MONROVIA – The Managing Editor of the Frontpage Africa Newspaper, Mr. Rodney Sieh was named as the Winner of the Philip N. Wesseh Academic Excellence Print Journalism Award given out by the state run University of Liberia administration through the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities (formerly Liberia College) established since 1862.
On the basis of merit, Mr. Sieh was unanimously selected as from among the about 1,000 journalists in the country as the second winner of the PNW Print Journalism Award. The first winner was Mr. Frank Sainworla, an adjunct faculty in the Department of Communication and Media Studies, Amos. C. Sawyer College, UL and veteran Liberian journalist.
The announcement was made on Monday 16th September by the Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Liberia, Associate Prof. Dr. Josephus Moses Gray during the 104th Commencement Convocation of the University of Liberia.
During Monday’s convocation, Dr. Gray presented to the Acting President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh for the conferral of BA and BSW degrees on 177 graduates from the Amos C Sawyer College who successfully completed academic requirements to earn their degrees in respective disciplines.
Out of the 177 graduates, 4 earned BA in English, 1 in French, 34 in Demography, 11 in Geography, 1 in History, 23 in Communication and Media Studies, 6 in Political Science, 14 in Social Work and 83 in Sociology, respectively.
The valedictorian of the Graduation Class is Mr. Amadou L. Sayon from the Department of Social Work. The award will be presented to Mr. Rodney Sieh by the Acting President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh during the College Annual Academic Recognition and Honoring Program to be held at UL Fendall campus on September 25, 2024.
The prestigious award is in memory of Philip N. Wesseh, icon of print journalism in Liberia. The late Wesseh was a true leader in print journalism and professional journalist with high respect towards fair, balance, and accurate journalism.
The award is intended to uphold the legacy of PNW, an illustrious Liberian journalist and icon of print journalism. Prior to his inevitable demise, Mr. Wesseh practiced as a professional journalist for over 40 unbroken years and rose from cub reporter to managing editor.
The late Wesseh was an alumnus of the University of Liberia and a part-time instructor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies (formerly Department of Mass Communication) where he earned BA degree in Communication in 2002 and a LLB degree in Law from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia.
Meanwhile, The ACS College of Social Sciences and Humanities ten faculty members, staff and graduates received top college awards for the academic year 2023-2024 during Monday’s 104th Commencement Convocation of three combined College of Amos C Sawyer College of Social Sciences, William V.S Tubman College of Education and College Studies and Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Liberia.
The convocation was HD on September 16, 2024 at the UL Fendall Campus in Louisiana, outside Monrovia.
Four of the distinguished honorees are faculty members honored for their outstanding performance while three of the nine are graduates and honored for the high academic performance, leadership work and resilience to academic excellence. One of the honorees was recognized for his outstanding services in the college while one of the two honorees from outside the University of Liberia received Humanity Award and the other was honored absentia for his exceptional professional role towards journalism in Liberian and beyond.
Presenting the honorees during the Monday’s lively commencement convocation, the Dean of the SCS College, Associate Prof. Dr. Josephus Moses Gba-hinnih Gray praised them for their remarkable contributions and said they stand out ongoing the best in the college.
The awards were presented to the honorees by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, University of Liberia, Senator Numene T.H Bartekwa who is also the Chairman of the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus and faculty in the Departments of Political Science and Social Science.
Dr. Gray used the exceptionally ceremony to thank all the chairpersons, coordinators, staffs, students and University administration for their support and entire contribution towards the growth of the college. He told the large audience that besides the ten honorees, the ACS College next week Wednesday, September 25 will hold its annual academic recognition and honoring program to recognize and honor more faculty members, staffs and graduates in appreciation of their outstanding services to the college, teaching and learning and the University community.
Rev. Tehpamubo Mlawin Sayeh from Department of Religious Studies delivered the Innovation and Benediction, while Assistant Prof. Dr. Kula M. Thompson-Williams, Chairperson, Department of English and Language Studies master the ceremony and Amadou L. Sayon, the valedictorian of the 104th Class of the three combined colleges from the Social Work Unit spoke on behalf of the class.
Meanwhile, the Most Distinguished Professor Award was given to Prof. Dr. D. Elliott Wreh-Wilson of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies; the Most Distinguished Faculty award was presented to Mr. Alfred K. Thomas of the Department of English and Language Studies, while the Most Outstanding Chairperson Award was received by Assistant Prof. Dr. Kula M. Thompson-Williams, Chairperson, Department of English and Language Studies.
Other awards include the Prestigious Distinguished Graduate award which was given to the Valedictorian of the Class, Mr. Amadou L.Sayon, from the Social Work Unit.
The “Most Determined Graduate” award was given to Miss. Beatrice Snyder, a BA graduate in English from the Department of English and Language Studies. Her honored brought tears to several faculty, administrators, platform guests, students and family members as the Dean vividly presented her touching story and her resilience to overcome all odds to hard earn her University education. She is extremely physically challenged but despite of her physical condition, Dr. Gray said Miss. Snyder worked hard to overcome all odds to achieve her goal.
Dr. Gray further indicated that the inspiring academic journey of Beatrice distinguishes her as a fine example to millions of others. Her story makes us to believe that “Disability is not Inability”.
In spite of Beatrice Snyder extreme disability, she never gave up to compete with other students who are physically strong to reach her dream by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language.
Miss. Snyder is extraordinary, distinguished and a good example of positivity at the University of Liberia. Today, she has broken barriers to join the ranks of the successful alumni of the nation’s flagship institution of higher learning.
The “Most Outstanding Part-time Faculty” award was given to Mr. Paul Dominic Jarry who was praised for his outstanding service as best advisor of thesis, and quality teaching, While the “Most Outstanding Administrative Staff” award was received by Rec. Andrew T. Nagbe for his distinctive leadership, amazing services, commitment, dedication and professionalism in the running of the Dean’s Office and his diligent support towards the Dean in moving the college forward.
Also, the “Most Outstanding Student Leader” award was received by Mr. Abdulah Kamara, a cum laude graduate with Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. He has proved as the best student leader and stands out as the best among thousands of students at the college.
The ‘Humanity Award’ was given to a 14-year old Joshua Snyder, the Jr. brother of Beatrice Snyder. The Dean and entire ACS College is very truly grateful to this kid for his humanity and great services towards is extreme physically challenged sister. He is extraordinary and a very good child who deserves special recognition from every good Liberians.
