By Jamesetta D Williams
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung returned to his alma mater on Saturday to receive one of its highest honors as Cuttington University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD, Honoris Causa) during the institution’s 64th Commencement Convocation.
The honor recognized Koung’s contributions to public service, leadership, and national development, marking a significant milestone in a journey that began at the university more than a decade ago.
Delivering the commencement address under the theme, “Beyond the Degree: Character, Responsibility and Service,” the Vice President encouraged members of the graduating Class of 2026 to view their academic achievements as only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to integrity, accountability, and service to the nation.
“A degree may open doors, but character keeps those doors open, responsibility determines how far you go, and service defines your legacy,” Koung told the graduates.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the Vice President recounted the financial hardships that delayed his college education. Although he completed high school in 2001, he said economic challenges prevented him from enrolling at Cuttington University until 2006, as he worked to support his younger siblings through school.
Koung, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Cuttington in 2010, said those years of sacrifice helped shape his values and prepared him for leadership.
He also shared memories of selling cane juice, gasoline, and medicines as a young boy to finance his education, describing those experiences as the foundation of the resilience that eventually led him from student leadership to serving as Representative, Senator, and now Vice President of Liberia.
Encouraging graduates to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, Koung aligned his message with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of building a stronger private sector capable of creating sustainable jobs and driving economic growth.
He urged the graduates to remain confident in their abilities, take responsibility for Liberia’s future, and commit themselves to serving their communities with integrity and purpose.
The 64th Commencement Convocation brought together university officials, government leaders, faculty members, graduates, families, and invited guests to celebrate the academic achievements of the Class of 2026 and recognize individuals whose contributions have positively impacted Liberia’s development.
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