By Alex Yomah
The Stella Maris Polytechnic University (SMPU), Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia on Friday, January 29, 2021 inducted its Vice President for Administration, Dr. Franklin T. Dalieh as the university’s new President.
The program marking the induction of Dr. Franklin T. Dalieh as President of SMPU took place during the university’s 21st graduation ceremony held under the theme: “Into The Future With Determined Steps” on the campus of the University.
Dr. Franklin Dalieh replaces his immediate Boss, Sister Mary Laurence Brown, OSF,MA, M.Ed as President of the institution following several years of service rendered to the University.
Unconfirmed report has it that the SMPU former President, Sister Mary Laurence, Secretary to the Stella Maris Polytechnic University Board of Trustees sought the SMPU Board of Trustees Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia to step down to enable her focus on primary and secondary levels.
Outgoing Prexy Sister Mary Laurence Brown
In remarks following the induction ceremony, the newly inducted SMPU expressed profound gratitude to the members of the Board of Trustees for their hard work and continuous effort in ensuring that, “We work harder to enhance quality in education and strengthen the moral fabric of the Polytechnic University”
“I pledge to work with the Board of Trustees and consult members as often as necessary. To Sister Mary Laurence, I am also most appreciative for your guidance and I will continue to consult you especially on those challenging issues that may arise,” he vowed.
Dr. Dalieh also pledged to work with the administrative team at the university, particularly the general staff of the University.
“We must work together in the spirit of continuity. There are five colleges within this one Polytechnic University. While we may be distance apart, we share in the same mission, vision and core values to continuously strive for excellence,” SMPU President induct said.
According to him, he is making to promise about what he will, or not do or achieve during his leadership, noting that while he and his team work together, “I do not promise you the world of wishes come-through. Yet, together we promise there will be continuity in the work that had been started by my predecessor and to move onward. Together we will work as a team while we discipline where and when necessary”.
He urged the staff of the University that discipline to duty should be kept and followed as they work together for the achievement of the goals of the university.
He added, “We should adhere to the policies of the university and treat everyone with respect irrespective of position in this university; by the same token, it is expected that all personnel will abide by the working schedule and function in accordance with your responsibilities.”
Meanwhile Dr. Dalieh conferred degrees of Master, Bachelor, and Associate to 524 candidates from the five colleges among which includes; Mother Patern College of Health Science; Monsignor John Oge Agriculture College; Bishop John Collins Teachers College; Arthur Barclay Business and Monsignor Stephen Kyne Technical College in which over 30 graduated with honors in various disciplines.
Listing few of those who graduated with honors include; Nursing/Midwifery, Master degree, Boakai Karnley-Suma Cum Laude and Jallah N. Tutu-Cum Laude.
Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, Stevelyn M. George- Cum Laude while in Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences; Perry P. Koffa graduated with Magna Cum Laude, followed by Fatumata Kulubedeh, George D. Lassanah Sr. Janet Arthur, and Vakaideya A. Nagbo walked away with Cum Laude respectively.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology, Henry F. Korha graduated with Magna Cum Laude among eleven (11) amidst hands of applause.
SMPU’s Document in the possession of this paper also showed that Moses G. Jensen and Mervell Smallwood both graduated with Cum laude respectively.
Associate of Science in Nursing; James F. Henneh graduated with Summa Cum Laude, while Prince W. Konah and Olbram B. Powell walked away with Cum Laude among others.