The campus of Cuttington University Graduate School was filled with joy on Friday when the Class of 2021/2022 officially handed over a new student café to the institution. The class, which calls itself Ku geh Geima, a Kpelleh phrase meaning “We did it together,” said the project was their way of leaving a lasting mark on the university. The cafeteria is seen as an important addition that will change how graduate students eat, socialise, and spend time together.
The event brought together students, professors, alumni, and the university leadership. Among those present were Dr Romelle Houlton, President of Cuttington University, Dr Rudolph Monsio Bropleh, Vice President of the Graduate School, and the president of the Cuttington Alumni Association.
In a special statement, Dr Bropleh praised the class for keeping their promise. He reminded the audience that two years ago, the group was only students who made pledges, but today they had returned as professionals who delivered on those pledges. He said their effort showed vision and commitment, and it should inspire others to follow their example.
Dr Bropleh also said the administration would continue working to improve facilities for graduate students. He announced that the cafeteria will soon be equipped with internet service and furnished with modern tables and chairs to make it a comfortable place for study and relaxation.
Speaking about progress under his leadership, Dr Bropleh pointed to a rise in student enrollment and the start of Liberia’s first doctoral programme, which he described as a great achievement for the country’s higher education. At the same time, he admitted that the school faces many challenges. Parking space remains limited, classrooms are not enough, and office space for staff is also lacking. He also drew attention to safety problems during graduation ceremonies. According to him, the mixing of undergraduate and graduate students at the Suakoko campus often creates traffic jams, and in some unfortunate cases, accidents that have caused injuries and even deaths. He assured the audience that steps were being taken to fix these long-standing issues.
Speaking for the graduating class, Wilmot Mason, President of Ku geh Geima, thanked the university leadership for the guidance given to them throughout their studies. He said the idea for the cafeteria came from the poor conditions students faced during their time at the graduate school. Mason explained that many of them were forced to eat in the open air, fighting off flies and dust. He said this was not safe and did not show respect for graduate students. The class, therefore, decided to take action, not only for themselves but for those who would come after them.
Mason gave details of the project, saying the cafeteria cost over six thousand United States dollars. He said it includes tiered seating, aluminium windows, marble floors, panel doors, a bathroom with running water, and other design improvements inside and outside. He encouraged other graduating classes to follow their path by leaving behind projects that will add value to the school. He told his classmates that education is not only about receiving knowledge but also about giving back.
The dedication of the cafeteria has been hailed as a major moment in the life of Cuttington Graduate School. It not only provides a safe and decent space for students but also strengthens the bond between the university and its graduates. The administration promised that the new facility will be improved further to make it a centre of learning, exchange, and fellowship.
The ceremony ended with applause and excitement as the ribbon was cut, marking the opening of the cafeteria and a new chapter in the story of the graduate school.