 AU President Benjamin Ladner with C. Payne Lucas (SPA/MA ’61), who was honored with the prestigious Alumni Recognition Award in 2004. |
Connections Abroad
Making a Difference in Africa
The Peace Corps experience typically has a tremendous impact on its advocates both personally and professionally. Such was the case for AU alumnus C. Payne Lucas. After earning his master’s degree from AU’s School of Public Affairs in 1961, he went into administrative work with the Peace Corps. Over nine years, his posts took him to Togo and Niger as country director, and he was responsible for many other locations across the continent as director of the Africa region. The experience “inspired me… [and] got me highly motivated to help people,” reflected Lucas.
To be sure, he has helped people during his entire career. As cofounder and former president of Africare, the largest and oldest nonprofit organization specializing in aid to African countries, Lucas’ efforts have made a real difference in the lives of countless families in Africa. Initially set up as a relief organization to deal with the drought in West Africa, today Africare’s more than 150 programs reach communities in 25 countries throughout the continent.
After 31 years as president, Lucas retired from Africare in 2002. However, his service to this region is by no means done. Two years ago, he accepted the positions of senior advisor to the Pan-African Health Foundation and senior advisor to www.allAfrica.com, a highly regarded source for news and information about Africa. Lucas also continues as CEO of Lodestar, LLC, a family-run domestic and international business consultancy.