News and feature stories on growth and impact of United Methodist-related Africa University including coverage of the institution's 30th anniversary celebration.

1. FALL 2022
By Eveline Chikwanah
Fireworks accompanied by
thunderous applause, whistling
and traditional ululating by
the women punctuated Africa
University’s 30th anniversary
celebration this past October.
Over 3,000 guests witnessed the
inauguration of the Rev. Peter
Mageto as the university’s fifth
vice chancellor, becoming the first
non-Zimbabwean to hold the
position since the institution’s 1992
establishment.
In his inaugural address, Mageto
said people invest in the hope that
the evolving project will bear fruit.
He also paid tribute to the four vice
chancellors who had gone before
him. He thanked the United Methodist General
Conference for approving the establishment of the
university, and the Zimbabwe Annual Conference
for donating 1,542 acres of land and pledging
consistent financial support for the institution.
Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga
Area and chair of AU’s board of directors, said it
had been a long journey to find the right leader
who would move the university to the next level.
“I am excited the church is here, society is here,
our bishops are here. You have the full support of
the board,” Mande said to Mageto.
Mageto joined AU in September 2018 as deputy
vice chancellor and in 2021 as vice chancellor.
He holds two degrees from Garrett-Evangelical
Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois: a Doctor
of Philosophy in theological ethics and a Master of
Theological Studies. He earned
a postgraduate certificate in
African studies at Northwestern University,
Chicago, and his Bachelor of Divinity degree was
awarded by St. Paul’s United Theological College
in Kenya. He is married to Irene, a forensic nurse
scientist, and they have two adult children.
Chikwanah is a communicator of the Zimbabwe
East Conference.
Peter Mageto Installed as Africa University’s 5th VC
Rev. Peter Mageto
By E Julu Swen
Africa University’s 30th anniversary included retired
Bishop Arthur F. Kulah’s remembrances of the 1988
General Conference that approved creation of the
institution. From Liberia, elected to the episcopacy
in 1980, Kulah recalled bishops asking what the
church in Africa wanted. “I told them that we
needed a university in Africa,” explaining that AU
was built to enhance quality theological education
on the continent and in 30 years the church has
succeeded in educating Africans through Africa
University.
AU alumnus and representative of Liberia’s national
legislature, Roger S.W.Y. Domah values being
educated with the Pan-African concept of leadership
that encourages putting the interests of others first.
“AU students were trained to be the voice of the
people on the continent where they were assigned to
work,” he said. “Advocacy has been my line of duty
since I left Africa University.”
Chairing Liberia’s legislative committee on human
and civil rights, Domah is prepared to work with
Liberians Reflect on Africa University’s Impact
(Continued on page 2)
Bishop Arthur Kulah (photo right) was one of two African leaders
whose appeal to the worldwide United Methodist Church, to address
higher education access and leadership formation in Africa, provided
the impetus to establish Africa University.

2. AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY | FALL 2022
Africa University celebrates 30 years
Africa University’s 30th anniversary celebrations
drew over 3,000 people in-person as well as
thousands of virtual guests from around the world.
Through a wide-ranging schedule of events,
including a special convocation Oct. 22, attendees
applauded AU’s accomplishments.
Looking toward what might be accomplished
in the next 30 years, keynote speaker Michael
Ugwueke, president and chief executive officer
of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (Memphis,
Tenn.) asked “What does AU need to do to fulfill
its responsibility in the progress of Africa?
“To change 1,000 lives through
education is good, to change 10,000
lives is better, but how does AU change
millions of lives? If we think that is
too ambitious a responsibility for the
institution, just look at what we have
celebrated here today,” Ugwueke said.
The Zimbabwe government granted
the Africa University Charter in 1991.
From an initial 40 students studying
agriculture and divinity in 1992, the
university has grown to an enrollment
of 3,000 in 65 academic programs.
Africa University
currently boasts
of 10,449 alumni
from 32 African
countries.
The Rev. Beauty
R. Maenzanise,
a former dean
of the Faculty of
Theology for 10
years, sees how Africa University is investing in
Africa.
“Africa University alumni are no longer leaders of
the future but of today,” she said. “Not only are
they working in the church but also contributing
to the development of their societies.”
Many of the university’s stakeholders and friends
marked the occasion with celebratory gift-making.
To date, 30th anniversary celebration-related
gifts from U.S. donors exceed $3 million. Among
them are gifts from the 86-person U.S. delegation
that traveled by charter to southern Africa for the
“The 30th anniversary also marks the beginning
of the African endowment for scholarships,” said
James Salley, president and chief executive officer
of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc., the entity
that raises, invests and is accountable to donors
for their gifts to the ministry of Africa University.
He is also associate vice chancellor for institutional
advancement.
