Since 2022, Patti has been a vibrant force for faith and service as the Missions Director at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Fairfield County, Connecticut. 

Whether she’s building partnerships in her local community or worldwide, Patti’s life is centered around one mission: helping people know God and serve others. 

In 2024, that journey brought her to the campus of Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan—for the very first time.

A Life Rooted in Grace and Service

Patti’s heart for others flows from her own story of transformation. “I’ve learned to trust God wholeheartedly after being turned right-side up by His grace,” she shares. It’s this grace that she longs for everyone to experience in their own lives.

With a BA in International Relations and an MA in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Patti brings both intellectual insight and spiritual depth to her work. When she’s not leading or learning, she’s likely sailing, hiking, gardening, or creating art. 

First Impressions of Pakistan

Traveling to Pakistan for the first time was a deeply moving experience for Patti. “I was taking everything in on so many different levels—the culture, the people, the hospitality, the sights, and, of course, the cuisine,” she said.

What struck Patti most about her visit to Forman Christian College (FCCU) was the overwhelming sense of gratitude she encountered at every level of campus life. 

“From the academic deans to the students, everyone we met expressed sincere thankfulness. They know they’re part of something truly special.”

A Legacy of Transformation

Through her church’s support of Friends of Forman, Patti has seen the power of education in action. “The scholarships that our church sends to Friends of Forman are changing lives,” she says. “We met individuals who shared deeply personal stories about how their time at Forman is transforming not only their own future but also the lives of their families and communities.”

This ripple effect is what inspires Patti the most. “When you give to Friends of Forman, you’re not just helping one student—you’re investing in the future of entire groups of people. The impact is tremendous.”

A Global Community of Belonging

Patti’s visit was more than a trip—it was a homecoming of sorts to a place she had never been, but instantly felt a connection. It affirmed her belief in the global body of Christ and the shared vision of building communities where everyone belongs.

As she returns to Fairfield County with a renewed heart and a deeper connection to Forman’s mission, Patti carries the stories, smiles, and spirit of a campus full of potential and purpose.

Since being founded in 1864, Forman Christian College has impacted countless lives in Pakistan and beyond. Because an education opens new opportunities and lifts people out of poverty, FCCU’s impact ripples through multiple generations for families.

More Than Just an Alma Mater

Nowhere is this multi-generation impact seen more clearly than with Stephen John, whose family has been closely connected to the FCCU campus for four generations.

Stephen has served as Forman’s Deputy Manager for Admissions since 2006. In this role, he helps usher in new generations of Forman students to his alma mater.

“Forman has been more than just an alma mater—it has been the foundation of my life,” said Stephen. “For me, FCCU is not just a place I studied or work, but a community of growth, faith, and opportunity that has been part of my family’s story for generations.”

The Beginnings of a Family Legacy

Their family’s ties to Forman Christian College begin with his grandfather, Samuel Jacob. He served as a security guard on Forman’s campus for over 35 years, beginning a strong family legacy that endures to this day.

Samuel’s son, John Roshan, also worked at FCCU for several years—working as a chef from 2005-10 under Dr. Peter Armacost, the university’s first rector. 

“I grew up in an environment where FCCU was ever-present,” said Stephen. “My family has a legacy of service at FCCU, so  my connection with the institution began long before I was a student.”

The stories of his father and grandfather deeply influenced his perception of the college and what it stands for. He strove to embody these values of integrity, inclusiveness, and personal growth.

Growing a Career and Instilling Personal Values

As a student, Stephen experienced firsthand the college’s commitment to providing education and support to those who needed it. The financial aid he received allowed me to focus on my studies and opened doors to a future filled with possibilities. 

The university not only instilled knowledge but also planted values of hard work, service, and compassion—seeds that have guided his through every phase of his life.

“Over the years, my love for FCC has only grown,” said Stephen. “I  have been fortunate to serve this esteemed institution and had the honor of witnessing FCCU’s evolution as it continues to build futures and shape leaders.”

For nearly 20 years, Stephen has worked under three FCCU rectors—starting with Dr. Peter H. Armacost, then Dr. James Tebbe, and the current rector Dr. Jonathan Addleton. He’s been a part of shaping the legacy of FCCU, while adding his own distinct contributions to it’s future.

Looking Ahead to Future Generations

Speaking of the future, Stephen has directly contributed to that by leading both his sons to attend FCCU. His older son, Abraham, recently graduated from Forman with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and was admitted to Westminister University in London for his graduate studies. Abraham’s younger brother, Abeshai, is currently a student at FCCU.

“What stands out most to me about FCCU is its unwavering commitment to its mission—creating a nurturing environment for students from all backgrounds to thrive,” said Stephen. “This is a place where students not only receive a world-class education but also develop a sense of purpose, community, and responsibility.” 

For him, the campus chapel and its cross holds deep personal significance because it reminds Stephen of a place of reflection and prayer, a symbol of the values FCCU continues to uphold.

