Meet Our Donors

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Rev. Joseph Abram, Jr. and Mrs. JoAnn Green Abram

Joseph Abram, Jr. is a native of Marion, SC, and the second of five sons born to the late Joseph, Sr. and Beatrice Moore Abram. He is a graduate of Johnakin High School (Marion), and he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in sociology from the University of South Carolina. Further studies were undertaken at Francis Marion University, Claflin University, Coastal Carolina University, North Greenville Hospital System Pastoral Counseling Center for Alcohol and Drug Addiction, and Duke Divinity School.

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Bishop James M. and Mrs. Dorothy B. Ault

Bishop James M. and Mrs. Dorothy B. Ault

The Bishop James M. and Mrs. Dorothy B. Ault Endowed Scholarship Fund will assist future Africa University students to realize their full potential for leadership. The Aults’ gift highlights a longstanding connection with Africa that Mrs. Ault and the late Bishop Ault shared. Elected to the episcopacy of The United Methodist Church in 1972, Bishop Ault, together with Mrs. Ault, soon traveled to Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) to learn more about the denomination’s work and mission in Africa.

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Rev. Robert Christopher Barrett

Robert Christopher (Chris) Barrett was born and reared in Spartanburg, SC. He attended Boiling Springs High School and Wofford College. He later earned his Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, where he met his wife, Elise Erikson Barrett. Afterward, he served as a United Methodist pastor to churches in Manning, Blacksburg, Charleston, and Spartanburg.

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Drs. David L. and Gemma D. Beckley

David L. Beckley, Rust Class of 1967 and the longest tenured senior college president in Mississippi, was appointed the 11th president of Rust College (Holly Springs, MS) on January 16, 1993, and assumed the position on July 1, 1993. Prior to his appointment at Rust College, he served as 12th president of Wiley College (Marshall, TX) from 1987 until 1993.

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Rev. Ann S. Blair

A daughter and granddaughter of teachers and Methodist preachers, Rev. Ann S. Blair has an appreciation for education, especially in a faith setting. Reared in parsonages in Oregon, she eventually entered the ministry, thus following in the footsteps of her father, grandfather, and grandmother.

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Mr. Gerald R. Awbrey and Mrs. Jerry Jo Voris Burkman

Gerald “Jerry” Awbrey and Jerry Jo Voris Burkman met 28 years ago at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN, where they still attend and serve. They were married on August 19, 1989, and are the proud parents of four children and seven grand-children.

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Allan and Evelyn Burry

Allan and Evelyn Burry began their ministry with college students while they themselves were students----Allan at Northwestern University and Evelyn at Florida State University. Evelyn was an officer in the National Methodist Youth Fellowship and Allan an officer in the National Methodist Student Movement. Allan was also active in ecumenical student work through the National Student Christian Federation and the World Student Christian Federation.

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Mr. John R. Calvert

John R. Calvert was born in Evergreen Park, IL. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in his youth, and was a 1972 graduate of Elkhart Central High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.

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Ms. Brenda D. Chadwick

Brenda D. Chadwick has served on the Africa University Advisory Development Committee since 1995, beginning with her role as Missions Chair at Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church in Oakland, California (Cal-Nevada Conference). Her dedication to Africa University’s transforming ministry led her to work with a number of United Methodist churches, civic organizations, and individuals throughout northern California to encourage their support of Africa University.

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Mrs. Elizabeth A. Copeland

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Copeland

Elizabeth A. Copeland was born and reared in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her parents were active members in their local Methodist church.

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Rev. Warren E. Covell

Rev. Warren E. Covell

Warren E. Covell is a retired United Methodist pastor in the Upper New York Annual Conference (formerly the North Central New York Annual Conference) of The United Methodist Church. He currently resides in the Syracuse, NY area.

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Rev. Dr. Robin Dease

Rev. Dr. Robin Dease

Robin is a graduate of Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC) and Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She is an ordained elder in the South Carolina Annual Conference and is presently serving as District Superintendent of the Hartsville District.

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Mrs. Connie E. Disney

Mrs. Connie E. Disney

Connie Ellen Disney and her late husband, Bill, were first inducted into the Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society in 2010 when Connie established an endowed scholarship in their names in Bill’s memory. Connie recently informed the Planned Giving Office that she has designated Africa University a contingent beneficiary of her estate plans.

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Mr. Stephen E. Drachler and Mrs. Michelle Drachler

Mr. Stephen E. Drachler and Mrs. Michelle Drachler

Michelle and Stephen Drachler were introduced at a hockey game in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in January 1978, beginning an adventure that led them to Nashville, and to be part of the Africa University family. They live in Harrisburg (PA) with their Shi Tzu rescue buddy, Marley.

