Support 30 Scholarships on Giving Tuesday 2024

by

In 2023, Friends of Forman raised $77,000 on Giving Tuesday—thanks in part to a generous triple matching grant. This amount funded 28 full annual scholarships to students in need at Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan.

Contribute Your Part on Giving Tuesday

This year, we’re aiming even higher. 

With your support, we plan to raise more than $84,000 on Giving Tuesday. If we reach this goal, it would fully cover 30 scholarships for students who wouldn’t otherwise have the same educational opportunities.

Just like last year, we’re excited to share that we’ve secured funding to triple-match all gifts. That means if you make a $100 donation, it’ll count as $300 given to students. If 280 generous people give an average of $100, we’ll meet our goal!

Friends of Forman funds about 280 scholarships each year. So, funding 30 scholarships would constitute more than 10% of our annual fundraising—in a single day!

Who Are These Scholarships Going to Help?

These scholarships will help students in rural areas of Pakistan. These students couldn’t otherwise seek an education—for financial and cultural reasons. Many of the scholarship students are women and Christians who are often disenfranchised by the mainstream Pakistani culture.

Take Multazim, for example. She is an ambitious young woman who couldn’t have pursued her dreams of helping others as a doctor without financial aid. Multazim and many FCCU students like her depend on the generosity of others to open the door to a better future.

“It’s said that educating a woman is equal to educating a generation,” says Multazim. “If that’s the case, then you’ve educated a nation. Through your generosity, I will become a philanthropist like you to continue your legacy of educating the generations.”

Thus empowered by education, these students then have chance to improve their families and communities. They do this in part by inspiring other young people like them by showing that a better future is possible through an education.

What is Giving Tuesday?

This year, Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024.

Since its start in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a “movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.” Nonprofit organizations globally use this opportunity on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving to encourage generosity and build brand awareness.

But you don’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday to start giving. You can make your donation online here and help us reach our goal of funding 30 scholarships. 

Thank you for giving the gift of education to those who need it most.

2024 Friends of Forman Annual Report Shares Our Collective Impact on Education

by

The staff and board of directors of Friends of Forman are proud to announce the release of our 2023-24 annual report. This is a way to celebrate our collective impact, and transparently show how we’re being stewards of your generous gifts.

“There is much to celebrate this past year,” said Friends of Forman executive director, Rev. Dr. Roger Dermody. “The year ahead is filled with hope! Thank you for your partnership and trust. You are genuinely making God’s grace and love visible in Pakistan.”

The 12-page annual report showcases fundraising totals, expense categories, impact numbers, student stories, and information about Forman Christian College. The document records Friends of Forman’s fiscal year, which runs from July to June each year.

“Every time I share the story of Forman with people who have never heard of it, they are stunned,” said board chair, Rev. Dr. David Renwick. “I am fully committed to supporting Forman because I can think of no other institution that in a hundred ways embodies more effectively Jesus’ admonition to his followers in the Sermon on the Mount to be “salt and light.”

Here are just a few highlights included in the annual report.

Fundraising sources:

  • Individuals: 58%
  • Fundations: 20%
  • Churches: 11%
  • Investment income: 9%
  • Organizations & businesses: 2%

Money given to:

  • Scholarships: $788,967
  • Campus Center & Library: $437,022
  • Leadership & Faculty support: $244,271
  • Pakistan Centre for Biblical Teaching & Research: $215,000
  • Light of Hope: $177,704
  • FCCU Endowments: $100,107
  • Capital Projects: $56,675
  • Total support: $2,049,946

FCCU Fast Facts

  • University enrollment: 5,717
  • Students on scholarship: 2,448 (27%)
  • Women enrollment: 2,703 (47%)
  • Scholarships to women: 832 (31%)
  • Christians on scholarship: 911 (98%)

“When asked to join the board of Friends of Forman, it was clear the work aligned with my heart for educating persecuted women and concern for minority Christians,” said board vice chair, Heather Wright. “I am grateful for Charles Forman, whose actions provided generations, especially of minorities and women, hope and a future.”

