A Philippine expatriate, Dr Eliezer B Manus, 65, who worked with Arba Minch University for over 13 years in Architecture & Urban Planning Department, died of prolonged illness, was buried in Manila, Philippine. He is survived by wife Prof Madelyn Manus and only son Mr Michael Manus, a lecturer in AMU.
Dr Eliezer had started his employment with AMU on 9th October, 2007, till he left for his country in August 2020 for treatment to his ailment and soon after reaching his nation he died. Click here to see the pictures
AMU community on 24th August, 2020, in its meeting led by university President, Dr Damtew Darza, other top officials and others at Architectural Studio at Main Campus paid moving tributes to the departed soul. On the occasion, all attendees had lighted candles before his portrait as a mark of respect and in somber mood expressing condolences on his untimely demise also vouchsafed for his sterling teaching quality and profound values and humility for which he was widely known.
Born to father Felix Manus and mother Marina Biomass on 22nd April, 1955, at Cagayan de Oro, North-Central coast of Mindanao, an archipelago in Philippines, has had 4 siblings; his parents and siblings are also no more today. Having graduated in DTech (Doctor of Technology), he worked with University of Science & Technology of Southern Philippines at Cagayan De Oro for few years and joined AMU on 9th October, 2007, and continued till July 2020.
Reminiscing about Prof Eli as fondly he was addressed by all, AMU’s Vice President for Business and Development, Mrs Tarikua Woldemedhin, said, ‘‘I remember, when I was giving an interview for teacher’s job, he was one of the members on interview panel; I know, he was very polite, gracious and absolutely refined in manner that made me proud of him.
She continued, all across the board will vouchsafe for his generosity, I would say he was an embodiment of endurance, humility and compassion. And a mentor for both colleagues and students who would never get tired of offering his valuable guidance and unforgettable assistance; he was kind to one and all till the end. He had always treated contempt shown to him with sheer grace and reverence!
One of his immediate heads and Faculty Dean of Architecture & Urban Planning Department, Mr Hagos Aman, informed that, in 2016, Prof Eli had developed BSc curriculum in Fine Arts. And being willfully involved in Community Service, for the last 3 years, he was teaching ‘Technical Drawing’ to Grade 10th, 11th & 12th students of Chamo Secondary & Preparatory and Arba Minch Secondary & Preparatory School in Arba Minch.
His helpful attitude had endeared him to one and all and he was adjudged as ‘Best Teacher’ and ‘Exemplary Teacher’ by his Department and Faculty in 2010. He said, ‘‘We used to be jealous of him for he was awfully loved and respected by all students because he was very cooperative in getting them improve their skill; and he even would speak local language with the people around.’’
His 13-year spell of work with AMU was cherished by all his faculty members, colleagues and students. He was said to be very passionate teacher and architect who used to teach from the heart and would go out of the way to assist them. He had the heart of gold for he would always be there when you need him.
Few years later having become Associate Professor, he continued to be humble, sober and accessible to his colleagues and pupils. A impressive artiste who would draw scintillating artworks, thinking paintings and even sculptors that were both contemporarily telling and sensitively modern in their outlook and had subtle messages within for the broader audience.
Being a go-getter, he would always motivate, guide and assist all students to bring out best in us; his kind and soothing mannerism would reshape our potential; he used to help us to come up with beautiful art works, sensible paintings and meaningful sculptors and had always took lead in facilitating various art exhibitions to showcase artistic works to AMU community during his tenure, said one of his students.
For uncountable students, he was a father figure, a friend, philosopher, guide and fantastic teacher. His untimely demise has created a deep void which can’t be filled but he would continue to rule in the hearts of those who revere him. Reacting to his untimely departure from this world, AMU top officials, immediate heads, colleagues and hordes of students express sorrow and offer deep condolences to the bereaved family.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)