wfn.org | Two Colleges Forge Links

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (174
notes).

Note 174 by UMNS on June 20, 1997 at 15:49 Eastern (4295 characters).

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                           362(10-31-71B){174}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             June 20, 1997

Africa University, historically black college
in South Carolina plan academic, student exchanges

by Andra Stevens*

     ORANGEBURG, S.C. (UMNS)--Two United Methodist-related
institutions of higher education -- one in Africa and one here --
are forging links for staff and student exchanges and academic
development.
     Henry Tisdale, president of Claflin College, and the Rev.
John Kurewa, president of Africa University in Zimbabwe, held
preliminary discussions during Kurewa's visit here June 9.
     Claflin is one of 11 historically black institutions related
to the United Methodist Church and is the oldest black college in
South Carolina.  Africa University is a totally new school
launched by United Methodists worldwide in 1988.
     Kurewa was on the Claflin campus to attend a banquet honoring
James H. Salley, Africa University's assistant vice chancellor for
development.  Salley, a native of South Carolina, was cited for
his work in promoting the higher education mission of the United
Methodist Church. Claflin established a $10,000 endowed
presidential scholarship and named it in honor of Salley's
parents, the late James and Marie Salley.   
     In his banquet address, Kurewa applauded the Orangeburg
community for producing a "gifted professional and committed
United Methodist in James H. Salley." 
     He said Africa University and Claflin College have much in
common and much to offer each other.  Both are strongly committed
to training leadership for the church and society, he noted.
     During its 128-year history, Claflin has produced three
United Methodist bishops and numerous leaders in various
professions. 
     "As Claflin College did with African-American young people in
the 1860s and continues to do today, Africa University seeks to
empower Africans to work together to bring greater equity, peace
and prosperity to their own communities," Kurewa said.
     With the new working relationship, Africa University, the
first United Methodist-related institution of higher education on
the continent, expects to tap expertise at Claflin as it continues
to develop academic and other programs.  Claflin officials hope
that through exchanges, Africa University will provide cross-
cultural exposure and experiences for both its students and staff.
     Tisdale said a relationship with another United Methodist
institution is "special," but the partnership with one in Africa
is "unique."
     "For Claflin, which has been around for 128 years, to become
a partner with an institution in its infancy has great potential,"
he said.  "We will share our experiences as a United Methodist-
related institution with Africa University and we will share in
the excitement and growth centered around the African university."
     Tisdale said Claflin College and Africa University have
something that binds them beyond being United Methodist
institutions. "We both claim James Salley. He is the great
connector." 
     In the coming months, officials at both institutions will
work out a detailed memorandum of understanding to guide their
partnerships. Evidence of Claflin's association with Africa
University already has been beneficial. Peter and Eleanore Kleist,
philanthropists and Africa University supporters, have committed
$1 million to Claflin College for its $5 million Living/Learning
Center project. The gift is a challenge grant from the Peter and
Eleanore Kleist Family Foundation and gives Claflin $1 for every
$4 it raises for the planned center.
     The Kleist Foundation made a similar challenge grant to
Africa University in 1995. Their gift of $500,000 was matched two
to one by the East Ohio Annual Conference and resulted in an
additional $1 million for the university. The Kleist Foundation
and the East Ohio Annual Conference have funded the construction
of two residence halls on the university campus.
                              #  #  #

     * Stevens is director of information at Africa University.

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