Aquinas College President Kevin G. Quinn issued the following statement on the passing of Clement Chiwaya, a distinguished Aquinas alumnus.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus Clement Chiwaya. Clement was a true servant leader who had a significant impact on our College and our entire community of Saints.
Against overwhelming odds, Clement made his way from his home village in Malawi, Africa to Aquinas, where he became the first student to double major in Community Leadership and Political Science. Following graduation, he returned to Malawi and dedicated his life to serving and empowering his community. Clement led efforts to dig wells for water, planted trees, distributed food and seeds, and introduced more efficient techniques for sustainable agriculture. He also worked to help secure small business loans for local villagers.
Clement was elected and served three consecutive terms as a member of the Malawian parliament from 2004 to 2019. He served in the Presidential Cabinet and was the Minister of Social Development and People with Disabilities.
Throughout his career, Clement remained connected to Aquinas. He hosted a service learning trip for students in Malawi and returned to campus on several occasions to speak to classes and offer College-wide lectures.
We will remember Clement as a generous, kind, loving and gracious human being. We extend peace, comfort and our condolences to his family, friends and all of those whose lives he touched both near and far.”
Clement Chiwaya will be remembered by our Aquinas community at a memorial mass on November 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel. All are welcome to attend.
An effort is underway to establish a scholarship at Aquinas in memory of Clement Chiwaya. Memorial gifts can be made online.