Zimbabwe businesses and individual gifts from
alumni, faculty and staff are supporting the
African scholarship endowment initiative, which
had an initial goal of $100,000.
“We surpassed that goal,” Salley said. “It is a dream
come true.”
The Zimbabwe Episcopal Area cabinet, led by
Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, gave a $10,000 gift to
the institution, in addition to continuing support
for two students each year.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe invested $10,000 and
CIMAS Medical Aid Society, the university’s
health insurance services partner, provided
$25,000, designated for laboratory equipment.
Salley said the African-based endowment is “the
ultimate empowerment story.”
The celebration coincided with the inauguration
of the Rev. Peter Mageto of Kenya as Africa
University’s fifth vice chancellor.
Compiled from stories by Nashville-based freelance writer Kathy
Gilbert and Zimbabwe East Conference communicator, Eveline
Chikwanah.
AFRICANS GIVING BACK
celebrations (Oct. 19-27); and from the president
of Claflin University, Dwaun Warmack and his
family. Claflin University, an Africa University
partner, is one of the 11 historically Black schools
and colleges in the U.S. related to The United
Methodist Church.
An initiative to raise $300,000 to endow
scholarships, led by the chair of the Africa
University Board and Advisory Development
Committees and Indiana Area Bishop Julius C.
Trimble and his wife, Mrs. Racelder Granberry
Trimble, continues as part of the celebratory gift-
making effort.

3. AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY | FALL 2022
Gathering as a global community to
celebrate 30 years of dreams realized
A WEEKEND CELEBRATION FULL OF MUSIC, DANCE, JOY AND FIRE
The 30th anniversary celebration events attracted a global
audience, comprised of online and in-person guests. More than
100 guests from Europe and North America were warmly
welcomed on the main campus in Zimbabwe. First-timers, eager
to see the school of dreams for themselves, mingled with alumni
and friends in an experience that felt like a homecoming.
Celebration highlights from
Saturday, October 22, 2022.
Thanksgiving Sunday Worship Service…and kudos for a job well-done for 30th Anniversary
Planning Committee co-chairs, Mr. James H. Salley and Dr. Pamela Machakanja.

4. By Kathy L. Gilbert
In 2001, the Rev. John Holler and a mission team
from South Carolina traveled to work at Fairfield
Children’s Home located in Old Mutare Mission
in Zimbabwe. They fell in love with the orphans
and Holler promised to return. On Oct. 21, Holler
returned with a gift of $800,029. “For 20 years, it was
a promise unkept,” he said. “It is amazing to return to
this place.”
More than 80 United Methodists traveled from the
U.S. to celebrate Africa University’s 30th anniversary.
Many on the journey were donors from the South
Carolina Conference. Bishop L. Jonathan Holston,
SC episcopal leader said he wanted people to “see
with their own eyes how the money they give is
making a difference.”
Because the university was built on land originally
belonging to the mission and donated by the church
in Zimbabwe, Holston explained, “We have no
choice but to embrace the Old Mutare Mission.”
The gift resulted from a campaign to raise funds for
Epworth Children’s Home in SC where recently
retired Holler was president/CEO. Holston agreed to
the fundraising idea but asked Holler to add a foreign
mission component with a tithe of 10% of whatever
was raised. They agreed Fairfield would be the
recipient. Two years into the campaign, the pandemic
hit; but through internet work and innovative ways,
including vacation Bible school collections, they
raised $8 million!
The money will be used to support the children and
the mission’s ministry. A scholarship fund to Africa
University also will be established. “We are working
100% SUPPORT
The Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church
with a 100 percent or more remittance to the AUF
apportionment over the past two years are:
North Central Jurisdiction 2021 2020
Dakotas 100% 100%
East Ohio 100%
Illinois Great Rivers 100%
Indiana 100%
Northern Illinois 100%
West Ohio 100% 100%
Wisconsin 100.23%
Jurisdiction Total Support 88.06% 90.5%
Northeastern Jurisdiction 2021 2020
Baltimore-Washington 100%
New England 100% 100%
New York 100.34%
Peninsula-Delaware 100% 100%
Susquehanna 100%
Upper New York 100% 100%
West Virginia 100% 100%
Western Pennsylvania 100% 100%
Jurisdiction Total Support 89.42% 96.11%
South Central Jurisdiction 2021 2020
Oklahoma Indian Missionary 100% 100%
Jurisdiction Total Support 74.24% 74.18%
Southeastern Jurisdiction 2021 2020
Florida 100% 100%
North Alabama 100%
North Carolina 100%
Red Bird Missionary 100% 100%
South Carolina 100% 100%
Tennessee 100%
Virginia 102.91%
Western North Carolina 110.64%
Jurisdiction Total Support 86.53% 90.97%
Western Jurisdiction 2021 2020
Alaska United Methodist 100%
California Nevada 100% 100%
California Pacific 100%
Desert Southwest 100%
Mountain Sky 100%
Oregon-Idaho 100%
Pacific Northwest 100%
Jurisdiction Total Support 93.30% 99.93%
AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY | FALL 2022
Love of children brings $800,000 gift to Zimbabwe
all African cultures. Since graduating in 2004, he
has served as a pastor, teacher, and legislator from
Nimba County.
