MONROVIA : The main campus of the Cuttington University (CU) in Suakoko, Bong County was on Saturday, June 24, 2023 lit with excitement, fanfare and somber reflections when 574 students walked out of the wall of the prestigious institution with various undergraduate and graduate degrees during the 61st Commencement exercise that saw CU President, Romelle A. Horton cautioning the graduates to hold steadfastly onto integrity as they prepare to impact lives within their respective communities and the nation at large.
Delivering her official statement as President of Sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest private, coeducational, undergrad and graduate degree-granting institution, Dr. Horton called on the prospective graduates to always rise to occasion with integrity because one’s destiny and legacy could be determined by such moment in time.
“To my Diamonds, I offer my most sincere congratulations to each of you. My special congratulations extend, also, to your parents, guardians, families, and friends. They share in your achievement. And likewise, I congratulate our Diamond Shiners, the faculty and staff who gave you knowledge and support, walking beside you on the road to this great moment. It is a proud day for them as well.
“Graduates, in taking on the rigorous demands of a Cuttington education, and in succeeding, you have accomplished something difficult, but worthwhile that will stand you in good stead throughout your lives.
“Today, however, I want to focus on a different kind of challenge: moments of truth, when the stakes are extremely high, when you must rise to the occasion. Rise to the occasion with integrity. Your legacies may be determined by mere moments in time. These moments may take the form of a crisis, or of a window of opportunity that opens unexpectedly, inviting you down a new path with greater responsibilities, if you have the courage to choose it. Many years of preparation, hard work, and experience can be tested in an instant. Hold on to your integrity. This is leadership. This is greatness!” Dr. Horton beckoned with pride.
Quoting the words of the famous English playwright William Shakespeare, Dr. Horton urged the graduates to carry integrity as a badge of honor, in order to attain greatness.
“According to Shakespeare, some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. It does not matter how you arrive at those moments. All of us face such moments in our lives. Hold on to your integrity.
“As you leave us for the larger community, I hope you will continue to develop the character that will allow you to act with great honor and discipline always, especially in a crisis. And if in such a moment you worry that you may not be able to live up to what is expected of you, or what you expect of yourself, I hope you remember that you are a Scorpion, and your sting is powerful. You all grew in multiple dimensions, and like the alumni that preceded you, it is now your time to serve your community. Do not forget Cuttington University and the community from which you came. Give back. Give back. Be confident. Be compassionate,” Dr. Horton passionately stated.
CU progress report
Touching on the progress that the institution is making under her aegis, Dr. Horton spoke effusively about the three-pronged developmental approach her administration has untaken to light up Cuttington, feed Cuttington, and grow Cuttington through the provision of around-the-clock electricity on the main campus; as well as enhancing food security and research opportunities for the students and staffs of the institution.
“During our 60th Diamond Jubilee Commencement last year, we laid out our vision for the development and growth of Cuttington University. This vision with its ambitious goals, of Lighting, Feeding and Growing CU, reflects our determination to occupy the highest tier in Liberian higher education. It emphasizes three critical interconnected spheres—student success, service and research, to form the foundation for our future.
“Putting forth the Vision was only the beginning. The goal here is to inspire each component of our university to greatness, with a meaningful impact on society that ranges from each individual student to our county, Bong, our nation, Liberia and the world. Bringing this Vision to life is not only shaping the destiny of our University, the Scorpion Kingdom but playing a meaningful role in the community and the nation. In short, we can expect to see Cuttington University achieving ever greater heights, with all of this guided by our 2022 Vision. We are embarking upon an unprecedented opportunity to collectively create a future of unbridled impact that will result from our ambition and imagination. I’m honored to have the opportunity to take this journey together and pleased, this morning to announce and celebrate worthy accomplishments relative to our three designated pillars.
“Light CU – Last year we inaugurated a plan which involved a trifecta approach, employing generator, solar, and LEC, to resolve our power needs. You, our students, know the power challenge all too well. Only five hours of power every day, limiting your time to study, engage in social activities, and overall productivity. Today, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that after more than three decades, Cuttington University is shining bright as my diamonds here – we have LIGHT – we are now connected to the Grid – CU is electrified!!! This major milestone was achieved through the support of the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The road was long but you stuck with us and made it happen. We say a huge THANK YOU to USAID, especially Mr. Jusu Holmes, who took us to the finish line; our own Allison Flomo Electrician Extraordinaire; Mr. Anthony Siakor, VPA; and all who made this possible – Scorpions, let USAID feel your sting. CU family, please endeavor to use this wisely – we definitely do not want the light eye to bab!
