WHEATON, IL — May 18, 2026 — At the 2026 Honors Convocation, Wheaton College President Dr. Philip Ryken officially presented the Kenneth Gieser Presidential Award to Dr. Francis Umesiri, Associate Professor of Chemistry, for his exceptional role in promoting global literacy for orphans and street children in developing countries.
The prestigious award is granted annually to a Wheaton College faculty or staff member who demonstrates a profound commitment to sharing the Gospel through service and ministry that extends far beyond the college campus.
The Legacy of the Kenneth Gieser Award
The Gieser award was established in honor of Dr. Kenneth Gieser, a 1930 graduate of Wheaton College who served for over four decades as a college trustee. Dr. Gieser was a visionary medical professional and philanthropist who founded several vital organizations that continue to thrive today, including:
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The Wheaton Eye Clinic
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The Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA)
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The Wheaton College Alumni Association
Dr. Gieser’s son, Dr. Dick Gieser, was present to witness the award presentation to Dr. Umesiri.
The Mission of Kharis Publishing
Dr. Umesiri, a highly regarded specialist in organic medicinal chemistry, was recognized primarily for his innovative work as the founder and CEO of Kharis Publishing.
Based in the Greater Chicago area, Kharis Publishing is an independent Christian book publishing house that has produced more than 100 titles aimed at Christian discipleship, leadership, and personal growth. The press places a significant emphasis on reaching and empowering readers across the continent of Africa.
In his presentation of the award, President Ryken highlighted the unique, powerful intersection of Dr. Umesiri’s scientific academic career and his global ministerial outreach:
“Today’s honoree has developed a small but thriving Christian publishing house that has printed more than 100 edifying books by authors who help Christians in their daily discipleship,” President Ryken stated. “His vision is a fresh and deeper revelation of Christ to the hearts and minds of people inside and outside the local church… he carries forward evangelism and discipleship, especially on the great continent of Africa.”
Empowering the Next Generation Through Orphan Literacy
While Dr. Umesiri remains a distinguished academic in the classroom and laboratory, his work through Kharis Publishing directly addresses critical global social and educational needs.
The publishing house operates under a distinct, mission-driven business model where a portion of all book proceeds directly funds orphan literacy programs. Through this targeted social initiative, Kharis Publishing provides fully equipped mini-libraries to orphanages and street homes in developing nations, including:
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Nigeria
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Kenya
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Ghana
These specialized mini-libraries contain physical books, Bibles, and essential computer equipment. To bridge the digital divide, each computer is pre-loaded with thousands of public domain books, including literary classics from authors like Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice) and Charles Dickens (A Tale of Two Cities).
President Ryken praised this specific humanitarian outreach during the ceremony:
“Our honoree’s publishing house also promotes orphan literacy by providing mini libraries with books, Bibles, and computers that empower children in his native Nigeria and other poorer countries to read, dream, and grow into the full purpose of God for their lives.”
A Collaborative Vision for Global Impact
Upon accepting the award, Dr. Umesiri emphasized that the achievement belongs to the entire Kharis community.
“It is with deep gratitude that I accept this award on behalf of the workers and volunteers at Kharis Publishing who spend hours working behind the scenes to carry out this mission,” said Dr. Umesiri.
Behind the Award: Presentation Details & Full Video
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Honoree: Dr. Francis E. Umesiri (CEO/Founder of Kharis Publishing & Associate Professor of Chemistry)
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Presenter: Dr. Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College
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Event: Wheaton College Honors Convocation Award Ceremony
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Location: Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
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Full Video Coverage: The award presentation can be viewed directly on YouTube via the Wheaton College Convocation Video
About Dr. Francis Umesiri
Dr. Francis Umesiri is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Wheaton College (IL), where his academic research focuses on organic chemistry and targeted medicinal applications. Beyond the laboratory, he is a frequent author and public speaker specializing in the integration of faith, science, and faith-based social entrepreneurship.
About Kharis Publishing
Kharis Publishing is an independent, mission-centered book publisher based in the Greater Chicago area, Illinois. Serving as an international platform for inspirational, academic, and practical Christian literature, Kharis Publishing specializes in Christian resources, discipleship materials, self-help, memoirs, and inspirational fiction. Through its unique dual-purpose publishing model, the company ensures diverse voices in the faith community achieve meaningful reach in a globalized digital environment while actively funding digital and physical literacy tools for orphaned and underserved children worldwide.
Learn more or partner with us: Visit the Kharis Publishing Homepage.
Media Contact
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Media Liaison: Carrie Fries
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Department: Media and Business Relations
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Email: media@kharispublishing.com
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Phone: 331-312-2376
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Company Website: https://kharispublishing.com/kp/
