Africa University graduates 841 students in largest class ever
By Maidstone Mulenga*
OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe — In the largest graduation ceremony since its inception, Africa University celebrated 841 students during the commencement exercises at its campus in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, June 11.
As the famous Africa University Choir sang “The dream is still alive,” graduating students, representing 26 African countries, received their certificates, diplomas and degrees. This was the 22nd graduation ceremony for this United Methodist-related university in its 24 years of existence.
Several of the students were the first in their families to receive a college education, said Dr. Maggie Jackson, a United Methodist from Cleveland, Ohio, who serves on the Board of Directors of Africa University.
From the podium, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Munashe Furusa, himself the first in his family to graduate from college, congratulated the students, noting that 1.9 billion Africans are under the age of 19. The Pan-African school is poised to articulate and address today’s challenges by “providing contextually appropriate and sustainable solutions to Africa’s problems.”
In his second year as the president and chief executive officer of AU, Furusa is charting a new direction for the school, focusing on expanded efforts in technology that includes distance learning, a spirit of entrepreneurship, and creating a quality of life for students – all designed to make Africa University “a school of choice.”
As part of these plans, Furusa announced the groundbreaking for a new fitness center, which occurred the day before the graduation ceremony. The seed money for the center, which will be part of the major sports complex, was provided by the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
This $300,000 came from a love offering honoring Bishop Marcus Matthews as he prepares to retire after 42 years of ministry. Matthews is the interim chairperson of Africa University’s board of directors.
“Sometimes we receive not because we ask not,” Matthews said. “We asked God to support Africa University. God is answering our prayers.”
Furusa expressed deep gratitude to the Baltimore-Washington Conference for the love offering. He said the Sports Complex would most certainly enhance student life on campus. Jackson, who is also chairperson of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, noted that not only will the Sports Complex enhance the lives of students on campus, it will also create an opportunity to nurture sporting talents in many students and help them realize their dreams of establishing successful careers in sport.
Once complete, the fitness center is expected to provide a variety of sporting activities. The facility is expected to further increase Africa University’s competitiveness over other universities in the area and globally.
The keynote speaker at the graduation was Shingai Mutasa, founder of the investment company Masawara Plc., and known as a businessman who encourages Africans to do business and invest in Africa.
Mutasa’s great-great grandfather was the king who gave the land Africa University now sits on to United Methodist missionary Bishop Joseph Hartzell in 1897.
From his forefather, Mutasa said, he learned the importance of choices. “We all have choices. We make them consciously or subconsciously,” he said. “Life is about choices. Do not ever allow yourself to give up that right you have. You must exercise your choice.”
Men and women throughout history who have made a difference, from our great-great grandfathers to Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammed Ali, have chosen wisely and been driven by a vision, Mutasa told the graduates. “It’s important to know that the capacity to make a difference is within us.”
He encouraged them to live with passion and build on their strengths.
“Your vision must be strong, powerful, committed to overcoming any obstacle along the way,” Mutasa said. “You must be willing to face failure, moving over and around obstacles. This is why most rivers are never straight. … Remember God blesses you. Do not fear your journey. Embrace it and life your life to the fullest.”
Africa University is unique, said Bishop Matthews, adding that it’s one of the best things in The United Methodist Church whose members support the school through the payment of apportionments.
Its students, he said, come from across the continent and, during their time together, form lasting relationships that can serve as a network in their future work as leaders in a variety of fields. “Imagine in the near future,” said Matthews, “if there were a potential conflict and the two leaders could call upon their time together at Africa University.”
“The times we are living in are desperate and urgent,” Furusa said. “Africa University graduates will be passionate about putting African nations on their feet again so that they can march with other nations with dignity and grace. …. God is faithful to what he has begun in this place.”
*Rev. Maidstone Mulenga is the Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.