Alumnus Rev. Henry S. Dolopei was one of seven
students sent in 2002 to share Africa University
experiences with U.S. partners. He said the quality
education he received sharpened his experience
with Christ and community and afforded him the
opportunity to compete in professional job markets.
The growth and expansion includes partnership
with the Wesley House in Cambridge, England, to
provide time and space for leaders of theological
educational institutions in Africa. The Rev. Jerry P.
Kulah, a nephew of Bishop Kulah and vice president
for graduate studies at the United Methodist
University of Liberia, said the AU professors and the
campus facilities are ideal for their studies.
Without Africa University many Africans would not
have had the educational opportunity to acquire
quality college and post-graduate education.
Swen is a communicator in Liberia. Read more
celebration testimonies online at www.support-
africauniversity.org.
Liberians Reflect on Africa University’s Impact (Continued from page 1)
The Rev. John Holler (standing) speaks to Bishop L. Jonathan
Holston about the connection and commitment they share with
Fairfield Children’s Home. Holler led a campaign that raised $8
million for the South Carolina Epworth Children’s Home. He and
Bishop Holston agreed to tithe 10 percent of that money to the
United Methodist orphanage in Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of the
Africa University Public Affairs Office.
toward scholarships for any of the children from
Fairfield to attend Africa University,” Holler said. “It
is amazing to return … to celebrate together in God’s
miraculous world.”
Gilbert is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tennessee.

5. HOW YOU CAN HELP
Located at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, Africa University is an
accredited United Methodist-related educational institution in
Africa, established by action of the General Conference. The
university offers degree programs in three colleges: Health,
Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CHANS); Business, Peace,
Leadership and Governance (CBPLG); and Social Sciences,
Theology, Humanities and Education (CSSTH&E). New academic
programs include master’s and doctoral degree programs
in military chaplaincy, migration, citizenship and refugee
protection; and entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
Africa University continues to be the evidence of faith, hope
and belief in the visions of dreamers. Thank you for investing
in changed lives and communities! Encourage your church to
set a 100 percent apportionment remittance goal. Sending a
portion of your goal each month makes it easier to reach full
remittance by year’s end. Your church’s generosity ensures 100
percent support of Africa University’s operational budget for
costs such as utilities, equipment, and faculty salaries.
Consider these additional ways of helping the university
educate new leaders for the nations of Africa:
PLANNED GIFTS are the foundation for the long-term
survival of Africa University. As you make your estate plans,
consider leaving a gift or bequest to Africa University in your
will. If you have already included the university in your estate
plans, please let us know so we may welcome you to the
Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society.
USAHWIRA—This word in the Shona language means “a
beautiful friendship.” Encourage your local church to become
a partner with Africa University by supporting one student for
four years. The annual cost of supporting one undergraduate
student is just under $6,000. Local churches and individuals
may provide full or partial scholarships.
ENDOWMENT FUND—Give to the Africa University
Endowment Fund (World Service Special Gift #03-01-88). The
interest income from the endowment provides scholarships for
our students.
For more information about giving opportunities or to make
a gift, visit us at support-africauniversity.org. To learn about
Africa University and its impact, visit africau.edu.
Let’s work together to continue the transformation of lives and of
Africa. To download resources to help tell the story of the Africa
University Fund apportionment, visit: ResourceUMC.org and/
or the resources page at support-africauniversity.org. Current
resources include:
• Africa University at 30 - Talking Points
• Africa University: The School of Hope (video)
• Usahwira (brochure)
• AU in a Nutshell (presentation)
Africa University Development Office
P O Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007
(615) 340-7438; Fax: (615) 340-7290
audevoffice@gbhem.org
www.support-africauniversity.org
Nurturing Leaders. Changing Lives.
AFRICA UNIVERSITY OFFERS YOUNG REFUGEE
RENEWED HOPE AND A FUTURE
As a youth in the Tongogara
Refugee Camp in Rupisi,
Zimbabwe, Adosi Christian
Nsingani cherished learning.
Early on, however, he realized
his limits. Camp residents have
access to primary and second-
ary school. For university, they
must pay their own way.
“We also faced a big challenge concerning food, education
and other social life issues.” Each refugee received $15 per
person per month for food. Stretching the $15 ration into a
month’s worth of food was tough.