Stephen says that serving FCCU in admissions is a blessing and an honor he treasures. His journey with FCCU has been full of miracles, opportunities, and a sense of belonging that transcends mere employment. 

“I have always felt that I am part of something much bigger—an institution that nurtures the heart and mind, preparing future generations for the challenges of tomorrow.”

For Stephen John and his family, Forman Christian College has been a place to learn, grow, and serve together. Four generations of this family has benefited from the institution and served the FCCU community in return. With any luck, this legacy will continue in their family for more generations to come.

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.

Mr. Aezaz Hussain is a pioneering figure in Pakistan’s IT sector. In 1977, he founded Systems Limited, marking the establishment of the first software house in Pakistan. His professional expertise and visionary leadership have significantly shaped the trajectory of the IT industry in the country. Over the years, Mr. Hussain has demonstrated exceptional aptitude in overseeing turnkey computer projects that encompass systems design, hardware selection, installation, and the planning and management of large-scale industrial projects.

A notable milestone in his career was the acquisition of Visionet Systems, Inc., based in New Jersey, USA, in 1997. Mr. Hussain took the helm of Visionet Systems as CEO and successfully led the organization until 2008, steering it through a period of growth and innovation. His leadership extended beyond corporate boundaries as he actively engaged in initiatives aimed at advancing the IT sector at the national level.

Mr. Hussain has been a key advisor on several government committees and advisory bodies that focus on Information Technology strategies and the development of public sector information systems. His contributions were pivotal as a member of Pakistan’s Information Technology Commission, a body that provided strategic advice to the President of Pakistan on IT-related matters and national policies.

Furthermore, Mr. Hussain played a foundational role in the establishment of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), serving as its founding President and remaining an active member. Under his leadership, P@SHA has been a driving force in promoting and supporting the software industry in Pakistan, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering a conducive environment for IT businesses to thrive.

In addition to his contributions through P@SHA, Mr. Hussain has also served on the Information Technology Commission of Pakistan, where he provided strategic direction and policy recommendations. He has been a member of the Council of the Computer Society of Pakistan and the Economic Advisory Board of the Government of Pakistan, where his expertise has informed economic policies and IT initiatives.

Please watch this 1-minute video of Forman student Labeed describing what the FCCU motto, “by love serve one another,” looks like.  As he and over 9,000 Forman students go Back to School, thank you for continuing to make their educational journey possible.

With appreciation,

Rev. Dr. Roger A. Dermody
Executive Director
Friends of Forman Christian College

This student at Forman Christian College is a living symbol of hope and opportunity for her entire village in Pakistan. Watch Arbab’s story and see the impact a scholarship has on students, their communities, and beyond!

Haroon lives in a fairly remote rural village about two hours north of campus. His home is in a small section of approximately 75 Christian neighbors, amidst a larger section of approximately 750 Muslim neighbors. Departing our bus, our team walked a couple hundred yards down a narrow alley with an open sewage channel on either side. As we neared Haroon’s home, we were greeted by a crowd of his Christian neighbors and family members all blessing us with abundant rose petals as we entered his small family courtyard. Therein, it seemed that all of his Christian neighbors had taken the day off and crowded into the same small courtyard to greet us.

Haroon’s father used to work in the nearby brick kilns, until a motorcycle accident left him with a broken leg that never healed correctly. He never attended even one day of school, and now works on small brick mason projects. Haroon’s mother finished her education at third grade. Haroon, has excelled in school, and is the only person from his village to ever go to college or a university. His three younger brothers are trying to follow in their older brother’s footsteps if possible.

The family ushered us into their recently renovated one room home, which now has concrete walls after previously having mud walls that deteriorated annually during the monsoon season. They served us tea and we talked together, while the rest of the neighbors tried valiantly to get a glimpse inside through the crowded doorway. They then took us to their small but beautiful church just a few doors down, then back inside for a multi-course feast with dishes lovingly prepared by every one of Haroon’s neighbors.

After more fellowship and praying for Haroon and his family, we departed for a nearby brick kiln to see first hand the very harsh realities of this form of work – which some name as a form of indentured servitude. During the year when Haroon’s father could not work, Haroon and his brothers worked in the brick kiln, and also in the nearby rice fields with their mother, simply trying to earn enough to feed the family.

Thanks to the scholarships you provide through Friends of Forman, Haroon’s prospects, and those of his family, are infinitely better than they would have been otherwise. Our Pakistan hosts suggested that not only are Haroon’s and his families’ prospects better, but he is a living symbol of hope and opportunity for his entire village. And, while there might be only one or two other Haroons in that particular village, there are thousands of villages like his in Pakistan each with a Haroon. And there are thousands of stories like his too.

Please consider giving the gift of hope using the “Give Hope” button below. Together, let’s continue to help Haroon and many other students like him. Thank you!

With appreciation,

Rev. Dr. Roger A. Dermody
Executive Director
Friends of Forman Christian College