Fendall, Liberia — The Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Liberia officially dedicated its newly refurbished Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer Faculty Lounge and Dean’s Office on Friday, June 5, 2026, in a ceremony aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering a stronger academic community.
The newly refurbished and redesigned Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer Faculty Lounge, along with the Dean’s Office of the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Liberia, was officially dedicated on Friday, June 5, 2026. These revitalized spaces are intended to enhance administrative workflows, provide comfortable environments, and foster an academic community.
In his welcome remarks, the Dean of the College, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Josephus M. Gray, announced that the project was funded by a US$5,000 financial assistance from the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) through the Director-General, Hon. Dewitt B. vonBallmoos. Dr. Gray also noted that Hon. vonBallmoos’ generous support on three separate occasions has significantly contributed to the College’s growth, enhancing academic excellence and the quality of teaching and learning at the University of Liberia. “The Sawyer College community is deeply grateful to Hon. vonBallmoos,” he said.
Dr. Gray explained that the dedicated facilities have been specifically redesigned to alleviate pressure on the Dean’s Office, thereby allowing the administrative leadership to operate more effectively. He highlighted that the former Dean’s office has been transformed into the Dean’s Conference Room, creating more space for interactive sessions with department chairpersons, faculty members, students, and staff. This redesigned project aims to reduce pressure on the Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer Faculty Lounge, which is heavily utilized by the University community.
The Faculty Lounge accommodates approximately 100 individuals, while the Dean’s Conference Room is designed to host about 30 attendees, making it suitable for major meetings, in-person VIP discussions, strategic planning, and presentations. Meanwhile, the Dean’s new office has been modernized to reflect the status of the Doyen of Deans at the nation’s flagship university, featuring new furniture, glass partitions, and a flexible seating layout.
Dr. Gray took the opportunity to express special gratitude to the Director-General of NASSCORP and the entire institution’s family. He also conveyed appreciation from the President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan, to NASSCORP for its support in the growth of the university.
The vibrant ceremony attracted a diverse audience, including students from various campuses of the University of Liberia, department chairpersons, faculty members, staff, deans, UL Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, Chairperson of the UL Board of Trustees Hon. Numene T.H. Bartekwa, Dean Prof. Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Hon. Dewitt B. vonBallmoos, Cllr. William (a member of the NASSCORP Board of Directors), and several senior professors from Sawyer College.
During the event, the student body of the Amos C. Sawyer College unveiled the official portrait of the late Prof. Agnes Nebo vonBallmoos, who dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching at Liberia College. Concurrently, the College recognized the significant contributions of NASSCORP’s Director-General, honoring him for his continued support of the institution.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Dean’s Office and redesigned Faculty Lounge was performed by Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa and Hon. vonBallmoos.
In brief remarks, UL Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, UL Board Chair Hon. Bartekwa, and NASSCORP Director-General Hon. vonBallmoos commended the Dean and the leadership of Sawyer College for their visionary projects. In his special remarks, Hon. vonBallmoos expressed gratitude to the Dean, academic staff, and students for their dedication to these initiatives, which he described as a significant advancement for the College. He encouraged the Dean to maintain ongoing communication with NASSCORP for future support.
The UL Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Bartekwa, lauded the College leadership, faculty members, staff, and students, with special appreciation to the Dean for his leadership and positive development of the College. He further praised NASSCORP and its Director-General Hon. vonBallmoos for their continued commitment to academic excellence and quality education.
The UL Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, admonished the students of the University of Liberia to strive for academic excellence and used the ceremony to extend the institution’s appreciation to NASSCORP.
The renovated and redesigned Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer Faculty Lounge will serve not only academic purposes but will also host various extracurricular activities and function as the College’s archive. It features portraits of past Presidents of Liberia College, past and current Deans of both Liberia College and Sawyer College, as well as current Chairpersons. Additionally, the center displays portraits of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, former President George Weah, past Presidents of the University of Liberia, Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer, and Mrs. Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer.
The redesigned Faculty Lounge will next week Monday, June 8, 2026, host this year’s Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer Academic Lecture Series at 10:30 a.m. in Fendall. The series is being organized by the College student uniform association with support from the Dean’s Office.
