IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN 2018 

 

The most recent chapter in the Forman story is, perhaps, well known to our readers. In 2003 Forman Christian College was denationalized and returned to its rightful owners, the Presbyterian Church. David Stoner, former Executive Director of the General Assembly, spent 8 years negotiating the return of the school. Dr. Peter Armacost, retired President of Eckerd College, was recruited as Rector to restart this historic college and renew its Christian mission. Both a Pakistani board and the Friends of Forman board were established to support the college from both sides of the globe. The Pakistani board was composed of local Christian leaders who helped the Rector run the affairs of the college similar to a board of trustees. The Friends of Forman supported the Rector and the college’s need for scholarships and capital projects by raising funds. The school was barely functioning when Armacost took over and yet it somehow had 3,500 students enrolled. Fourteen years later, we have more than 7,000 students with several new classroom buildings up and running, new and refurbished dormitories, a revamped infra-structure and a staff of over 1,000 people. What other school do you know that has doubled in a dozen or so years (while adding an elementary school as well)? This turn-around is practically miraculous.

As Forman’s story continues to unfold, we are pleased to announce two very exciting developments coming in 2018 which will greatly enhance the mission of the college.

First – PCUSA is granting the 104 acres of land the college now sits on to Friends of Forman to own and manage as we continue the mission of educating future generations of Pakistan’s best and brightest students. There are several reasons why having an international owner will provide more stability for the college and why the PCUSA is ready to pass on this valuable property. Suffice it to say that we are grateful they trust Friends of Forman with this important asset and we believe that this will stabilize FCC and its mission for years to come.

Second - We are excited to announce the launching of one of the most crucial buildings a college needs - a 160,000-square foot Campus Center/Library. Forman’s current library was built in the 1940s for a student body of 1,200 students so it is painfully outdated. A new digital library will anchor the ground floor. The campus center will function as the “dining room and living room” at the heart of the campus. This will be a great gathering location to encourage interaction between students and professors, shaping hearts and minds.

 

We believe these changes will truly enable Forman to “FLOURISH” in the days ahead, we will share more about these important developments. For now, please pray for more partners to join us as we get behind what God is doing at Forman today.

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