In a momentous occasion filled with hope, anticipation, and a shared commitment to education, Africa University officially unveiled the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence on February 26, 2024. The ceremony marked not just the opening of a building, but the dawn of a new chapter in the university’s journey towards excellence and inclusivity.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
Funds for the 92-resident dorm were raised by the East Ohio Conference under the able leadership of Bishop Tracy S. Malone who has had a passion for Africa University since visiting the site at which AU was to be built 3 decades ago as a student at the time. Casting the vision for the Teach. Reach. Bless Campaign in 2019, a challenge was set to raise $1.5 million to build a women’s dorm that would be a space of comfort, convenience and safety for young women learning at the university from all over Africa. Campaign Co- chairs Dr. William “Bill” Macfadden and Dr. Magnolia Jackson caught the vision and never stopped dreaming in the pursuit of fulfilling this passion project. The target was reached and surpassed despite the COVID-19 Pandemic that coincided with the Campaign. The love and generosity of the East Ohio Conference and the people that call themselves United Methodists was unwavering and steadfast.
Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Reverend Professor Peter Mageto, triumphantly proclaimed, “The opening of the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence marks a significant milestone in our quest to provide a holistic education that empowers our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This hall symbolizes our dedication to fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity flourishes, and where students are encouraged to embrace diversity and pursue excellence in all their endeavors.”
The Honorable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution- Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, graced the occasion representing the Government of Zimbabwe, expressing thanks to the Bishop and the East Ohio Conference for their commitment to uplifting women through education.
Bishop Tracy S. Malone of the East Ohio Conference and President-elect of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church expressed her profound joy remarking, “Today, we stand on the threshold of a brighter future for our students, our community, and our continent. The Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence is not just brick and mortar; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. I give thanks to God for each and every gift that was made to the Teach • Reach • Bless campaign from the laity, the clergy, the congregations, the matching gifts from the districts, the challenge gift from Rev. Bill and Marty McFadden.”
The campaign’s achievements underscored the power of collective action and unwavering commitment to a shared vision. Bishop Malone emphasized the role of faith and determination, stating, “If God gives a God-size vision and if we trust God with the vision and if we commit to it wholeheartedly, giving it everything we’ve got, being all in, God will make the necessary provisions to bring the vision to a reality.”
With state-of-the-art amenities and comfortable living spaces, the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence is set to redefine student accommodation at Africa University.
Indeed, the unveiling of this hall aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of Africa University, which aims to cultivate intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and a spirit of service. By providing modern facilities and a supportive environment, the university is empowering its students to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
As the sun set on this historic day, a new dawn rises over Africa University. The Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence is a testament to the power of education to break barriers and transform lives. It is a tangible reminder that, with dedication and perseverance, we can build a brighter future for generations to come.
excerpt from a story by Jeannette Dadzie, editor, Africa University News
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
