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.
Jim and Lou Ann are 1960 graduates of Manchester University (Manchester, IN), and Jim completed his doctoral work at Michigan State University.
Jim served as an administrator in several public school districts for more than 35 years, retiring in 1997 from the Midland County Intermediate School District. Lou Ann taught in the public schools for 10 years, retiring in 1994 as director of the Midland County Literacy Council, a position she held for nine years.
Having met graduates of Africa University and having heard their stories, Jim and Lou Ann are excited about providing assistance to students who lack the means to obtain an education. They have established an endowed scholarship fund in honor of Africa University alumnus, Rev. Gerard Nsabimana. Rev. Nsabimana is a 2002 graduate of Africa University, having earned his Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He earned his Master's degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University in 2005 and his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University in 2011. He is an ordained elder of The United Methodist Church currently serving in the Oklahoma Annual Conference.
Jim and Lou Ann are the proud parents of 3 children, 24 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Africa University website
A World Service Special Gift is a designated financial contribution made by an individual, local church, organization, district or annual conference to a project authorized as such by the Connectional Table. Current World Service Special Gifts projects include the Africa University Endowment Fund, the Leonard Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students, the Methodist Global Education Fund, the National Anti-Gambling Project and the Lay Missionary Planting Network.