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Ms. Rebecca W. Eleazer

Rebecca, life-long United Methodist, is a member of Francis Burns United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC. She is an active participant in the United Methodist Women and has served in leadership positions at the local unit, district, and conference levels.

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Mr. Kevin G. Goodwin and Mrs. Karen Olsen Goodwin

Karen and Kevin met at 9:00 o’clock p. m. on July 4, 1974. After a brief courtship, they married in September 1988. Within months of their marriage, they joined Hockessin United Methodist Church (Delaware), where they have been members ever since. In addition to their involvement with their local church, Kevin is a member of the Africa University Advisory Development Committee and the Planned Giving Council, and he is a member of the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits.

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Mrs. Jacquelyn D. Guthrie

Jacquelyn Draughn Guthrie is a retired businesswoman who currently resides in Springfield, TN. She inherited Draughn Brothers Company, LLP, from her father and uncle, who founded the business in 1921. She retired as president of the company on May 1, 2016, passing the mantle for the day-to-day management of the company to her two children, Jennifer Warner and Edison Guthrie.

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Dr. Ronald L. Hauswald and Mrs. Mary Hauswald

Dr. Ronald L. Hauswald and Mrs. Mary Hauswald

Ron and Mary met at the University of Indianapolis (formerly Indiana Central College) and married on June 12, 1955.  After Ron’s graduation from the School of Dentistry, the couple moved to Fort Knox, KY while Ron served in the US Army.  In 1959, they moved to New Albany, IN where Ron opened a dental practice, ultimately practicing dentistry there for over 40 years.

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Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. and Mrs. Deliliah (Dee) Hayes

Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. and Mrs. Deliliah (Dee) Hayes

Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. retired in 2016 as the episcopal leader for the Oklahoma Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church after having served three quadrennia (2004-2016).  As bishop, he presided over 530 churches in the Oklahoma Annual Conference and 87 churches of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.

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Mrs. Betsy Lyon Hendrix

Mrs. Betsy Lyon Hendrix

For many years, Betsy was a stay-at-home mom, busy rearing three boys and participating in the usual church, community and civic activities. When her late husband, Cliff Hendrix, passed away in 1992, Betsy returned to the work force and has worked at the Ft. Myer Memorial Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA, since 1992.  The chapel is adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery.

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Mrs. Ruth M. Jenkins

Mrs. Ruth M. Jenkins, known as “Jenx” to her family and many friends, was born in Harrisburg, IL, and grew up in Jacksonville, IL. After graduating high school, she re-located to San Francisco and was hired by I. Magnin & Company, a high fashion and specialty goods luxury department store. Mrs. Jenkins rose through the ranks at I. Magnin to become the manager of the window displays. She retired from the company in the early 1990’s.

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Rev. Kenneth S. Jones

Rev. Kenneth S. Jones

Kenneth S. Jones was born in Glen Rock, N.J., and reared in Baltimore’s Mount Washington neighborhood. He was a 1937 graduate of Baltimore City College, and he attended the University of Baltimore School of Law.

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Dr. Lowell G. Kafer and Mrs. Sara L. Kafer

Dr. Lowell and Mrs. Sara Kafer, longtime supporters of Africa University, are honored to become members of the Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society. Lowell and Sara met while graduate students at Michigan State University and married in 1962. They have a son, David of Houston, TX; a daughter, Catherine Barham of Jensen Beach, FL; and four terrific grandchildren.

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Rev. J. William “Bill” Keith, Jr.

Reverend J. William “Bill” Keith. Jr. was a graduate of the University of Evansville. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in political science. He continued his studies at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois and earned a Master of Divinity degree.

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Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas and Mrs. Ella G. Lucas

Aubrey and Ella Lucas met in 1952 at the Wesley Foundation while both were students at The University of Southern Mississippi. They have now been married 58 years and are the proud parents of four children and doting grandparents of eight grandchildren.

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Mr. Stephen H. Mahle and Rev. Katherine Austin Mahle

Steve Mahle was born and reared in St. Paul, MN. He is a life-long member of The United Methodist Church. He graduated from Beloit College, with a major in physics and then went to graduate school at Penn State University, graduating in 1969 with a master’s degree in physics. After serving in the US Army, stationed at the Manned Space Craft Center, he returned to Minnesota where he worked at Medtronic, Inc. for 37 years.

