Profile of Dr. Umachi Nnukwu Umachi

Dr. Umachi Nnukwu Umachi was born on April 20, 1936, at Achara, Ihechiowa in Abia State of Nigeria, to Mazi Nnukwu Kalu Umachi and Madam Ori Nnukwu Umachi. After his graduation from the University of Detroit, Dr. Umachi worked for two large Insurance Companies, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S. and the Sun Life of Canada as an Agency Assistant.He later became a Charter Life Underwriter.

In 1978, he became a part-time instructor for Wayne State University and Wayne Community College.He later joined the Detroit Public Schools in 1982 as an Adult Education teacher.He was encouraged and went back to school.He graduated in 1986 with a PhD in Higher Education.

In 1987, he was offered the position of Junior Administrative Assistant by the Detroit Board of Education and worked at the School Center Building.In 1992 he was assigned to the African Heritage Cultural Center where he worked as a Program Associate.

Dr. Umachi advocated African Culture.He remained at the Center until his reassignment in 2001 as the Administrator in charge of the Harris Adult Education Center.He worked at this Center until he suffered a massive stroke that led to his retirement from the Detroit Public Schools System in 2001.

Dr. Umachi departed this world in the early hours of Saturday, January 10, 2004, at the Sinai- Grace Hospital after a prolonged illness.He will always be remembered for the special life he lived and the legacy he left behind.He loved people and was greatly loved by all.

His greatest pride and joy was his family.He was a devoted husband and father.He had so much admiration and appreciation for his wife and children and saw so much beauty in them.

Dr. Umachi was a God-fearing man.He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Nigeria and here in the U.S.He served as a deacon and elder at Fort Street Presbyterian Church.He also fellowshipped at the Church of the Living God Full Gospel Ministries in Detroit.

He was a highly respected and honored member and a great leader in the Nigerian community.He was a founding member of the Nigerian Foundation of Michigan, a lifetime patron of the Ibo Cultural Association of Michigan and the founder and the first president of the Old Bende Cultural Association of Michigan and Ihechiowa Development Union (IDU).He was also a member of various other organizations, including the organizations of School Administrators of Michigan.

Dr. Umachi left to cherish his memories, his wife, Mrs. Ngozi S.Umachi, four sons; Samuel N. Umachi, Chukwuemeka O. Umachi, Chinedum K. Umachi and Chidi O. Umachi.