Bishop Dr. Frederick Shoo was presented with an honorary doctorate degree from Midland University during a ceremony on May 28th on the Midland campus.

Shoo serves as the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the Bishop of the ELCT Northern Diocese in Tanzania.

Shoo becomes the fourth Tanzanian to receive this honor, continuing a proud tradition of recognizing individuals whose lives and leadership exemplify Midland’s values and global vision. A tree was also planted on campus in his honor.

“I am very thankful for this great honor and I accept this with a full heart and look ahead with gratitude, hope, and joy for the future we continue to shape together,” Shoo said. “Midland has been a blessing to us in Tanzania, and we humbly believe we are a blessing to them as well. Midland and Tanzania can continue to model what it means to walk together, as companions in Christ, to the rest of the world.”

Midland University has a rich and enduring history in Tanzania, rooted in the legacy of its alumni and institutional connections dating back decades. From its earlier forms—Luther College in Wahoo, Midland College and Midland Lutheran College, and the Immanuel Nursing Program, Midland’s ties to Tanzania have been long-standing and deeply meaningful.

“As we confer an honorary doctorate upon Bishop Dr. Frederick Shoo, we are not only recognizing an individual of great spiritual depth and leadership, but we are also celebrating a longstanding relationship,” Midland University Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jamie Simpson said.

The Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) have shared a long-standing and meaningful partnership since 1993 that has been rooted in shared faith, mission, and mutual respect. This historic connection has fostered decades of collaboration in ministry, education, healthcare, and community development. Midland University, itself affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, is part of this enduring relationship. Through academic exchanges, service projects, and alumni engagement, Midland has strengthened the ties between Nebraska and northern Tanzania, embodying a shared commitment to global service and Christian fellowship.

“In a world marked by constant change, Midland remains committed to preparing its students, not merely for the world it is, but the world it is becoming,” Shoo said. “They strive every day to be relentlessly relevant, and that is not only inspiring, but essential. I am also thankful Midland is a university rooted in Lutheran tradition. It affirms that faith and learning belong together, and true leadership is found in service, humility, and grace.”

Dr. Aly Williams, Midland University President, said Midland is proud of the long standing relationship with Tanzania and was grateful to be a part of honoring someone who has been instrumental in helping cultivate that relationship.

“This is an amazing opportunity to recognize an extraordinary person who has not only achieved remarkable distinction in their field, but has also made lasting contributions to society at large,” Midland University President Dr. Aly Williams said. “It’s an honor for me to be here today and recognize the work of Bishop Shoo.”