MONROVIA, Liberia — The University of Liberia has officially entered a historic season of reflection, pride, and renewal as it prepares to mark 75 years as Liberia’s flagship national university, with President Layli Maparyan unveiling an ambitious vision that links the institution’s storied past to its future transformation.
Speaking during the University’s 75th Founders’ Day observance, Dr. Maparyan described the milestone as more than an anniversary, calling it “a national moment” that underscores the University of Liberia’s inseparable connection to Liberia’s history, development, and leadership.
Founded in 1862 as Liberia College, the institution became the University of Liberia in 1951, marking the beginning of a new era that expanded its academic mandate, professional training, research, and national impact. Today, UL stands as Liberia’s largest and most accessible public university, serving nearly 30,000 students and producing alumni who populate every sector of national life—from government and law to health, education, media, business, and civil society.
“UL’s history is inseparable from Liberia’s national journey,” Dr. Maparyan noted, emphasizing that the University has endured war, recovery, and reform while remaining a pillar of national resilience and pride.
“From Our Foundation to Our Future: UL @ 75”
The official theme of the Diamond Anniversary—“From Our Foundation to Our Future: UL @ 75”—captures both continuity and change. According to Dr. Maparyan, the theme honors the University’s deep roots while setting a forward-looking agenda focused on relevance, reform, and growth.
Central to this agenda is the President’s “Five Es” vision—Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, and Ethics—a leadership framework introduced at her inauguration and now guiding UL’s institutional transformation.
“These values inform everything we do,” she said. “They are our roadmap for building the next, highest, and best version of the University of Liberia.”
New Logo, New Season
As part of the launch, Dr. Maparyan officially unveiled the UL 75th Anniversary logo, selected through a nationwide design competition that attracted more than 50 submissions. The winning design, created by Jao Malata, was praised for symbolizing light, knowledge, service, transformation, and national pride, while honoring UL’s history and legacy.
The logo’s unveiling formally marks the start of a yearlong celebration, with activities spanning academic, cultural, alumni, and national engagement events.
Founders’ Day and Kickoff Week
The official kickoff of UL’s 75th Anniversary will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Founders’ Day, beginning with a multifaith Thanksgiving service on Capitol Hill Campus to set a reflective and spiritual tone.
Kickoff Week activities include:
- February 16 – Anniversary Parade and Art & Craft Exhibition
- February 17 – Student Day
- February 18 – Community & Partners Day
- February 19 – Faculty & Staff Day
- February 20 – Alumni Homecoming Day
The celebration coincides with Commencement Week, adding momentum and visibility to graduation activities.
Diaspora, Culture, and National Investment
A major cultural highlight will occur on February 23, when the UL Alumni Chorus (ULAC)—a world-renowned, largely U.S.-based ensemble—returns home to perform alongside the UL Chorus. The collaboration symbolizes UL’s strong diaspora ties and global reach.
The kickoff phase will culminate on February 28 with the President’s Ball, a high-profile, ticketed event bringing together national leaders, alumni, partners, and supporters to celebrate UL’s legacy and invest in its future.
A National Call
Looking ahead, Dr. Maparyan emphasized that UL @ 75 is not merely a celebration, but a call to shared responsibility.
“We invite government, the private sector, alumni, the diaspora, and all Liberians to engage,” she said. “Education is the foundation of Liberia’s future—and sustaining UL is a national duty.”
As the University of Liberia steps into its Diamond Anniversary year, the message is clear: honoring the past must go hand in hand with building a stronger, more ethical, and more excellent future.
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