Africa University must move to next level, officials decide
9/13/2000 News media contact: Linda Green · (615) 742-5470 · Nashville, Tenn By Duane Ewers* NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) -- The message for the Africa University Development Committee's annual meeting was clear: It is time to move to the next level in supporting and developing the school.
"Africa University is not something to be amazed at, but something to participate in," said Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly at a Sept. 8 banquet at Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville. "Africa University is a way for us to bring together not only the United Methodist Church but the world," she added.
The school, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, is the only United Methodist-related university in Africa. Last May, the denomination's highest legislative body, General Conference, voted to continue supporting it with $10.1 million in apportionment funding during the next four years. That figure was about the same amount approved by General Conference for the 1996-2000 period, although university officials had hoped for more this time.
"The 2000 General Conference vote reminds us that we need to take more responsibility for our destiny," said James H. Salley, associate vice chancellor for development.
Africa University is moving to a new level and the development committee must move to a new level in its activities, Salley said.
The development office has taken steps in that direction by selecting the Rev. Lloyd Rollins, a deacon from the Mississippi Annual (regional) Conference, as director of development.
"The only thing that can hinder us from moving to that new level is lack of determination," Rollins said. "The resources in the church are more than adequate to complete the task."
Planned giving will become a priority for the development office, and a director for planned giving will be in place soon. The committee also decided to enter into a partnership with an investment company that would provide planned giving support.
A strategic planning session will be held at Africa University this month to help set directions, said the Rev. Roger W. Ireson, top staff executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The Nashville-based agency works with the university.
Africa University must be careful not to let its immediate budget shortfall stop its development, Ireson said. He noted that the school has two major donors: the United Methodist Church, through apportionments and development funds, and USAID, which has provided $6.58 million for buildings and equipment.
Professor Rukudzo Murapa, university vice chancellor, gave a construction update on three dormitories, the library and staff housing. Construction work will begin soon for a theology building, a project of the South Carolina Conference.
The graduating class of 265 students in July was the largest in the school's history. Zimbabwe's difficult economy will prevent the school from reaching its goal of having a freshman class of 300 this year, Murapa reported. "The need for scholarship funds is critical."
Despite Zimbabwe's political climate, Murapa said travel to the country and the school is safe. "The university is safe in the midst of political turmoil."
In other action, the committee heard that:
· $42,648 of a $65,000 goal was raised by the California-Nevada Conference at a birthday celebration in June for Bishop Kelly, who led the conference before retiring. The gifts were designated for an endowed scholarship for Africa University.
· $39,350 in scholarship money has been raised by the Honorary Alumni Association, which was started in February.
· A new U.S. chapter of the Africa University Alumni Association has been started, and all 15 members are connected by e-mail.
· The Africa University Choir toured the Southeastern Jurisdiction after making appearances at General Conference and the East Ohio Conference. The choir gave 27 performances.
In opening remarks, Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, the new chairman of the development committee, told members "to focus not on the past, which can trip us, but on the future, building on the foundation that is already laid."
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*Ewers is director of the Office of Interpretation at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn.
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