Read the 2023-24 annual report for yourself here. Or visit the Our Impact page to view reports and audited financial statements from previous years. Thank you for your support of Friends of Forman, and we’re looking forward to even better success in the new year!

Campus Update: FCCU Corporate Connect Event November 2024

by

The Advancement and Alumni Office organized its annual ‘Corporate Connect‘ on November 07, 2024, in the atrium at the JTCC, bringing together senior leadership of FCCU, including Deans and Chiefs, top business leaders, diplomats, industry stalwarts and academia. Corporate leadership from a wide range of industries including banking, audit, technology, lubricants , telecom, paints, chemicals, textiles, healthcare, food and beverages, automobiles, professional groups and associations participated in this exclusive event. MCB, HBL (Habib Bank Limited), Bank Islami, Meezan Bank,MIB, Allied Bank, BDO, KPMG , Fergusson, Airlink Communications, AkzoNobel, Telenor Pakistan, Devsinc, ATS group, ZIC Oil (HI Tech Lubricants), Evercare Hospital, Jockey, Gourmet, Amanah Mall, Emkay Seeds, and Chiltan Group of Industries are some of the brands that were represented by their top management.

Distinguished diplomatic representatives, including the Chinese Consulate, represented by the Director and Vice Consul General, and Defence Attaché, the Hungarian Honorary Consul General and the Portuguese Honorary Consul General graced the occasion.

Mrs. Badia Raza, Chief Marketing and Outreach Officer, welcomed the guests and highlighted FCCU’s commitment to its seven core values. She explained the university’s outreach and commitment to make education accessible to all irrespective of financial background. In his keynote address, Dr. Jonathan S. Addelton, Rector, FCCU, discussed FCCU’s endeavors in promoting diversity, women empowerment and sustainability. He elaborated on the presence of students and faculty from different faiths, geographical and socio economic backgrounds and shared different efforts of the institution to improve and protect the environment. Dr. Rukhsana David, Chairperson of the FCCU Board of Governors and Board of Directors, appreciated the efforts of the university in the area of diversity and women empowerment and expressed her pleasure with the phenomenal growth and recognition of the institution. Ms. Jaweria Iqbal, Manager Corporate and Foundation Relations, outlined the FCCU’s Business Incubation Center facilities and functions — inviting the corporate sector to join hands in promoting young entrepreneurs and startups. Ms. Ayla Musharraf, daughter of the late General Pervez Musharraf (alumnus) was also present on the occasion and spoke briefly about her father’s Forman journey.

The event also fostered valuable collaboration between academia and industry, with participants exploring opportunities to connect, share ideas, and support entrepreneurial ventures at BIC FCCU. During the networking session, attendees were given a guided tour of the BIC, experiencing firsthand the resources available to nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Corporate Connect 2024 was not only a platform for networking but also a reflection of Forman’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

FCCU Sports News: November 2024

by

Forman hosted a number of sports events in recent weeks including the Open Intramural Futsal Championship 2024 involving 26 teams. Kamil Shamshad, Head of Student Development, was Chief Guest, handing out trophies at the end of both the Men and Women’s Finals.

Forman also hosted the Lahore Board Inter Collegiate Swimming Championships 2024 on October 15; seven other schools participated, with our College team managed by M. Ahsan Umar swimming its way to a second place finish. The 4×50 Free Style Relay was especially dramatic, with Forman’s team including Dawood Ahmed, Abdullah Adnan, Sufian Umer and Zuhair Sultan finishing second.

Looking ahead, Forman will host the second Forman Women Fest from November 7 through November 15. Events include athletics, arm wrestling, badminton, table tennis and chess, among others.

Congratulations to the FCCU Cricket Team captained by Raheen Jarwar which secured two consecutive wins in the recent Pakistan Cricket Board All Pakistan Intervarsity Men’s Cricket Championship for 2024-2025 on their way to the championship game.

