SUAKOKO, Bong – Former Transport Minister Tornonlah Varpilah will be inducted into office this weekend as the new president of Cuttington University Alumni Association. The ceremony will take place during the university’s 130th Founder’s Day celebration, which kicks off on Friday, February 22.
Varpilah is a 1984 graduate of Cuttington and now president of the Board of Directors of Phebe Hospital and owner of Passion Investment Corporation, a private investment that comprises of Passion Hotel, Passion Furniture, and Firestone Wood Products, Passion Finance Services, and Passion Poultry.
He last served during the administration of former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as minister of transport after serving at Ministry of Health, as deputy minister for planning, research and development, and deputy minister of administration. He is also the former minister of youth and sports and chairman of the boards of directors of the Freeport of Monrovia and Central Agricultural Research Institute.
According to a release, Varpilah will succeed Charles Allen, who has headed the organization since 2011. He and other officers to be inducted were elected in December 2018. They include Garmai Kpedebah Nyuangar of the 2011 graduating class as vice president, Gimah Amy Sambollah of class of 2014 as secretary general, Thomas Momo of the class of 2008 as financial secretary, Vivien Charles Jones of the class of 1983 as treasurer, and Princess Jones of the class of 2008 as chaplain.
The alumni association’s incoming president encouraged graduates of the university to turn out for the founder’s day celebration.
“We want to get as many alumni involved in working toward uplifting Cuttington. The university has a lot of challenges. It’s time that the alumni, especially those in Liberia, help the university,†he said.
The release also noted that the Founder’s Day festivities are designed to give alumni an opportunity to return to campus to recollect, mingle with students, and discuss how the graduates can get involved in the development of their alma mater.
The Alternative National Congress’ political leader and former student of Cuttington, Alexander Cummings, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
This year’s Founder’s Day celebration will feature open space conversations about the university’s future and how alumni can provide career development support for students. The celebration will also feature fun activities, including and sports, board games, and a bonfire.
Featured photo courtesy of Maureen Sieh
