wfn.org | Africa University Graduates

[owner-umethnews@ecunet.org]

"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3352 notes).

Note 3352 by UMNS on Dec. 19, 1996 at 16:04 Eastern (4199 characters).

SEARCH: Africa University, graduates, degrees, education, United
Methodist
 Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency
of the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn.,
New York, and Washington.

CONTACT: Linda Green                          640(10-31-71B){3352}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             Dec. 19, 1996

Africa University graduates 
urged to empower others

by Andra Stevens*

     MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) -- The Africa University campus was
filled with ululation, laughter, tears and songs, here Dec. 14 as
the second group of students graduated amid challenges to not let
the university down and to empower others.
     The 1996 graduating class, received Bachelor of Science
degrees from the Faculty (College) of Agriculture and Natural
Resources and Bachelor of Divinity degrees from the Faculty
(College) of Theology.
     Members of the diplomatic corps, local business people,
national and municipal officials and university officers and staff
joined the graduates and their families in the celebration.
     During the commencement address, Ignatius Chombo, Zimbabwe's
minister of higher education, commended Africa University for
responding to the educational needs of not only Zimbabweans but of
students from the rest of Africa.
     Chombo called on the graduates to be accountable to those who
have invested in their training and growth. Disciplined, creative,
thoughtful graduates are needed who can make the deserts bloom, he
said.
     Africa University's Chancellor, Bishop Emilio de Carvalho of
Angola, reminded those attending the ceremonies that the students
of Africa University are the inheritors of the legacy of the
United Methodist mission in Africa. He spoke of the vision Joseph
Crane Hartzell, a Methodist bishop, had for Old Mutare in the
1890s and the tremendous work of church leaders to develop
educational opportunities for Africans throughout the years. He
urged the graduates to use their skills to "solve problems,
empower others, give leadership and encourage Christian action" in
their communities.
     "Africa stands at the crossroads of its history," he
continued.  "Either we stand firm and decide to raise our own
people from the ashes of ignorance and poverty, or we are going to
continue to fall prey to the more attractive appeals of outside
forces that will continue to deviate our attention and action,
making us develop people and nations other than ours." 
     For the first time, the Zimbabwe Reinsurance Company prize
for Best Africa University Student was awarded. Established to
recognize a combination of academic excellence, good character and
community service, the prize went to Prisca Makumbe of Zimbabwe.
Makumbe, a 23-year old woman, studied in the faculty of
agriculture and natural resources and maintained an "A" average
for six of her eight semesters at the university. A member of the
university's choir, she also offered advice and support to a group
of physically and mentally challenged people.
     During the graduation ceremonies, university officials
honored Odette Miller Kennedy, a teacher and well-known civic
leader and philanthropist from Bennettsville, S.C., and retired
Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, outgoing vice-chairman of the
university's board of directors.  Each was awarded an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree.
     The graduates were also formally welcomed into the Alumni
Association during the first Africa University Alumni Dinner. The
dinner, to be held annually, was the kick-off of an alumni
campaign to raise scholarship money for the university. A goal of
raising $3,000 by August 1997 was set and the association's
founding members from the class of 1994, used the dinner event to
increase awareness of the organization and its objectives.
     Aside from raising scholarship support, the alumni want to
increase general awareness of Africa University's mission and
programs; have input in the future development of the institution
and maintain links between graduates and the institution.
                              #  #  #

     * Stevens is the director of the Africa University
Information Office. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 To make suggestions or give your comments, send a note to 
 umns@ecunet.org or Susan_Peek@ecunet.org

 To unsubscribe, send the single word "unsubscribe" (no quotes)
 in a mail message to umethnews-request@ecunet.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------