Mr. Charles W. (Chuck) Foster, III and Mrs. Laverne C. Foster
Charles W. "Chuck" Foster, III and Laverne C. Foster are long-time supporters of Africa University. They first learned of and were inspired to support Africa University by the late Bishop Roy C. Nichols, who was an extended family member of Chuck's mother, the late Isabelle J. Foster.
Chuck and Laverne were married in August 1963 and are the proud parents of two children. They have been members of Easter Hill United Methodist Church (Richmond, CA) for more 40 years.
Laverne was born and reared in Accokeek, Maryland, and grew up in her parents' home church, Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Laverne became an active member of Metropolitan at a very early age and was the pianist for the church's youth choir. Laverne attended the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. She worked for numerous federal agencies throughout her 30-year career in civilian service and retired as a human resources specialist with the U. S. Army Civilian Personnel Office, Oakland Army Base (CA).
Chuck was born and reared in Preston, Maryland. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Maryland State College in 1962; his Master's degree in public policy from Golden State University (San Francisco) in 1973; and he took additional courses at John F. Kennedy University (Orinda, CA) in 1986/87. Chuck served as a commissioned officer in the U. S. Navy from 1962 until 1969 and in the U. S. Navy Reserve from 1970 until 1984, when he retired with the rank of captain. Chuck retired as executive director of the Port of Oakland (CA) in 2001 after a long and distinguished career. After retiring, Chuck founded C. Foster Consultant Services, which provides consultant services to airports and seaports in administration, operations, facility maintenance and development, and trade development. Chuck has provided management and leadership assistance to seaport, airport, and transportation officials of Ghana, South Africa, El Salvador, and Ecuador. His consultancy also provides assistance to local governments on military base conveyance.
"Giving is one of the true joys of living," Chuck said. "If Laverne and I can make life better for our world community, we are merely doing the work God entrusted us to do as stewards of the universe. This is why we have continued our support of Africa University through the years." The Fosters' gifts are designated for the Bishop Roy C. and Dr. Ruth Nichols Endowed Chair.