In the first game, Forman dominated Superior University, winning by nine wickets; Abdul Ahad was declared “Player of the Match” for his outstanding performance including taking four wickets. In the second match, FCCU defeated Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), emerging victorious by 133 runs thanks to Hammad Rafique’s stellar performance in taking two wickets and scoring 118 runs.

Although Forman lost in the Zone F Finals to Government College University, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team for representing Forman so well in what some have described as Pakistan’s “national sport”.

On October 25 our College students concluded Forman’s 137th Annual Athletic Competition. The two-day intramural event involved many sports including long jump, triple jump, high jump, hammer throw, shot put shotput, javelin, discus and various running events at distances ranging from 100 meters to 5,000 meters. Dr. Lubna Amer and Rehan Sohail attended as Guests of Honor while College Vice Rector Dr. Ivan Suneel distributed prizes including to M. Umer (Best Athlete), Sabtain Ali (Second Best Athlete), and Newton Hall (Overall Champions).

Forman Christian College Campus Profile: November 2024

by

Thanks to Sarah Suleman (Head of Quality Enhancement Cell) and her colleague Christopher Naeem (Data Analyst), the Fall 2024 Profile for Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) is now available, based on a September 30 “freeze date” which captured the number of faculty employed and students enrolled as of that date.

According to the demographic data provided in the Profile, 48 percent of our university students are female (for graduate programs, the percentage increases to 74 percent). Some 10 percent of our college students and 13 percent of our university students are from Pakistan’s minority Christian community, bringing the total number to 1,093 including 350 from the college and 743 enrolled in the university. Although small as a total percentage, 59 of our university students also come from the Hindu, Sikh or Kalash communities, further highlighting the diversity of our institution. While an overwhelming majority of our students are from Punjab, we have representation from each of Pakistan’s other provinces as well.

The figures are encouraging: Total enrollment at FCCU has now reached 9,324, exceeding 9,000 for the first time ever; of that number, 3,560 are studying at the Intermediate (College) level while 5,764 are enrolled in the University.

The number of faculty at Forman is slightly more than 400, with 126 teaching at the College level and 278 at the University level. Of the 404 members of faculty currently employed at Forman, 43 percent are female, and 57 percent are male. As regards to level of education, 172 of our 278 University faculty have PhDs, 69 of them from foreign countries. A further 21 of our college faculty also have PhDs.

Multazim Overcomes Poverty to Pursue Her Dreams of Being a Doctor

by

Transcending Traditional Prejudices

My name is Multazim, and I live in a small village in Punjab, which is in the same province as Lahore, Pakistan. My community has a deeply ingrained perspective that restricts women from pursuing an education. 

Regrettably, the few women who seek education and employment are unfairly stigmatized. I aspire to challenge and help transform this prevailing mindset. I firmly believe education is the cornerstone of humanity; it’s a beacon that illuminates our path to progress and enlightenment. 

My commitment is to empower not only myself but also the countless other girls who share my dreams. It’s my mission is to transcend these boundaries of tradition and prejudice. I hope to demonstrate that education is not a gender-specific privilege but a fundamental right that enriches our lives and enhances our capabilities.

Perseverance Despite Poverty

My father is a veterinary technician who earns a modest monthly income. His salary was once stable, but it has been severely compromised by the devastating tandem of the COVID-19 pandemic and the relentless floods. 

His income is the sole financial pillar for our family of five and bears the brunt of our collective hopes and aspirations. As the eldest of my siblings, I also feel a responsibility to get an education and set a good example for my younger siblings, who are also in school.

Because of the small village where my family lives, there are scarce opportunities, especially for young women. I initially wanted to grow up to be a doctor and help others. However, admissions to public colleges are competitive, and I struggled to be admitted.

I knew that even if I was admitted to a local college, my family would struggle to pay for tuition. I knew I would have to remain persistent and find another way to earn my education and build a brighter future for myself.

