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. When asked what was the single most important factor that influenced their decision to leave a bequest in their wills to the university, they said that they wanted to leave a legacy by becoming involved in one of the great mission projects of the denomination.
Susan grew up in the Methodist Church, and Timothy was reared initially in the Evangelical United Brethren Church before the two denominations merged. They met while students at West Virginia University and married one year after their graduation.
The Tewalts are avid world travelers, having visited 69 countries since 1990. They generally travel abroad twice annually and are now making plans to tour the southern region of the continent of Africa in 2017, with a visit to Africa University included in their itinerary. Susan retired in 2013 after a long career in geology, last serving with the U. S. Geological Survey. Timothy retired in 2012 after a long career in contracts administration and negotiations, last serving with Science Applications International Corp.
In their retirement, the Tewalts are active members of their local church and are volunteers for many community organizations, including the Cumberland County Playhouse, Good Samaritan, and the Fairfield Glade Resident Services "On the Go" Program. In addition, Timothy is an avid golfer and volunteers at professional golf tournaments.
The Tewalts' prayer for Africa University is that it will continue to grow and become a beacon for any African child who yearns for a first-rate tertiary education.