UL @ 75 Signals National Renewal -Dr. Maparyan Outlines Legacy, Reform, Future

MONROVIA – As Liberia confronts the long-term challenge of rebuilding institutions capable of driving national development, the University of Liberia is preparing to mark a milestone that mirrors the country’s own struggle for continuity, reform, and relevance. The University’s 75th anniversary as a chartered university is being declared not merely as a commemorative event, but as a strategic moment to reaffirm the institution’s national mandate. Speaking to the media, UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan emphasized that the anniversary provides an opportunity to honor institutional endurance while positioning the University for transformation. From its origins as Liberia College in 1862 to its re-chartering in 1951, she noted, UL’s growth and survival reflect Liberia’s broader national journey. THE ANALYST reports.

Speaking to members of the media, Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia, has announced that the institution will officially launch a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary on February 15, 2026, marking what she described as a defining moment in both the University’s history and Liberia’s national development.

Dr. Maparyan explained that the University of Liberia, originally founded in 1862 as Liberia College and rechartered as a university in 1951, stands today as the country’s flagship public institution of higher learning. She noted that UL is Liberia’s largest and most accessible university, currently serving nearly 30,000 students from across the country’s diverse social and geographic backgrounds.

According to the UL President, the institution’s national significance extends beyond enrollment size. She pointed out that UL’s alumni continue to serve across government, education, health, law, business, media, and civil society, making the University’s history inseparable from Liberia’s political, professional, and democratic evolution.

Reflecting on UL’s endurance, Dr. Maparyan said the University has survived periods of national crisis, economic hardship, and post-war recovery, describing this resilience as a source of national pride. She stressed that the Diamond Anniversary is intended not only to commemorate past achievements, but to position UL for a new chapter of institutional transformation.

Dr. Maparyan disclosed that the official theme of the anniversary is “From Our Foundation to Our Future: UL @ 75,” which she said reflects continuity and change, honors the University’s historical foundations, and emphasizes reform, relevance, and growth. She explained that the theme is rooted in a leadership vision known as the Five Es—Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, and Ethics—which continues to guide her administration’s approach to governance and reform at UL.

In her remarks, Dr. Maparyan announced the unveiling of a special 75th anniversary logo, selected through a nationwide design competition organized by the University’s Relations Office. She said more than 50 entries were received and vetted by a selection committee, with the winning design produced by Jao Malata. According to her, the logo symbolizes light, knowledge, service, transformation, and national pride, while reflecting UL’s legacy and historical identity.

Dr. Maparyan said the official kickoff of the anniversary celebrations will take place on Founder’s Day, Sunday, February 15, 2026, beginning with a multifaith Thanksgiving and reflection service at the Capitol Hill Campus. She explained that the service is intended to set a spiritual and reflective tone for the year-long observance.

She outlined a series of kickoff-week activities, including an anniversary parade and art and craft exhibition, a student-centered day organized by UL students, a community and partners engagement day, a faculty and staff recognition day, and an alumni homecoming. Dr. Maparyan noted that the celebration week will overlap with the first week of commencement and will be integrated with traditional pre-commencement activities.

Highlighting the cultural dimension of the anniversary, Dr. Maparyan announced that a signature event will take place on February 23, when the UL Alumni Chorus will perform a special homecoming concert in collaboration with the UL Chorus. She explained that the largely U.S.-based alumni group serves as a global ambassador for the University and that several members are returning to Liberia specifically to participate in the anniversary celebrations.

Dr. Maparyan further announced that the kickoff phase of the anniversary year will culminate with the President’s Ball on February 28, describing it as a major milestone event bringing together national leaders, alumni, partners, and supporters. She said the ticketed event will provide opportunities for sponsorship and investment in the University’s future growth and development.

Looking beyond the kickoff phase, Dr. Maparyan said anniversary observances will continue throughout the year, including academic programs, cultural activities, alumni engagement initiatives, and national partnerships. She used the occasion to issue a call to government, the private sector, alumni, the diaspora, faculty, staff, students, and Liberian citizens to participate actively in UL @ 75 activities.

“Education is the foundation of Liberia’s future,” Dr. Maparyan emphasized, adding that sustaining and strengthening the University of Liberia must be a shared national responsibility.