Christian recalled happier days as a child in his home country,
the Democratic Republic of Congo. His father owned a large
farm. When Christian wasn’t in school, he accompanied
his father to the farm every day. Later, facing hunger in the
refugee camp, Christian used what he’d learned to grow food
to eat and sell.
Christian longed to study agriculture at Africa University. He
wrote to the vice chancellor seeking AU scholarship support
but was turned down twice.
Meanwhile – 9,000 miles away in Austin, Texas - the Rev. Dr.
Roger Ireson, a Method-
ist preacher’s son and
former top executive
of the United Meth-
odist Board of Higher
Education and Ministry,
was talking with his
neighbor Edward Rich-
ard “Dick” Rathgeber
Jr., 89, the son of a
Lutheran pastor, and a real-estate developer and philanthropist.
Ireson shared the story of Africa University and its impact with
Rathgeber, describing engagement with the institution as “a
tremendous opportunity to change lives.”
When James “Jim” Salley, president and CEO of Africa University
(Tennessee) Inc., visited Texas, Ireson invited him to lunch with
Rathgeber. The result was a direct scholarship gift of $6,000
from Dick Rathgeber and his wife, Sarah. Christian was the
lucky recipient.
“My hope for Christian is that he will get out of school and
teach at least 10 more people what he knows about agri-
culture,” Rathgeber said. “I don’t want to just educate one
person. I want to educate a whole bunch, and I want practical
knowledge passed on.”
Christian hopes to graduate from AU in 2026.
By Barbara Dunlap-Berg
Rukudzo J. Murapa, 82, who
served as Africa University’s
second vice chancellor (1988
to 2007), died in Mutare,
Zimbabwe on Oct. 27. His
death came just days after the
university’s 30th anniversary
celebrations.
Murapa is remembered for his vision, network
strategies, and leadership, including helping to establish
the university’s Institute of Peace, Leadership and
Governance.
James H. Salley, AU associate vice chancellor, said
Murapa had the background and experiences to know
how important a relationship with the diaspora was
for the university and the students. “He was a master
politician with the ability to think beyond Mutare and
Zimbabwe. . . . Working for the United Nations, he
became a global citizen and brought
that perspective to AU. . . . I am so
happy he lived long enough to see
the dreams of peace and governance
that emanate from the university
become a reality.”
The memory of Murapa and his late
wife, Hellen, will live on through a
residence hall named in their honor
and built with funding from the Indiana Conference.
Murapa held a bachelor’s degree in political science
from UM-related Hamline University in Minnesota,
a master’s degree in political science, and a doctorate
in public administration, comparative politics, and
economics from Northern Illinois University. He is
survived by son Kudzai, daughter Meleni, and three
grandchildren.
Story by Eveline Chikwanah, a communicator of the
Zimbabwe East Conference.
Former Africa University
Vice Chancellor Dies at 82
Sara and Richard “Dick” Rathgeber
Adosi Christian Nsingani

6. The year 1995 found Sara and Lowell Kafer packing
up their Michigan home to embark on a spirit-led
journey—one so fulfilling, they are still on it today!
“We are willing to share the Africa University story
with anyone who asks,” says Dr. Kafer. People hearing
of their work and travels to the university always want
to know more.
Upon their retirement, the Kafers served as Volunteers
in Mission at Africa University. When they heard news
of the university’s groundbreaking, they wanted to be a
part of what they consider is “the most exciting venture
of the United Methodist Church.”
With experiences in teaching school-age children,
counseling women, and in higher education
administration, Dr. Kafer helped organize a faculty
committee to establish the Faculty of Education, and
Mrs. Kafer taught English to students from non-
English speaking countries.
The couple celebrates the blessings of making life-
long connections with students and volunteers to
work for the
common purpose
of establishing
university
programs. Two
years after the
completion of
their assignment,
they returned
to evaluate the
students who had
gone through the
program and found them all performing well in their
educational goals for transforming Africa.
Nearly 30 years after their first travels through
Christmas Pass and the sight of the jacaranda tree-lined
streets of Mutare, the Kafers are proud that Africa
University has “exceeded anything we ever thought
would happen.” As Legacy Society members, they are
committed to the next 30 years and beyond, confident
that the university will continue to grow and have a
greater influence around the world.
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Africa University Development Office
The United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 340007
Nashville, TN 37203-0007
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Nashville, Tenn.
Permit No. 11
Latest News from
Africa University
AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY | FALL 2022
Committed to the Next 30 Years and Beyond!
The AU Today is published by the
Africa University Development Office.
For more information, contact the:
Africa University Development Office
P.O. Box 340007
Nashville, TN 37203-0007
Tel: (615) 340-7438
Fax: (615) 340-7290
Email: audevoffice@gbhem.org
support-africauniversity.org.
Dr. Lowell G. Kafer and Mrs. Sara L. Kafer