Hope From Financial Aid

If I were to continue my dreams of becoming a doctor, I would need to apply to a private college, which would be even more expensive. Thankfully, I learned about the financial aid program at Forman Christian College.

 Applying to a prestigious private college like FCCU was a risky option, but it was also the final hope for my aspirations. I was just about to give up all my ambitions because of my financial instability and traditional inequality.

FCCU has inspired me to believe in myself. 

After being admitted to FCCU with a financial scholarship, the challenges of escalating inflation and university fees continue to threaten and undermine my educational pursuits. However, I have hope and I’m not giving up. I’m pushing forward and know I’m not alone in this journey.

Why FCCU is the Right Choice For Me

FCCU is a model of academic excellence, offering many programs and experienced faculty members. The institution encourages research and holistic development, shaping not just bright professionals but also ethical individuals. 

The University boasts a vibrant extracurricular scene, fostering personal growth and teamwork through various clubs and societies. Moreover, FCCU places a strong emphasis on community engagement, instilling a sense of social responsibility in its students. 

The benefits of joining FCCU include a top-notch education, program diversity, expert guidance, research opportunities, character development, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

However, FCCU gave me the confidence, moral support, and financial support I needed. 

Studying to Care For Others

I am studying Pharm D at FCCU, a five-year academic and research degree that involves formulating, manufacturing, dispensing, and administering medicines to patients.

The Pharm D program has instilled in me a profound sense of purpose. I’m driven by the noble mission of safeguarding human lives. Each day of study is a source of immense joy, knowing that I play an integral role in this life-saving profession, a privilege I cherish deeply. 

My pharmacy degree is not my final destination. It serves as a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of earning a PhD in drug discovery. My desire is to contribute to humanity’s wellbeing by researching cancer treatments. 

I have seen many women from my village die of breast cancer. I could not sleep for many nights after witnessing such scary deaths. I believe I can transcend adversity and carve a path toward a future where I can contribute significantly to society’s betterment by serving and empowering other girls like me. 

Learning Social Responsibility

FCCU’s commitment to community engagement has given me a profound sense of social responsibility. These skills and values have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I still want to use my education to give back and help others, especially young girls in the village where I grew up.

Beyond academics, the university has provided me with a well-rounded education. 

  • Through interactions with peers from various backgrounds, I’ve learned to appreciate diversity, enhancing my cultural understanding. 
  • Active participation in extracurricular activities and clubs has nurtured my leadership and teamwork skills. 
  • Engaging in presentations and group discussions has refined my communication and public speaking abilities. 
  • The university’s emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving has honed my analytical skills. 
  • Balancing coursework, activities, and personal life has improved my time management capabilities. 

Thank You For Giving Me a Path to an Education

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all Friends of Forman donors for your generous support. Your contribution significantly impacted my academic journey. 

It’s said that educating a woman is equal to educating a generation. If that’s the case, then you’ve educated a nation. Through your generosity, I will become a philanthropist like you to continue your legacy of educating the generations. 

Your belief in the value of education and your willingness to invest in my future is inspiring and humbling. Thanks to your support, I have pursued my educational goals. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. 

Thank you for your generosity and for making a positive difference in my life. Your support has been instrumental in my educational journey, and I am grateful beyond words.

FCCU Alumni News: October 2024

by

I always appreciate welcoming alumni back to campus. This month, those alumni included Abraham Stephen, who received his BS in Business Management and was recently admitted to Westminster University in London for graduate studies. His brother, Abeshai Stephen, is currently enrolled at Forman, and his father, Stephen John, Forman’s Deputy Manager for Admissions, is also an “Old Formanite.” Moreover, Abraham’s grandfather, John Roshan, served as Dr. Peter Armacost’s chef from 2005 until 2010, while his great-grandfather, Samuel Jacob, served as a security guard at Forman for 35 years, contributing to a family tradition of Forman connections that now extends to four generations.

