Dr. Deborah Rose Inspires UMU Graduates with Global Vision at 21st Commencement
Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Deborah Rose, President of the Helping Africa Foundation (HAF), has urged United Methodist University (UMU) graduates to embrace education as a transforming bridge to global citizenship and human connection in her stirring and profoundly introspective commencement speech.
Dr. Rose impressed the audience at the university’s 21st commencement convocation on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with personal stories, philosophical observations, and a passionate plea for multidisciplinary education, cultural awareness, and a lifelong curiosity.
Quoting author Thornton Wilder, she defined education as “the bridge a person crosses from the self-enclosed, self-favoring life into a consciousness of the entire community of humankind,” urging the Class of 2025 to move beyond individual ambition toward collective responsibility.
Dr. Rose emphasised the value of language and cultural immersion with examples from her own life, including her early exposure to French and Spanish and a pivotal student exchange experience in Constitution, Chile. She claimed that encounter changed her perspective on the world and reaffirmed the importance of humility, flexibility, and global knowledge.
She encouraged young people to embrace diversity and cross-cultural interaction while stressing that learning many languages broadens perspective and that “each one embeds a different worldview.” Reflecting on her academic experiences at universities like Yale University and the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Rose also emphasised the need of multidisciplinary education.
She argued that a liberal arts education is crucial for surviving in the rapidly evolving, technologically advanced world of today. She emphasised the need of teamwork and lifelong learning, reminding graduates that true understanding comes not just from teachers but also from peers and students, citing a Talmudic principle.
Her speech struck a deep chord with UMU’s student-centered culture, which emphasizes developing well-rounded people ready to serve both local and international communities. However, Dr. Rose encouraged graduates to remain open-minded, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning, reminding them that education is not merely a personal achievement, but a tool for building a more just, peaceful, and interconnected world.
For his part, the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Samuel J. Quire Jr. praised the graduates for persevering through challenges, calling their academic journey a testament to faith and determination. He reminded them that their contributions to their communities should be the primary indicator of success rather than their wealth or social standing.
“Do not destroy the system so you can survive. Fix it, strengthen it, and let your life be defined by the lives you uplift,” the bishop cautioned.
The ceremony brought together university leadership, faculty, families, and dignitaries to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class, marking another milestone in UMU’s mission to develop future leaders for Liberia and beyond.
Reported by: Prince Saah
