A Look Back on 2025 for Friends of Forman Christian College

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As we close the chapter on 2025, we stand with deep gratitude and renewed confidence in what God has accomplished through faithful stewardship and your generous partnership. 

This year affirmed a powerful truth: when education is rooted in faith, discipline, and love, transformation follows. At Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan, seemingly impossible outcomes continue to become reality. 

Across campus, young Christians are being equipped to thrive academically and spiritually. Young men and women are finding their voices, their confidence, and their place as leaders. Genuine friendships are forming across faiths, all grounded in FCCU’s enduring motto: “By love, serve one another.”

Record-Breaking Scholarships

In 2025, your philanthropic generosity reached a new milestone. More than  $2 million in scholarships were awarded (a 32% increase from 2024), supporting 2,821 students. 

  • $826,819  invested in women’s education
  • $906,277 invested in Christian students
  • 97% of our Christian enrollment continued their studies thanks to a scholarship

These numbers represent far more than financial aid and aren’t just numbers; they represent dreams preserved and futures secured. 

Growth Across Campus

Campus enrollment grew to 9,324 students across all three schools, with women now comprising 49% of our university population and an impressive 72% of graduate programs. 

Forman celebrated 1,293 graduates in 2025, including 664 women and 158 Christian students. Each graduate is now equipped to become a leader in the nation they love.

Stories That Moved Us

We heard stories from students like Anoosh, a Christian girl who always dreamed of attending FCCU but feared her father couldn’t afford it. Thanks to your support, she found safety and opportunity at Pakistan’s most welcoming campus for Christian students. 

Dr. Syed M. Saqib, raised by a single mother, returned to campus as a faculty member after graduating in 2007. Dr. Saqib’s story embodies how FCCU transforms students into leaders who give back.

Your Impact in Action

Your $3.2 million in philanthropic capital (with 51% coming from individual donors like you) was strategically deployed to strengthen both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

Your generosity supported:

  • The Centre for Biblical Teaching & Research ($278,250)
  • leadership and faculty support ($261,619)
  • The Light of Hope school ($130,875) 

Additionally, $368,250 was invested in FCCU endowments, ensuring educational access for generations to come.

Church Partnerships Strengthened

Alongside individual partners, 39 church communities across the country, from Connecticut to California, joined this mission in 2025. We’re grateful for the support of these congregations, which exemplify what it means to make God’s love visible through education and service in Pakistan.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As Rector Dr. Jonathan Addleton reflects on five years of leadership at Forman Christian College, he describes a period defined by growth, renewal, and a deepening of both academic excellence and international connection. 

Students come together at FCCU as part of what Dr. Addleton describes as a “beloved community,” rich in perspective and promise. Dr. Addleton went on to compare FCCU to the Sheesh Mahal at the Lahore fort, made up of hundreds of small mirrors reflecting countless points of light. The students, faculty, and partners are that light reflecting hope into the darkest places where it is needed most.   The year ahead holds even more promise. With your continued partnership, we will expand access to education, strengthen families, and continue to shine a bright light of hope.  

Thank you for being beacons of light, making what was once impossible now possible every single day at Forman Christian College.

Give. Go. Pray. 

Join us in making 2026 another year of transformation.

John Gill’s Second Visit to Pakistan Proves Even More Transformative

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After serving on the Friends of Forman board of directors, John Gill recently completed his second visit to the FCCU campus in Lahore, Pakistan. John shared valuable insights about returning to Pakistan and why he believes more people should experience FCCU firsthand.

Why The Second Visit Is Even Better

“The second time around has been even better,” John shared. “Certainly, it’s permitted a deeper understanding. The first time around, you think you know what’s going on, and you really don’t.”

This sentiment echoes what many first-time visitors to FCCU discover: that experiencing the campus in person reveals layers of understanding impossible to gain from afar. 

The difference between a first and second visit, according to John, is the ability to move beyond initial impressions and truly grasp the depth of transformation happening daily.

An Invitation to See for Yourself

John has a clear message for anyone considering a visit: “I would just encourage whoever has an interest, even a spark, to come and see for yourself.”

He believes experiencing FCCU can fundamentally change people’s perspectives about Pakistan. “I think it will help to dispel some notions of Pakistan,” he said. “It really is quite an amazing country. And it’s worth a look for yourself.”

His enthusiasm stems from both the transformative experience and exceptional hospitality. “You’ll never enjoy greater hospitality than we do here,” he emphasized.