Recent Forman graduate Shahrukh Baloch shared the wonderful news with me that he has been admitted to the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies to pursue an MA in South Asian Studies. In addition, he received both a full tuition waiver and a Margaret C. Mykut Fellowship to support his studies.

Baloch graduated from Forman with a BA (Cum Laude) in Political Science in April 2018, having served as a Resident Assistant in West Hall and as a Teaching Assistant for Physics Professor Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy for a course titled “Science and the World Around Us.” He later worked as an Administrative Assistant for Shawna Person in the Student Affairs office. During his journey to Seattle, he visited two great cities, Istanbul and New York, noting that “since the focus of my research is going to be urban anthropology, I am fascinated by cities, and every city has a distinct character emitted by its buildings, crowds, transportation, music, food, and aromatic profile.”

Kanza Noor, who studied Physics at Forman and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2019 and an MPhil in 2022, is now pursuing a Master’s in Material Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. In addition, she is working as a Silicon Fabrication Engineering Intern at Intel Corp. in Portland, Oregon. According to Kanza, “The education and experiences I gained at FCCU play a significant role in helping me achieve these milestones.”

School of Management Assistant Professor Faiza Tasneem reports that two Forman graduates focused on HR issues have already achieved early career success. One, Minahil Aslam, secured a position in the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris while studying for her Master’s at ESC Clermont Business School in France, and another, Mavra Tabeer, is working as a Senior Compensation Analyst at the Washington Post after completing her Master’s degree at Georgetown University.

Forman’s Alumni Office has also been busy, launching an “Alumni Open Day” on October 1, which included a presentation and campus tour, followed by a reception and refreshments in the Alumni Lounge.

On September 18, Forman’s Marketing & Outreach team, which includes the Alumni Office, hosted a launch ceremony for two booklets: one honoring Forman graduates who have contributed to Pakistan’s IT sector (“Notable Formanites in the IT Sector”) and another recognizing the many achievements of our current students (“Formanite Achievers, 2023-2024”).

Chief Marketing & Outreach Officer Mrs. Badia Raza warmly welcomed attendees while highlighting Forman’s commitment to its alumni. Prominent Formanites in the IT sector who attended included Mr. Attiazaz Munawwar Ud Din (President of the Forman Alumni Association and Chairman of Khazana Enterprises), Mr. Najeeb Ghauri (Group CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder of NetSol Technologies), Mr. Anthony Richards (Founder of Digital Office System and FCCU’s Chief Information Officer), and Mr. Muhammad Taimoor Ali (Chief Operating Officer of Bookme Tickets), all of whom spoke on the role that Forman played in shaping their IT careers.

Regarding the second booklet, which focused on student achievers, this part of the program included remarks by three current students: Mr. Obil Abid Nathaniel (this year’s Rector’s Scholar), Mr. Hamza Ahmed (founder of Forman’s OmniLife Society), and Ms. Wafia Khalid (national medalist in weightlifting).

“Old Formanite” Khunshan Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of EvolveDash, shared a detailed account of the entrepreneurial journey he has taken since graduating from Forman: “I fondly remember my time at FCC, where the financial aid provided by the university, combined with my part-time job, enabled me to complete my degree in computer science.” After starting his career as a software engineer, he participated in various programming competitions and “hackathons” before founding the tech company EvolveDash in 2019 with his wife, along the way hiring several other Forman graduates.

Lastly, congratulations to President and CEO Mr. Zafar Masud and his team at the Bank of Punjab for their success at the CFA Society’s 21st Annual Excellence Awards ceremony, where they swept three of the most prestigious honors: Corporate Finance House (Fixed Income), Best Transaction, and Gender Diversity at Workplace.

