the time the family left Rwanda, $10,000 he didn’t have. Subsequently, Malcolm had grown the enrollment the members of the Gideon Club, of girls at the school 10-fold, he had moved and inspired, also pledged. added a ministerial training program, Together they eliminated the debt. had been attached all over each target So did Malcolm. In faith, he pledged accepted at national universities. The In retirement Malcolm continued to campus also had a new science and be active in educational work, serving administration complex. in various interim positions. He also assisted ADRA-Rwanda for a year Malcolm dedicated his life to giving as (1992-93). In 1998 he was back in many opportunities as he could to as Africa with ADRA and United Nations many young people as possible. One of High Commissioner for Refugees his signature accomplishments when in Guinea, West Africa, during the working for the Alberta Conference Liberian refugee crisis. Then, in 2003, after returning from Africa was starting once again he returned to Rwanda— the summer Friendship Camp for this time with his second wife, Betty disadvantaged city youths. (Munroe)—and served as ADRA interim director.
With his prayerful attitude and dependence on his Lord for strength and wisdom, Malcolm was not afraid to be the first. If something was worth doing, he did it with all his might. Malcolm Graham was tall not only in stature, but in spirit. He will be missed.
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Malcolm was known for his willingness to follow God’s promptings. For him, education was the key to opening up opportunities, and service was his motto. The morning he died, he was reading his French language Bible because, he explained, he wanted to “stay relevant.”
malcolm graham 1931 - 2020
Photo by Devon Graham
Malcolm Graham, president from 1982-1987, leaves a legacy of leadership. Graham loved the campus-in fact, he was the first alumnus to return as president.
During the 1980s when the institution struggled to find financial stability, his determination, dedication, and personal sacrifice inspired others to give generously. In time, a plan was developed to clear all indebtedness. His family invites you to honour his service by donating to the new campus library.
Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar, creating twice as many blessings for students.
Make your gift online at www.burmanu.ca or call the Office of the President, 403-782-3381 x4147. Gifts by mail may be sent to Burman University, 6730 University Drive, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 2E5.
BURMAN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE Burman University 6730 University Drive Lacombe, AB Canada T4L 2E5
www.burmanu.ca
Each year alumni, Seventhday Adventist church members, and other friends give a special offering to help young people at Burman University progress in their journey to higher education and greater service.
On October 31, 2020, you will again have the opportunity to enhance the learning environment at Burman. Your gift will support projects that range from scholarships to sidewalks, from bike racks to tutoring, and from lighting to microscopes. Each dollar makes a difference.
Believe in Burman Annual Fund • October 31
Thank you for your life-changing gift to Burman University on October 31!
I’ve grown a lot here at Burman. I have learned what it is to have a relationship with God and make it personal. Being a student dean has also greatly helped me in my development in how I work and minister to those around me. I love Burman!
Ralph Magsalin
3rd-year Religious Studies Major