“Feed CU – Last year, we announced an initiative to feed the CU family with the right values and tools for greatness through innovation and the necessary ingredients needed to navigate and excel not only in the development of Liberia but in the global market. A part of the initiative was a partnership with the Episcopal Church to transform our unused land spaces to economically empowering agriculture projects. Today, I am again pleased to announce that our first project is about to be implemented. In the coming weeks, chickens, fresh eggs and poultry feed will be produced right here in Suakoko. This initiative will not only provide us with healthy food but will enhance learning for our agriculture students and job opportunities for our community.
“Grow CU – we remain conscious of the ongoing need to encourage and facilitate a learning environment and a mindset that builds our research capacity, continues to make curriculum and technological upgrades and partner with both national and international institutions to exemplify scholarly integrity and “grow” our own generational leaders and nation builders. We have established linkages with the University of Botswana, Princeton University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Virginia Theological Seminary, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and the University of Ghana to name a few, for research, exchange, Masters and PhDs.
“As of next Academic Year, the On-line Registration Portal will be up and running and students will now be able to register On-line.
“Write this down, Cuttington is number One. We are the only university in Liberia that is offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Physician Assistance. We are the only university with a Dental Program. And I need to stand on the table for this one – Cuttington University is the FIRST, and the Only, University in the Nation’s history to launch a Doctoral Program – Congratulations Team!! Yes, CU Flight 1889 is airborne and flying high – don’t get left behind – join the winning TEAM!! And note, we are not done yet – stay tuned!
“Special thanks to the government of Liberia and His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah for joining us in the fight to educate and develop the next generation of leaders. We are confident that this university will continue to be a pacesetter.
In closing her official statement, Dr. Horton also proffered thanks and appreciation to the Cuttington faculty and staff who are working with her administration to provide conducive learning opportunities for the country’s new cadre of leaders.
Gracing the auspicious occasion included Rev. James Bombo Sellee, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cuttington University and the Honorable Members of the Board of Trustees; Keynote Speaker Mr. Jim Wright, Mission Director, United States Agency for International Development(USAID); Bong County Superintendent Esther Walker; the Paramount Chief of the Suakoko Chiefdom; government officials and local authorities, as well as past and present presidents of CU, Dr. Henrique F. Topka and Dr. Herman B. Browne; Dr. Minnie Sankawulo Ricks, the first female Medical Director of Phebe Hospital; members of the Diplomatic Community; International and National Partners; Representatives of UN Agencies; The Association of Liberian Universities and Representatives of other Institutions of Higher Education; Officials and members of the Cuttington University Alumni Association of Liberia; Administrators, Faculty, and Staff of the institution.
Keynote Address
For his part, the 61st Commencement Keynote Speaker, Mr. Jim Wright, Mission Director of USAID, reminded the graduates of their responsibilities to their alma mater and the country.
“Now, as you prepare to commence new chapters in your lives, I will like to remind you of your responsibility to your alma mater Cuttington, to yourselves, and to your country,” Wright said, noting that Cuttington continues to produce men and women who are contributing to the nation-building process of the country, making specific reference to 15 USAID personnel who are Cuttington graduates that currently work with him.
Mr. Wright used the occasion to admonish the graduates to be proud of their alma mater, but that they should never forget to make good use of the education that they received from Cuttington to impact their communities and the country.
During the institution’s 2023 graduation program, 300 candidates received Master’s degrees in various graduate studies ranging from Health Science (140 candidates); School of Business and Public Administration ((136 candidates); Education (23 candidates); and one candidate from the School of Theology.
For the undergraduate division, a total of 216 students were conferred Bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines. The Junior College produced 24 graduates while 43 candidates were conferred Post Graduate Diploma in various disciplines.
Cuttington University is strategically located in Suakoko, Bong County Liberia, serving the higher education needs of many Liberians and West Africans alike. Founded in 1889 as Cuttington College by the Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA), it is the oldest private, coeducational, undergraduate, and degree-granting institution in sub-Saharan Africa. It has immensely contributed to the human capital development of the country and has produced notable alumni who have served and continue to serve Liberia.
About the Keynote speaker
The Commencement guest speaker was sworn in as Liberia Mission Director on July 26, 2021. He leads a team of 104 people promoting private sector-led economic growth through market-driven inclusive economic growth supporting increased job creation; effective and inclusive governance catalyzed through reforms and greater accountability; and foundations for growth strengthened through a healthy, productive, and educated population.
Mr. Wright has been a Foreign Service Officer for 20 years and has over 30 years of experience managing international development and relief programs. He was most recently the Mission Director for USAID/Timor-Leste, where he led the Mission in establishing a new five-year partnership with the host country government to strengthen good governance, expanding inclusive economic growth and private-sector competitiveness, and improving the health services of the country, while also addressing the impact of the global COVID pandemic and catastrophic flooding.
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