FCCU Faculty Contributions: October 2024

by

A huge shoutout also to Professor Dr. Samina Mehnaz from Forman’s Kausar Abdulla Malik School of Life Sciences for once again being included in the Stanford University annual list of the “top two percent” “top two percent” of researchers world-wide; this is the fourth consecutive year that Dr. Samina has received this honor, introduced by Stanford in 2019 to recognize notable researchers and based in part on publications.

Saadia Sumbal, Associate Professor of History, published articles in two international journals, “Voices from the Periphery: Punjabi Poetry, Resistance and Anti-Colonial Nationalism” (South Asian Studies Volume 40 Issue 2, 2023: https://doi.org/10.1080/02666030.2024.2396182) and “Parsi Identity and Community Legislation in Colonial Punjab” (Journal of Punjab Studies Volume 30 Number 2, 2023: http://giss.org/researchnew.html). Her book Islam and Religious Change in Pakistan: Sufis and Ulema in 20th Century South Asia (Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2022) was also recently reviewed in two international publications, Journal of Religious History and Journal of Sufi Studies.

Dr, Firasat Jabeen from Forman’s Department of Mass Communication was invited to join the International Communication Association (ICA) task force on Global Representation and Engagement. In addition, Dr. Firasat received a $2,000 Fulbright grant to help support the ICA Regional Conference scheduled to be hosted by Forman in December.

Dr. Adeel Ahmad Aamir, Assistant Professor in our Department of Mass Communication, served as a communication expert in a panel discussion on urbanization and air pollution organized at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in partnership with the British High Commission.

Irtiza Shafaat Bokharee, Lecturer in Forman’s Political Science Department, reports that his department recently partnered with the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI), an Islamabad-based think tank, to expose students to national security issues and the role that youth can play in helping to advance them. During their visit, SVI Executive Director Dr. Naeem A. Salik (a Forman graduate) joined with SVI Director of Research Dr. Nasir Hafeez to brief the students.

Maheen Zia from our English Department reports two notable achievements over the summer, starting with her selection as the only participant from Pakistan to attend this year’s Digital Humanities Summer School at Oxford University (only 11 out of the more than 80 teachers who applied were selected). In addition, Maheen was awarded second prize in the ELT Lesson Design Competition organized by Education University Hong Kong.

Syeda Khair-ul-Bariyah, Assistant Chemistry Professor (College), was invited to attend the Pakistani Writer’s Retreat, sharing her long journey as a writer that started at the age of four and has included publications in both English and Urdu, culminating most recently in her novel Peregrinations of the Soul which reflects the values and character-building that are so much a part of the Forman college experience.

Urdu Professor Dr. Shahida Dilawar Shah’s debut novel Zindagi Aik Naraaz Matan (“Life is an Anguish Text”), published in 2023, was recently selected as the subject of a post-doctorate research thesis at International Islamia University in Islamabad, having been singled out as a pioneering example of metafiction in Urdu literature.

Dr. Sulman Munir, Assistant Geography Professor (College), successfully defended his PhD (“Drought Monitoring and Hazard Assessment for Climate Resilience in the Punjab, Pakistan”), in this case from the University of Punjab’s Institute of Geography.

Forman’s Geography Department was officially certified under the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program, having completed a departmental “mini course” on promoting sustainability.

Forman’s Department of Sociology has issued a Call for Abstract Submissions for the Sixth Annual Conference on Marginalized Populations, scheduled to take place on December 11. The deadline for submissions is October 14.

FCCU Physics Professor Dr. Hamid Latif spoke to the “Forman Einsteins” (College Physics Club) as part of a lecture titled From the Mysteries of Quantum Mechanics to the Nobel Prize-Winning Quantum Dots and their Interdisciplinary Applications, encouraging students to explore the field of quantum physics while also offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities available to those studying physics in the future.

Board Member Denise Moore Visits the FCCU Campus

by

Experience in Ministry Finance

For over ten years, Denise Moore has served as the Executive Director of the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation. Founded in Birmingham, Ala., in 1973, the IPC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the Presbyterian Church’s ministries and missions through foundation endowments.