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Rev. Dr. William L. McFadden and Mrs. Martha P. McFadden

For The Rev. William “Bill” McFadden and Martha P. “Marty” McFadden of Sheffield Village, Ohio, 1 Corinthians 9:6-7 informs their philanthropic thinking: “Remember, a stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. . . . God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” (The Message)

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Ms. Margaret J. McKelvey

Ms. Margaret J. McKelvey

Margaret McKelvey hails from Rochester, New York where she grew up in Grace United Methodist Church. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Duke University, and a Master of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. She has made the Washington, DC area her home since 1975.

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Mr. James McKimmy and Mrs. Lou Ann McKimmy

Mr. James McKimmy and Mrs. Lou Ann McKimmy

Jim and Lou Ann have been active in The United Methodist Church for many years and are members of Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City, MI.  They are also volunteers in various civic and community activities.

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Drs. Darvin L. and Marge M. Miller

Darvin L. Miller was born on a farm located in Marion, ND, and received his elementary and secondary education in Marion. During those years, he and his family attended Grace Evangelical Church, and he was active in the youth fellowship. Following graduation from high school, he decided to enter the Christian ministry and attended Westmar College (Le Mars, IA) a former EUB college, for his Bachelor of Arts degree. After earning his undergraduate degree, he enrolled at Evangelical Theological Seminary (Naperville, IL) and earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree.

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Mr. Charles E. Moore, Jr. and Mrs. Carol H. Moore

For the past 13 years, Charlie has been leading Volunteers in Mission teams to Zimbabwe to assist in the construction of numerous churches, parsonages, schools, and a medical clinic. As a frequent visitor to Africa University, Charlie has facilitated the establishment of a strategic partnership between McDaniel College (Westminster, Maryland) and Africa University.

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Dr. Tommie Morton-Young

Tommie Morton-Young, native of Nashville, is often cited as author, activist, and scholar. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) from Tennessee State University, and she was the first African-American to graduate from Peabody College, now a part of Vanderbilt University. She earned her Ph.D. from Duke University, and has been named Distinguished Peabody/Vanderbilt Alumna. A well-published author, she also has held academic posts as professor and dean at a number of distinguished institutions of higher learning.

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Rev. Gérard Nsabimana

Rev. Gérard Nsabimana

Gérard Nsabimana is an ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is currently the lead pastor of First United Methodist Church, Stroud, Oklahoma.

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Mr. Norman Charles Olsen

Norman Charles Olsen was born on Staten Island in January 1925. After the death of his father, the family moved to Rahway, NJ. They all joined Trinity (United) Methodist Church, where he remained a member until his death in April 2015.

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Ms. Vaudra M. Rushing

Ms. Vaudra M. Rushing

Vaudra M. Rushing was born in Carbondale, IL on February 18, 1924, to Lee W. and Mae C. Rushing.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; a year of special education at Scarritt-Bennett College (Nashville, TN); and her master’s degree in Religious Education from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC).

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Dr. Robert M. Schneider and Mrs. Virginia Schneider

Dr. Robert M. Schneider and Mrs. Virginia Schneider

Robert and Virginia Schneider were both born and reared in America’s Heartland, Kansas. They met at Kansas State University (KSU) in the fall of 1952 when Virginia was a freshman and Robert a junior, and they married two years later.

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Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Sloane and Mrs. Bridget McKamey Sloane

Ken and Bridget Sloane feel very blessed to be a part of the United Methodist General Agency family. Bridget has a passion for feeding people, and Ken has a passion for opening doors to education for others. They have included Africa University in their estate plans and are endowing a scholarship in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Africa University.

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Rev. Daniel R. Stone and Mrs. Ruth Ellen Prevo Stone

Rev. Daniel R. Stone and Mrs. Ruth Ellen Prevo Stone

Dan and Ruth Ellen Stone have always been interested in Africa, missionaries, and mission projects of the church.  Ruth Ellen was associate council director of the former North Indiana Annual Conference when she first learned of the denomination’s plan to build a university on the continent of Africa.  She was a member of the Conference delegation that traveled to the university in 1994 for its official opening.  Seeing the first buildings on the campus confirmed all that she believed and encouraged her interest in supporting the university and its students.

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Mr. Ken A. Stoops

Ken was born and reared in Tipton, IN. He attended Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned his undergraduate degree in music in 1970 and his Master’s degree in music in 1971. He spent 18 years in the music business, finally returning to church music with a succession of full-time organist/choirmaster positions in Florida and Maryland.

