MONROVIA, Liberia — A landmark diplomatic conversation highlighting a pivotal moment in Liberia–United States relations will headline celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the University of Liberia, organizers have announced.
The commemorative event, titled “Two Diplomats in Conversation on a Historic Moment & Its Legacy: The Greystone Exchange,” is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill Auditorium in Monrovia.
According to a statement from the university and the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C., the dialogue will feature two senior diplomats reflecting on the historical significance of the Greystone property, an asset that played a transformative role in strengthening both Liberia’s higher education system and diplomatic relations with the United States.
The discussion will bring together Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, and Joe Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Liberia. The conversation will be moderated by Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia.
Organizers say the event will examine the legacy of the Greystone Exchange, a historic arrangement involving property originally owned by Liberia College, the precursor to the modern University of Liberia.
The Greystone property later became a central part of the university’s financial foundation when it was leased to the United States Government for the construction of the new U.S. Embassy complex in Monrovia. The agreement created a sustainable endowment stream that continues to support the university’s academic programs and institutional development.
University officials describe the arrangement as a milestone in Liberia’s educational and diplomatic history.
“The Greystone Exchange stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between Liberia and the United States,” the university noted, adding that the arrangement reflected visionary leadership that helped secure a long-term financial future for Liberia’s premier public university.
The event forms part of the broader celebration of the university’s 75-year legacy of academic service and national development.
Founded in 1951 through the merger of Liberia College and other institutions, the University of Liberia has played a central role in training generations of professionals, public servants, and leaders across the country and beyond.
Guided by its historic motto, Lux in Tenebris (“Light in Darkness”), the institution continues to serve as a cornerstone of Liberia’s higher education system and a hub for research, civic engagement, and international collaboration.
Organizers say the anniversary dialogue will offer an opportunity not only to revisit an important chapter in Liberia–U.S. relations but also to reflect on how diplomacy and education can work together to strengthen national institutions.
Members of the Liberian diaspora, academic partners, friends of Liberia, and the general public have been invited to participate in the commemorative program.
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