In 2023, the IPC Foundation awarded 98 grants of $2.1 million to organizations like the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, HOPE International Rwanda, and Manna Ministries. 

Outside of her charitable work, Denise has more than 20 years of professional experience as a CPA and financial consultant. Thus, she understands the importance of financial support for mission organizations, both locally and internationally. 

A Dedicated Board Member

As if that weren’t enough, Denise has also served for several years on the Friends of Forman board of directors. This group of dedicated volunteers helps to oversee Friends of Forman’s leadership and raise support for our mission.

“What drew me to be involved is to help Christians get educated and have a better life,” said Denise. “The students in this school are the future of this country. They’re the leaders of the next generation.”

Visiting the FCCU Campus

In February 2024, Denise visited the Forman Christian College campus in Lahore, Pakistan. Although she was initially hesitant, the trip turned out to be transformational. 

“I was nervous to come to Pakistan,” she admitted. “I had to pray about it, but I knew I had to experience it firsthand as a board member. I would encourage anyone who can visit to do so.”

The flight from Atlanta to Lahore took approximately 25 hours there and more than 28 hours back. The group had a layover at the Doha airport in Qatar, which includes an indoor botanical garden.

While on campus, Denise and the rest of their group worshiped in the chapel with over 200 FCCU students and faculty. They scheduled meetings with university deans and professors, as well as several Christian scholarship recipients.

“The people and their hospitality have been more than I’ve experienced anyone else,” she said. “The FCCU campus feels like a normal American university. It’s a remarkably safe environment. The students are engaged, smart, and excited to be here.”

Experiencing the Needs in Rural Pakistan

The trip wasn’t restricted only to the FCCU campus. Denise and the mission group ventured to a small village about an hour south of Lahore to meet with FCCU student Shafiq and his family.

Shafiq’s Christian family works in brick kilns in their village. There, they experience horrid working conditions for little pay. This work is akin to indentured servitude that never ends from generation to generation.

Shafiq’s only hope for escape from this poverty cycle is through education. His family would not be able to afford to send him to FCCU without financial support. Meeting this family and seeing their life firsthand only further demonstrated the importance of their work.

You don’t have to be a board member or visit Pakistan to support students like Shafiq. Donating or helping to spread the word of Friends of Forman is a proven way to make an impact.

Campus Update: FCCU Physics Department Glimpses into Pakistan’s Space Frontier

by

On September 26th, 2024, the Department of Physics at FCCU organized a highly anticipated visit to SUPARCO, Pakistan’s space agency in Lahore. Around 40 students and faculty members took part in this exclusive opportunity.

The visit commenced with an engaging overview of SUPARCO, where students were introduced to the agency’s role in advancing Pakistan’s space program. The session highlighted exciting internship and project collaboration opportunities, offering insights into how aspiring physicists and engineers could launch their careers in space technology. Comprehensive instructions on pursuing a career at SUPARCO were provided, underscoring the agency’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of space experts.

A tour of SUPARCO’s various departments followed, where students gained valuable knowledge about the projects currently underway. This included a rundown of the launch of eight satellites to date, with some still in orbit. Students were captivated as they learned about the crucial functions these satellites perform, including data collection and satellite management from control rooms.

The highlight of the visit was the rare opportunity to witness satellites up close—an unforgettable experience. Walking through the satellite manufacturing facility, students were briefed by SUPARCO engineers on the intricate processes involved in designing, constructing, and launching these advanced technologies. Standing in the very room where satellites are manufactured provided an awe-inspiring glimpse into the cutting-edge field of space exploration.

The visit had a lasting impact, giving students a clear understanding of Pakistan’s space advancements and SUPARCO’s global role. Many left inspired to pursue space science, with some considering careers at SUPARCO. It also strengthened ties between SUPARCO and academia, paving the way for future collaborations. The hands-on experience, from satellite operations to direct interaction with engineers, highlighted Pakistan’s impressive space capabilities.