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Mr. Timothy J. Tewalt and Mrs. Susan J. Tewalt

Timothy and Susan Tewalt of Fairfield Glade, TN, responded immediately upon hearing the AU story for the first time on September 8, 2013 during a presentation made by Elaine Jenkins at their church, Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church. They immediately decided to include Africa University in their estate plans after hearing how lives and communities are being transformed on the continent of Africa by Africa University graduates.

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Mr. Earl J (Tommy) Thomson,Jr. and Mrs. Margaret C. (Margie) Thomson

Mr. Earl J (Tommy) Thomson,Jr. and Mrs. Margaret C. (Margie) Thomson

Margie and Tommy were married in May 1951 in College Park, Maryland. In 1956, they re-located to Denver, Colorado, where they became active members of Park Hill Methodist Church. Both sang in the church choir. While Tommy became involved in mission outreach, Margie had her hands full at home caring for four small children.

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Rev. Lola Turnbull

Rev. Lola Turnbull

Lola Turnbull was born and reared in Buffalo, New York. She grew up in what is now the Presbyterian Church USA and was one of the first female and youth elders in the denomination. She attended both Presbyterian and United Methodist churches while in college, and later joined The United Methodist Church as a young adult.

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Dr. George D. Vineyard and Rev. Joanne W. Vineyard

George and Jo have been experienced speakers and retreat leaders. They have a deep interest in and concern for the mission outreach of the church. This is why they have included Africa University in their estate plans.

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Dr. Harriet King Vivion

Dr. Harriet King Vivion

Harriet King Vivion was born and reared in Austin, Texas. She attended the Peabody Demonstration School and Vanderbilt University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She earned her master’s degree from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI). Later in life, she returned to Vanderbilt and earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in education.

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Dr. Cheryl LaTanya Walker

Cheryl LaTanya Walker is in her eleventh year of service as the Director of Black Congregational Ministries for Discipleship Ministries (formerly the General Board of Discipleship). Her large portfolio includes leadership formation and resource development. One of the film projects produced under her leadership, Reflect, Reclaim, Rejoice: Preserving the Gift of Black Scared Music, won the Midsouth Regional Emmy for best documentary.

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Professor Diane B. Walker

Diane B. Walker was born and reared in Rockville Center, Long Island, NY, and now resides in Moscow, Idaho. She is Professor Emerita of Dance at the University of Idaho. Professor Walker became associated with Africa University through Jubilate!, the Worship Arts Institute of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. As a member of the touring choir and as the movement/choreography director, she first visited Africa University in 1992 at its original campus.

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Mrs. Florence Phoebe Walker

Africa University recognizes the generosity of the late Mrs. Walker posthumously for leaving a bequest to the university in her last will and testament.

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Mr. Bryon D. Wall and Mrs. Josefa E. Bethea Wall

Bryon and Josefa are childhood sweethearts, and their love extends to Africa University and the work of the university to advance education on the continent of Africa.

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Mr. Carl Orville Wehner and Mrs. Wanda Lee Wehner

For over fifty years, Carl and Wanda were active members of First United Methodist Church of Cedar Falls. They were tireless volunteers for many organizations -- the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, CROP Walk, Thanksgiving In-Gathering, the Cedar Falls Historical Society, the Cedar Valley Arboretum, and the UNI Emeritus Association, to name just a few.

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Reverend J. Elbert Williams

Rev. Williams is a provisional Elder of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and is currently serving the Marion Parish of Bethel, Pleasant Grove, and Springville United Methodist churches.

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The Rev. Dr. Cynthia A. Wilson

Japanese culture honors those of its citizenry who have attained high mastery of an art or craft by bestowing upon them the honorific Ningen Kokuhō, “living national treasure.” These individuals are certified as preservers of important intangible cultural properties.

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Rev. Dr. Donald R. Wood and Mrs. Dorothy A. Wood

Don and Dorothy met at the Student Christian Center at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Soon after they began dating, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. They were married after his discharge, and Don returned to Clarion University to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in social studies and later his Master of Science degree in communications. Thereafter, Don

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Dr. Arthur L. Youngman and Mrs. Linda V. Youngman

Dr. Arthur L. Youngman and Mrs. Linda V. Youngman

When Art and Linda Youngman first visited the Africa University campus in 1995, the university was in its third year of operations; the renovated old farm buildings that once served as residence halls, administrative buildings, and classrooms had been replaced with a few permanent structures; and the acacia trees that had been planted across the campus were mere saplings.  Art and Linda, both life-long Methodists, heard of the establishment of this new university while members of University United Methodist Church in Wichita and became more intrigued when they were given a lapel button encouraging support for the new institution.

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