Continued Commitment Beyond the Board

Although John’s formal board service is coming to an end, his commitment to the mission remains strong. He’s already planning to return with his wife and exploring new ways to support the organization.

“I will look forward to continuing to support Forman and hopefully in a myriad of ways,” he shared.

If you’re interested in experiencing what John describes as this transformative place, contact Friends of Forman about upcoming opportunities to visit the FCCU campus. As John emphasizes, “It really is worth the trip.”

Want to read more stories like John’s? Here’s how visiting the FCCU campus changed one senior pastor’s life.

Seeing Hope in Action: Brandi Drake’s Visit to Forman Christian College

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Discovering Beauty and Hope in Unexpected Places

Back in February, Rev. Brandi Drake, Associate Pastor of Care and Mission Ministries at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, Connecticut, traveled to Lahore, Pakistan to visit Forman Christian College for the first time. 

A longtime supporter of Friends of Forman through her church community, Brandi had championed the mission from afar, but stepping onto the campus brought everything into sharper focus.

Noroton Presbyterian is a vibrant congregation within the Presbyterian Church (USA), deeply committed to global mission and outreach. Despite years of faithful support, seeing Forman in person gave Brandi a deeper understanding of the impact she and her church have helped make possible.

Standing on the beautiful campus of Forman Christian College, she reflected on a week that exceeded her highest expectations.

“I expected to be blown away, but I can’t even measure how beautiful this place is,” Brandi shared. “It’s joyful, but in such a complex, layered way.”

Where Christians and Muslims Learn Side by Side

What struck Brandi most was seeing how education brings together people from vastly different backgrounds. 

“The beauty of people being educated with others who are not like them,” she said. “That’s such an uncommon theme here in Pakistan.”

Meeting students and hearing their stories gave her a deeper appreciation for how scholarships, leadership funding, and long-term support help sustain this unique environment of interfaith learning.

The Women Who Made the Difference

The most moving part of Brandi’s visit was meeting the women whose lives have been transformed through education at FCCU. During a home visit, she encountered a mother singing a praise song of gratitude.

“As a mother of two boys in college who also relies on scholarship, I was profoundly connected with her – her grace and gratitude, watching her children respond, just the joy of the whole family,” she said. 

This encounter served as a powerful reminder of the universal experience of parents supporting their children’s education, and the transformative impact of generous, faithful supporters like Brandi’s church community who help make that journey possible.

If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative power of visiting Forman Christian College and seeing your support in action, please contact Friends of Forman to learn more about upcoming trips to Lahore.

Want to read more stories like Brandi’s? Here’s how visiting the FCCU campus changed one senior pastor’s life.

The Remarkable Legacy of Forman Christian College

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Nestled in Lahore, Pakistan, Forman Christian College (FCCU) stands as a beacon of education, tolerance, and leadership. Established over 160 years ago, FCCU has been a pioneering institution, bringing together students of diverse faiths—Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs—under one roof. This is the story of how one man’s vision shaped an institution that continues to inspire generations.

A Visionary Beginning: Charles Forman’s Mission

In 1847, Rev. Charles William Forman, a young American missionary, arrived in India with a passion for education. Influenced by the Scottish educator Rev. Dr. Alexander Duff, Forman believed that by teaching English and the sciences alongside moral and spiritual values, he could create a transformative educational experience.

Two years later, he ventured to Lahore—then a historic hub of culture and learning. Amidst the challenges of a foreign land, tropical diseases, and extreme weather, Forman began his school under a banyan tree. By 1850, he had 80 students, and within a few years, the numbers soared. He promoted interfaith education, encouraging Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs to learn together.

In 1864, Forman realized his greater dream: founding Mission College of Lahore, which was later renamed Forman Christian College in his honor after his passing in 1894. His legacy of inclusion, academic excellence, and service became the foundation of FCCU’s enduring impact.

Growth and Influence (1888-1971)

Under the leadership of Dr. J.C.R. Ewing (1888-1917), FCCU gained international recognition. Ewing was the only American knighted by the British for his contributions to education in the region. The college expanded its curriculum, introduced science programs, and in 1902, opened its doors to women—an uncommon step in that era.

By the mid-20th century, FCCU had firmly established itself as a prestigious institution. It nurtured future leaders, including two Presidents of Pakistan (Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, Pervez Musharraf) and two Prime Ministers of India (Gulzarilal Nanda, Inder Kumar Gujral), along with distinguished professionals in law, science, and governance.

