09/06/2025
Inaugural Address Delivered:
Fabius A. McCormack โ President
Grand Bassa University Student Union Government
June 6, 2025
Greetings Everyone โฆ!!!
Hon. Pro-temp of the Liberian Senate, Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, the Honorable Chairman, Gbehzohngar Milton Findley and members of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus, Honorable Superintendent, Karyou Johnson and Leaders of the County Administration, the GBU Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer and Interim President of the Grand Bassa University, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves along with the Administrative and Instructional staff; the Honorable Cllr. Mrs. Charlyn M. Brumskine-Dennis, the indomitable and progressive Student Party for Justice (SPJ), fellow Presidents of various Universities in Liberia, the Interim Student Union Government, Alumni and Students of GBU; Leadership and members of the Student Unification Party, my parents, Mr. Benjamin McCormack & Elizabeth M. Doegar, our dear family and friends who have traveled from all corners of Liberia to be with us on this occasion, members of the PRESS, distinguished ladies and gentlemen; we are honored to greet and thank you all for your presence here today.
We would like to extend thanks to the Government of Liberia on behalf of the Grand Bassa University, for their consistent support to our Institution throughout its 17 years of existence.
The significance of GBU cannot be overstated; a place where we are learning the lessons of the past, while setting our sights on the future. Thatโs why it is important to recognize the priceless advocacy efforts of the Youth Leaders and Stakeholders who made this Vision a reality 17 years ago.
Distinguished Leaders and citizens, reflecting on our journey that landed us at this point of celebration, it is only essential to appreciate God for his enormous blessings, and also wholeheartedly applaud all those who supported our quest for Leadership including the Student Party for Justice headed by Cadre Prophet Abraham King-Jones as well as the students who braved the storm and made numerous sacrifices just to see us being elected. Truly, our Leadership is grateful.
Our Administration is more cognizant that to succeed, we must utilize the tools of reconciliation and foster collective working relationship among our colleagues irrespective of their political or personal alignment. It is on this basis that we would like to extend an Olive Branch to our friends in the Student Unification Party to join us in serving the Student community.
To the students of GBU, election is over and it is time to focus on the common good of the student community and our noble University by using our energy to โLight The Candleโ together. Therefore, I call on all of you to join me as your President to promote peace and transformation, instead of disunity, propaganda and violence.
Fellow citizens, we are quite aware of the huge responsibilities that accompany the authority that has been bestowed upon us; that is why we attach extraordinary significance with a commitment not to disappoint our Colleagues, the Administration and all those who believe in our Leadership.
Bearing such in mind, we are reminded each day that we campaigned on the platform of transformation under the RASP Agenda which includes; Representation, Advocacy, Sustainability and Professional Development. Be assured that our Government will explore all the possible channels to achieve these Goals for the benefit of the students and our University.
Distinguished County and National Leaders, the GBU Administration, fellow students; as a way of demonstrating our eagerness to serve you diligently with impacts, our Leadership has held couple of engagements with the County Administration through the office of the Superintendent as well as the University Authorities, students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Following these engagements, we are proud to announce that there are dependable prospects for the University and its Students- ranging from the Skill enhancement training, improvement of our facilities and inclusion of the Student Union Government in all decision-making gatherings.
Our esteemed students, we are also glad to report that through a proactive engagement with the leadership of Dr. Reeves, the students are now represented on almost 70% of the different committees at the University; an opportunity that has placed our leadership on the decision-making table.
As you may be aware, the Paynesberry campus of the University has experienced major installation of solar light in a huge quantity to enhance the electricity and security on campus; a goal that is being achieved as a result of our advocacy with the interim leadership of Dr. Reeves of which a targeted amount of solar lights needed are 250pcs that will run from our bridge and the surroundings of our campus.
Beyond advocacy, there is an ongoing crafting of Framework that will govern the implementation of all programs and development activities under our guidance; and such instrument will be unveiled before the end of 100 Days in Office, some of which are;
The establishment of the Grand Bassa University Beautification team to be guided by a policy.
Sitting capacity / Student Park within the surroundings of our campus.
A modern structured momentum of our university logo to be constructed at the entrance of our campus.
Professional and public speaking skills training within our university.
Our leadership is working closely with the studentโs affairs office through advocacy for a balance tuition fees in all colleges of our university, and we urge every students to remain peaceful and civil as our leadership continue to advocate for the reduction of tuition fees since it has escalated in recent time.
Distinguished Leaders, while we are more focused on transformation, our leadership has placed accountability and transparency at the topmost part of our AGENDA; a commitment that we vow to uphold.
Particularly, we want to use this opportunity to thank the Government of Liberia for the ongoing work solely for the completion of the GBU Bridge of which our leadership have been involved with some engagements through the interim administration, to the Pro-temp of the Liberian Senate, Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, a project that is so much of a high treasure, not only to the Students and Faculty, but also the people of Grand Bassa County.
While we are here to celebrate, it is also key to remind our President- His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai, our Grand Bassa Lawmakers, Ministers and County Officials including our Development Partners including ArcelorMittal Liberia who have diligently supported our university from stretch to where we are now, LAC, EPO and others; that the Grand Bassa University is the biggest source of Manpower Liberia is heavily relying on to contribute to nation building in both the Public and Private Sectors.
With this, it would require all of you joint and consistent support through budgetary allotment and support to student related programs; but more to that, it calls for intentional efforts to prioritize employment opportunities for graduates and other young Liberians.
To Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves and his Administrative team, please be assured that the Student Union Government is here to support the overall Vision of the University and will remain engaged with your leadership in taking appropriate steps to the advantage of the students.
To our faculty senate, we are aware that there exist very few pivotal concerns for the wellbeing of the teaching staff; but it is essential to maintain the dialogue approach at all times; especially at the moment the Administration had made gainful efforts and is exploring viable means to add more values to the institutional work.
To our parents and friends, we appreciate your presence here today; and we will not disappoint you.
As we retire, we would like to appreciate the interim Student Union Government for playing a great role and we implore you to assist us with your experience in steering the affairs of our University.
Again, special appreciation goes to our Lawmakers, local Authorities and other Guests for gracing this historic occasion, and we plead with you to keep your office accessible for interaction.
May God continue to bless the Grand Bassa University as we strive to keep lighting the Candle.
Thanks so muchโฆโฆ!!!
