By Precious D Freeman
The Stella Maris Polytechnic University (SMPU) on Friday, August 25, 2022, conducted its 24th Commencement Convocation, as the Minister of Health, Wilhelmina Jallah, applauded the graduates for a job well done.
Stella Maris Polytechnic (SMP), owned and operated by the Catholic Archdiocese, graduated over 600 students who completed their respective courses of studies in various disciplines over the last four years.
The program that was held under the theme “Education and Leadership! The primary tools to personal and collective success” at the Poly Gym, St. Joseph campus in Capitol Hill, brought together several administrative officers of the polytechnic, members of the board of trustees, government officials, parents, and dignitaries, among others.
Delivering the Commencement address, the Minister of Health, Wilhelmina Jallah, thanked the parents and other family members who have helped the graduates along the way, that they can proudly receive their degrees. She also thanked the University Faculty and Staff for reaching the milestone.
Minister Jallah encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge that they have obtained so far and make a difference, as individuals in their communities, and the country at large.
According to her, it was with great honor that she had joined to celebrate with the graduates, the significant milestone in the four years of diligent study and hard work, and also a new chapter filled with opportunities and many challenges.
“Today, with commitment, hard work, and dedication, the sky surely is your limit; you must applaud yourself for making it to the finish line in the midst of many difficulties that you may have encountered during your years; let me applaud the faculty for the patience and the transfer of knowledge and also to your parents and guardians, who supported you through thick and thin,” she said.
Minister Jallah added that education has long be regarded as the corner stone of progress and human development, because it nurtures the critical thinking skills of those who embark on it.
She emphasized that education has empowered everyone to challenge conventional wisdom and seek solutions to the present problems in the country, adding that education alone is not sufficient to create life changing tasks; it is through leadership that the gap has been bridged between theory and action.
“Leadership is not considered as a position or an action, but rather a mindset that enables us to bring about positive change; we are all urging to lead our home, church and our community during the time here at the polytechnic, because we have experienced the transformative power of education,” she said.
She noted that the power of education and leadership cannot be underestimated, “when embarking on the next chapter of your lives, don’t forget to carry the message of education and leadership with pride, knowing that you have the power to make a brighter future.”
“Go out and shine in every dark corner of Liberia and the world, you are destined for great things; as graduates of this esteemed institution, you are meant to be leaders of tomorrow, let us embrace our responsibility as leaders, regardless of our chosen tasks, and strive to make a possible impact on the lives of others,” she added.