Challenges and Revival (1972-2003)

However, FCCU’s journey was not without turmoil. In 1972, the Pakistani government nationalized the college, leading to years of decline. Enrollment swelled, but academic standards suffered. Political unrest and lack of investment turned what was once a thriving campus into a struggling institution.

In 2003, after persistent efforts, the Presbyterian Church regained control of FCCU. The college was in disrepair, with barely 20 Christian students left. But with faith and determination, change was on the horizon.

A New Era of Excellence (2003-Present)

Under Dr. Peter Armacost’s leadership, FCCU experienced a remarkable revival. Enrollment surged, academic rigor was restored, and the government granted university status in 2004. With support from USAID and Pakistani authorities, new facilities were built, scholarships expanded, and Christian representation increased.

Dr. James Tebbe, who became rector in 2012, further strengthened FCCU’s legacy. He oversaw the expansion of academic programs, modernized infrastructure, and opened initiatives like the Light of Hope School for children of the campus service staff. His contributions were recognized with Pakistan’s Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) in 2019.

Dr. Jonathan Addleton was installed as rector in 2020. His tenure continues today with the opening of the Jim Tebbe Campus Center, the completion of the off-campus TSA/FCCU hostel for young women, and the beginnings of construction on the Center for Biblical Teaching and Research.

Continuing the Legacy

Today, FCCU is home to over 9,000 students, with a growing Christian community. It remains a pillar of academic excellence, interfaith harmony, and leadership development. Guided by its motto, “By love, serve one another,” Forman Christian College continues to shine as a place of knowledge, peace, and hope—just as its founder, Charles Forman, envisioned.

Supporting Friends of Forman Helps Make God’s Love Visible in Pakistan

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Thank you to everyone who supports Friends of Forman College! Your generosity makes God’s love visible in the fifth-most populous and second-largest Muslim country in the world: Pakistan, an often forgotten corner of God’s world.

Helping Christians in Need

In Pakistan, Christians are a persecuted minority with very few options available to them except for the most menial unwanted jobs, like sewer cleaners. While Christians represent about 1.6% of Pakistan’s population of more than 241 million, they fill about 80% of these jobs. 

Unfortunately, their low social standing also means Christians have little interaction with the predominant Islamic culture. Without an education, they have very few options for different careers and remain stuck in generational poverty.

We’re so honored to share the stories of students like Asher, Lebeed, and Arbab who exemplify the FCCU motto: “by love serve one another.” 

The Hope of An Education

With a total student population of almost 9,000, Forman Christian College seeks to change that narrative. A degree from Forman offers these young Christians the opportunity to: 

  • break the cycle of generational poverty
  • find meaningful jobs in every sector of society
  • modeling and living out the commands of Christ
  • connecting to the majority society in ways that were otherwise impossible

Forman College’s campus is a true gem in the bustling and fairly chaotic major city of Lahore. Boasting a population over 13 million people, Lahore is the second-largest city in Pakistan, and the 26th largest in the world.

Since 1864, the Forman campus has a place of: 

  • peace
  • educational excellence
  • interfaith dialogue
  • harmony and hope

Respecting Every Voice

At Forman Christian College, everyone matters, and every voice is respected and heard in a way that doesn’t happen in the same way anywhere else in Pakistan. 

Forman’s leadership and faculty actively empower young women in ways that happen nowhere else in the entire Muslim world. Friends of Forman raises scholarship funds to support these promising Christian and female students who might not otherwise receive a quality education. 

The only Western-style chartered liberal arts University in Pakistan, Forman offers: 

  • 26 bachelor’s programs
  • 19 Master’s degrees
  • Five PhD programs

In November 2023, over 1,100 students were awarded degrees, including the first three graduates of the recently created Master’s in biblical studies program—the only one of its kind in Pakistan.

These graduates are launched into the larger Pakistani society and in the world, ready to bring their gifts, their leadership, and God’s love to a world that desperately needs it. Forman College is shaping the next generation of Pakistani leaders.

Thank you

This is only possible because of the generous support of people like you. Friends of Forman exists to aid in this valuable educational environment, and you’re an integral part of making that happen.

Whether you’ve made a donation, spread the word, prayed for the cause, or volunteered your time, we appreciate your love and generosity.