Rev. Robert (Bob)Carpenter and Rev. Jan Libby Reimers
Bob Carpenter was born and reared in Mississippi. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Asbury College in 1956, a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory in 1959, and a master's degree from Washington University in 1972. Bob retired in 2003 after serving 31 years in ministry in the local church and 14 years in community education. His last appointment was as pastor of Lincoln and Hickory Chapel United Methodist churches in Missouri.
Libby Reimers was born and reared in Lincoln, Nebraska. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Doane College in 1965, a Graduate Certificate of Applied Gerontology from St. Louis University in 1975, a master's degree from Lindenwood University, and her license to preach as a local church pastor from St. Paul Seminary in Kansas City. Libby retired in 2011 after serving 7 years as a children's educator; 18 years as Coordinator of Older Adults Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral and later at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, Missouri; and, lastly, 13 years as a local church pastor in several churches in the Missouri Annual Conference. Libby's last appointment was serving on staff as Coordinator of Older Adults Ministries at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Louis.
The couple met in 1978 while attending a National Council of Churches Conference on Health and Welfare. At that time, both were working for social service agencies in St. Louis. They were married in 1982 and are the proud parents of 5 daughters and 6 grandchildren.
Bob and Libby fill their lives with family and volunteering in their community. They have included Africa University in their estate plans because they believe that the university's mission will lead to a better future for the continent of Africa.