By Precious D. Freeman
In a rather elaborate commencement program of the 60th graduation exercise at the Cuttington University (CU), Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has cautioned the over 800 graduates to use the knowledge acquired as a spring board to success.
She added that they should all strive to do more, achieve more, and perhaps rise to the category of those in the world who make magic and making people believe in the impossible.
Delivering the commencement address, the vice President mentioned that life constantly presents each person with circumstances which are beyond the normal ability of change, which unfortunately does not have the freedom to choose, but yet, people deal with them and make choices from them.
“Keep in mind that the ultimate test of the success of a man is how they respond to circumstances which life throws their way, thus putting people in categories of the weak or the strong,” she said.
According to her, the benefits of seeing beyond the circumstances of a condition helps one consider the whole picture.
“Remember that the vision in your heads translates into the words you speak; which creates either the limits of your circumstances or the expansion of your growth into the magical realm,” Madam Taylor stated.
“Let the change begin with you as you are the carrier and creator of your destiny and never allow others to change things for you; you must build what your eyes have seen and your heart believes,” she noted.
She intoned that the most powerful agent of change is the right word and whenever people come upon one of those intensely right words, the resulting effect is a spiritual, physical and electric prompt.
“Step forward and do not fear, for the only place one can go is up; remain conscious that what is happening inside is more important than what is happening outside,” she admonished.
Madam Taylor then called on the graduates to believe in themselves and consider failure as crucial elements in the learning process that benefits anyone who works holistically to better up their lapses.
The Liberian Vice President and many others were seen at the occasion last Friday where the University graduated 869 candidates with degrees in various disciplines; viz: Criminal Justice, History and International relations; Social work, Nursing, PA, Theology, Peace and Development Studies, College of Education, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Public administration, among others.
The graduation ceremony which was held at the Samuel D. Ferguson Hall in Gbarnga, Bong County brought together various government officials, well-wishers and guardians who really made the celebration a memorable one.
Meanwhile the Cuttington University in Suakoko, Bong County has conferred an honorary doctorate degree on the Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters is usually conferred as an honorary degree to those who have distinguished themselves in humanitarian and development professionalism.
According to the newly appointed president for Cuttington University, Dr. Romelle A. Horton said that the degree is in recognition of VP Taylor’s accomplishment in many fields including humanity, peace-building and education.
She added that the honor was bestowed on the Liberian Vice President because she has made great determination and many strives and impacts over the years in Liberia and on the world stage.
“Your timely intervention in presenting a cheque of twenty thousand United States Dollars to the Cuttington University has proven again that you are indeed a problem solver and an expert in conflict resolution,” she said.
“In recognition of these facts and in appreciation of your selfless services to humanity and the wellbeing of the people of Liberia, the Board of Trustees and the Faculty Association of this university now hereby confer on you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters,” she said.
In a related development, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva commonly known as Jeety was also honored the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters with all the rights and privileges thereto appertaining.
The degree was given to him because he has proven to be a caring man with faith in others’ goodwill, repute and accomplishments unblemished by wealth and worth.
Cuttington University president mentioned that recognizing all of his numerous contributions to society at large, and the Liberian people in particular the University including the board of trustees is convinced and please to honor him with an honorary degree.
