“I loved being included in the Ashesi family of students, faculty, and administrative staff at Ashesi and from Seattle. The tours, trip to the coast, Village of Hope, and the castles were so special and meaningful. I feel I can really say that I went to Africa, even if this was just a tiny sliver,” Lisbeth Pisk, Annual Trip 2013.
Lisbeth Pisk was first introduced to Ashesi when it was just a seed concept. As a longtime friend and donor to Ashesi, and member of the Rho Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma, a Seattle group of retired school teachers who support scholarships on campus, Lisbeth brings to Ashesi a rich perspective and continues to be a thoughtful advocate.
We were lucky to have Lisbeth join us on our 2013 trip to Ghana. She reflects, “Ashesi has given students the ‘I Can, I Will’ attitude and love towards education to make a difference in their lives, in the communities they serve, and in Africa.”
What inspired you to first get involved with Ashesi?
As I lived across the street from Rebecca Awuah’s parents in Seattle, I have had the good fortune to follow this amazing project for many years when it still was an evolving dream. There were drawings, slides, and chances for discussions to spark continuing interest.
How to you describe Ashesi to others?
Ashesi University’s campus is beautifully located on a serene hillside overlooking bustling Accra. The handsomely designed low-story buildings, the utilitarian, inviting terraces, the variety of colorful landscaping and intelligent use of space put a smile on my face. The campus and the students reflect this spirit.
What motivates you to stay involved?
Through my brief visit to Ghana and Ashesi I have a tiny notion of what this continent faces. For me it is no longer a foreign connection, but has become personal, to my family as well, and to the US Education sorority of which I am a member, and which has been involved for several years in supporting Ashesi.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that Ashesi does?
From what I was able to witness, Ashesi has given students the “I Can, I Will” attitude and love towards education to make a difference in their lives, in the communities they serve, and in Africa.
