wfn.org | Africa University plans 10th anniversary celebration

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

July 17, 2002  News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert7(615)
742-54707Nashville, Tenn.   10-31-71BP{302}

NOTE: A photograph of Professor Rukudzo Murapa is available at
http://umns.umc.org/photos/headshots.html online.

MUTURE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) - More than 5,000 people are expected to attend
ceremonies celebrating the 10th anniversary of Africa University, the only
United Methodist-related, degree-granting university on the continent, Nov.
15-17.

Scheduled events include a meeting of African scholars and heads of
institutions with presidents and deans of United Methodist colleges,
universities and seminaries.

Activities on Nov. 16 include the dedication of three buildings: a faculty
of theology building donated by the South Carolina Annual Conference, two
dormitories donated by the South Indiana Annual Conference, and a music
building donated by Fishers United Methodist Church of the South Indiana
Conference. 

Two new faculty housing units, completed by 11 Volunteers in Mission teams,
will be named and dedicated that day, bringing the total of staff homes to
10. 

An evening of African arts and a cultural gala are also planned. The
celebration activities conclude Sunday, Nov. 17, with a worship service.

In 10 years, Africa University has grown from several temporary buildings
and 40 students in 1992 to 30 debt-free, state-of-the-art buildings and
nearly 800 students. The university also has 880 alumni working throughout
Africa. 

"The level of infrastructure development, human resources, student
enrollment and programs reflect an unprecedented commitment by the United
Methodist Church and friends of Africa University yet to be seen anywhere on
the continent," said Professor Rukudzo Murapa, vice chancellor. 

Individuals or groups interested in attending the celebrations should
contact the Africa University Development Office at (615) 340-7438 or
audevoffice@gbhem.org.
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United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org