SUAKOKO, Bong County – Cuttington University on Friday evening, June 19, 2026, celebrated its top academic achievers during the President’s Academic Gala of Excellence, with university leaders encouraging students to see their accomplishments not as an endpoint, but as the foundation for greater success and service.
The annual event, hosted by Cuttington University President Dr. Romelle A. Horton, recognizes students graduating with academic distinctions, including Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude, while also honoring faculty members whose commitment and mentorship contributed to their success ahead of the University’s commencement convocation.
The gala brought together faculty and staff from Cuttington University’s three campuses—the Junior College in Kakata, the Undergraduate College in Suakoko, and the Graduate School in Sinkor, Monrovia—along with students, families, alumni, and other distinguished guests.
In her remarks, Dr. Horton warmly referred to the honorees as “My Diamonds,” a term she uses to recognize some of the University’s brightest and most outstanding students. Congratulating the students on their achievements, she reminded them that greatness already exists within them and encouraged them to use their talents and education to make a difference in society. “Greatness is in you, so go out and be great,” Dr. Horton told the gathering.She further urged the students not to see the evening’s recognition as the highest point of their academic journey.” Do not see tonight as the ceiling, but as the floor,” she said. “Never stop learning and striving to reach the sky.” Dr. Romell Horton stated.
The President’s message set the tone for an evening dedicated not only to celebrating academic success but also to inspiring graduates to pursue lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.
Delivering the keynote address, Leadership Institute Executive Director Madam Effua McGowman challenged the honorees to look beyond grades, awards, and academic distinctions and embrace excellence rooted in character, integrity, and service.
Speaking under the theme, “Excellence Beyond Achievement: Leading with Purpose, Character, and Impact,” McGowman described the gala as a celebration of discipline, resilience, sacrifice, and determination.
Drawing from her personal educational journey, she reflected on the sacrifices made by her family to ensure she received quality education, emphasizing that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities.She encouraged students to appreciate the perseverance and hard work that brought them to this moment while recognizing that their greatest contributions still lie ahead.
“Your degree may open doors, but your character will determine how long you remain in the room,” McGowman said.She urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, invest in people, and use their talents to solve problems and improve the lives of others, noting that Liberia’s future depends on leaders who combine knowledge with integrity and service. “The true measure of success is not how high you rise, but how many lives are better because you live,” she added.
As Cuttington University prepares to graduate another class of leaders, professionals, and change-makers, the President’s Academic Gala of Excellence served as both a celebration of outstanding academic achievement and a call for graduates to use their education to lead with purpose and create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
