Leyman Gbowee Urges Stella Maris Graduates

By Edwin G. Wandah
The 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, Leymah R. Gbowee, has urged the 20th Convocation Graduates of the Stella Maris Polytechnic, 2019, to pursue the challenge that lies ahead of them with dignity and diligence, exhibiting a high level of integrity in their pursuit for excellence.
Serving as Keynote Speaker at the event on Friday, August 30, 2019, Madam Gbowee urged the graduates to work harder, with Honesty, integrity and diligence.
She said, without these, there can be no success, furthering, that, if the graduates want to make those gains other students around the world are making, they should avoid being carried away by politicians and people who will not offer anything to them.
As Madam Gbowee’s message resonated, several students, including the entire hall that was jam-packed with family members of the graduates as well as authorities of the Stella Maris polytechnic were seen jubilating, with some standing on their heels shouting above their heads.
Beginning with a brief narrative of her life span, Madam Gbowee encouraged the graduates to lift up their heads, and see their society as a place to make the change they so desire.
“I come from Bong County; I suffered throughout the line, but along the way, my head was focused; I want to encourage you graduates today, not to be complacent, but roll up your sleeves and make the difference you want to see,” she stated.
“Another thing I would like to leave with you today is, hold on to your integrity, because that will speak for you, in life is your integrity,” she averred.
She further encouraged the graduates to also pursue excellence in their approach as they walk out of the walls of the institution. “This school, Stella Maris, is noted for its excellence when it comes to academics, so as you go out today, maintain this mark of excellence, because, this will show the true light of your knowledge,” she stated.
Earlier on, the President of the Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Sr. Mary Laurene Browne elaborated on some of the gains made over the years.
Giving the overview and status of the institution, Sr. Mary Laurene Browne assured the audience that the University will continue to make the difference on the educational sector of the country.
She further stated that under her watch, it was better to produce graduates who could represent the nation outside. For his part the Chaplain of the University, Father McDonald Nah blessed the graduates and invoked God’s anointing on them.
Meanwhile, in Elementary Education, Rex Agoi was conferred Summa Cum Laude, while four persons graduated receiving BSc as well. In General Agriculture, seven persons graduated with BSc, while, 10 persons graduated in Accounting with BBA.
For Bachelor of Business-BBA in Management, Emmanuel O. Famakinwa graduated with Cum Laude, while 33 persons graduated with BBA, in Economics, Faith M. Manley graduated with Cum Laude while nine persons graduated with BSc.
In Biology, Elvis B.F. Juasemai graduated with Cum Laude, while 19 persons graduated with BSc, in Health Science, Alpha S. Tamba and Berlin M.F. Gibson graduated with Summa Cum Laude, Stanley M. Sheriff with Magna Cum Laude while, Amelia K. Fallah, Berlin D. Bornor, D. Amos Mulbah, Haleya Jabateh, Resen T. Korboi graduated with Cum Laude and 41 persons graduated with BSc.
In Medical Laboratory Technology, 10 graduated with BSc, Social Work-BSW, Jonathan K. Suah graduated with Magna Cum Laude, while, Johnette T. Page graduated with Cum Laude and 23 persons graduated with BSW.
In Building Construction Technology, 13 persons graduated with BSc, Civil Engineering, 27 persons graduated with BSc, Electrical Engineering, 14 persons graduated with BSc, and in Environmental Health, Alieu Kerkula graduated with Cum Laude while David Saa Nyemah graduated Cum Laude and 25 persons graduated with BSc.
In the category of Associate Degrees, 10 persons graduated with Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, 25 persons graduated with Associate of Science-A. Sc. (A.A.) in General Agriculture, for Associate of Arts in Accounting, Alpha Jalloh graduated with Cum Laude, while 44 persons graduated with A.A.
Associate of Science in Economics, Hermena A. Johns graduated with Magna Cum Laude, while, 20 persons graduated with A. Sc., Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Management, 24 persons graduated with A.A., A. Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology, Debbie T. Queweah graduated with Magna Cum Laude, Kenneth P. Sapo and Shirly M. Johnson graduated with Cum Laude, while 13 others graduated with A. Sc.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Morris D. Bendoe graduated with Magna Cum Laude, while, Cynthia K. Nagbe graduated with Cum Laude and 32 graduated with ASN, A. Sc. in Architecture, 9 persons graduated with A.Sc., A.Sc. In Building Construction Technology, 7 persons graduated, A. Sc. In Civil Engineering, 58 graduated in Electrical Engineering, 29 persons graduated with A. Sc. and in Environmental Science, 45 persons graduated with A. Sc.