U.S. Ambassador Charges UL Graduates To Lead Successful Careers In Liberia

By T. Ezekiel Geeplay

 The Ambassador of the United States to Liberia, Mark C. Toner has called on graduates of the University of Liberia to lead successful careers in Liberia, rather than in America, Europe, or some African country.

Amb. Toner believes that Liberia can only compete for foreign direct investment if it has a workforce with the skills, training, and education to succeed at that level. 

The U.S. envoy made the comments on Friday, September 20, 2024, when he delivered the keynote address at the 104^th commencement program of the University of Liberia Graduate and Professional Schools.

According to him, it is worth taking a closer look at some of the factors impeding Liberia’s progress. He disclosed that his greatest hope is that all the graduates go on to lead successful careers not in America, or Europe, or even in some other African country, but right here in Liberia.

“I want to see all of you use the tools this university has given you to build a better future for yourselves and for your countrymen and women,” he challenged the graduates.

The United States diplomat encouraged the graduates to start businesses or pursue careers in public service, adding, “because that is how you truly build and sustain a nation of laws, liberty, and opportunity.”

According to the top U.S. Envoy, Liberia’s success matters to him because he knows from personal experience how strong, resilient, and hardworking Liberians are. 

“You, the graduates of today, are the key to ensuring Liberia’s future matches the future you imagine for yourselves and your country. It is also, of course, very much in the United States’ strategic interest to see Liberia emerge as a model of democratic governance, political stability, and economic growth in the region,” Ambassador Toner indicated.

He stated that Liberia is in a region where political unrest, economic upheaval, and transnational threats have too often been the norm rather than the exception.

“My goal and the goal of every American ambassador before and after me should be to support Liberia’s efforts to become a stable, prosperous, democratic nation, a strong partner and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination,” Ambassador Toner stated.

On a more personal level, Amb. Toner noted his long and close relationship with Liberia, having served here as a Peace Corps volunteer in the late 1980’s. 

He recalled that his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Grand Bassa County over 30 years ago was a formative experience. 

“Coming back some thirty-plus years later, now as America’s senior-most representative, has given me a unique perspective on where I believe our bilateral relationship needs to go in order for Liberia to become the prosperous, stable nation we all know it can be,” said Amb. Toner.

Back then, the U.S. Envoy said he had the privilege to work alongside many dedicated Liberian health professionals, people who showed up every day to work under difficult circumstances without any guarantee of a regular paycheck.

“These are the same people who inspire me to this day through their commitment, courage, and determination,” the U.S. Envoy stated.

He disclosed that the U.S. Government is proud to support Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its education sector, working closely with the Ministry of Education to expand access to quality learning.

The US Ambassador spoke on the theme: “The Role of the University in Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development in a Turbulent World.”