The University of Liberia (UL) is set to mark 75 years of academic excellence, leadership, and national impact, celebrating a legacy that has helped shape generations of Liberian leaders, innovators, and professionals.
Founded in 1862 as Liberia College and later transformed into the country’s flagship public university, UL’s evolution mirrors Liberia’s own historical journey, one marked by resilience, adaptation, and progress.
Addressing the media during a press conference on the university’s main campus, UL President Layli Maparyan, PhD, announced that the 75th anniversary will be commemorated on February 15, 2026. She emphasized that the milestone is not only about honoring the past but also about charting a bold path forward.
“We’re not just looking back—we’re looking forward,” Dr. Maparyan said. “The theme, ‘From Our Foundation to Our Future: UL at 75,’ reflects our commitment to transformation, growth, and positioning the University of Liberia for its next level of impact.”
She explained that the celebrations will be guided by the university’s “Five Es” ~ Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, and Ethics, principles that will shape a year-long program of reflection, celebration, and renewed ambition. According to her, the anniversary goes beyond UL itself and speaks directly to Liberia’s future, calling on alumni and partners to unite in support of the institution.
Dr. Maparyan underscored that UL is more than an academic institution, describing it as a beacon of hope that has served as the backbone of higher education in Liberia for over seven decades. During that time, the university has opened doors for countless Liberians to pursue education and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
She highlighted that UL’s impact is evident across virtually every sector of national life, including government, education, healthcare, law, media, and civil society. UL graduates, she noted, continue to distinguish themselves both at home and abroad—an enduring testament to the quality and relevance of the education they received.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the challenges UL has faced and overcome,” she added. “From periods of national instability to economic hardship, the university has endured, adapted, and evolved to meet the changing needs of Liberia.”
The 75th anniversary, Dr. