John Mary, 27, from Richmond, Virginia. He was born and raised in Masaka, south western Uganda. Before leaving Uganda, John Mary completed his Advanced High School studies in Uganda. He then enrolled at the Makerere University Law School in Uganda where he left off in his second year to move to the States.
This past spring (May), John Mary graduated from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota with degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy. While at College, he started the Africa AIDS Service learning program. He worked with several students to organize a 5 weeks’ service trip to East Africa. In Uganda and Kenya students work with AIDS organizations volunteering at orphanages, youth centers, AIDS clinics, and nutrition centers. In Rwanda the focus was on the post-genocide unity and reconciliations efforts. The university continues to send students to East Africa every year.
Continuing with AIDS ministry, John Mary and few other students founded the Global AIDS Awareness organization, a student club aimed at raising HIV/AIDS awareness on campus and surrounding communities. During his college career John Mary was also involved with other organizations such as Amnesty International, Students for Life, International Affairs, and Joint Academic Board. He was student representative at the Academic Assessment Committee, Curricular and Academic Policies and Standards Committee, and the Curriculum Committee. He is also part of the College Leaders Program in AIDS ministry sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and National Catholic AIDS Network.
The passion for social justice and peace together with the experience of growing up in a poor family inspired John Mary to found the Uganda Rural Fund USA, Inc (URF) together with several friends and the Hope Integrated Academy in Uganda. URF 501c3 non-profit organization aimed at creating educational and development opportunities for orphans, youth, and poor women in Uganda’s rural communities especially those most affected by the AIDS epidemic. Through the Academy he is making efforts to bring educational resources to rural Uganda through setting up a Community Library and Computer Center with access to the internet. The facility will house a vocational school and clinic.
Recently, John Mary received the International Peace Award from Washington DC for his work with orphans, development in Africa, and AIDS awareness in the USA. In late 2006 he won the Peace and Justice award from the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation in Minnesota. At St. John’s University, he also won the Shared Vision Leadership award and the 2006 Excellence in Leadership Award.
John Mary plans to continue his studies in Theology next year. He will later pursue a doctoral degree in Canon Law.
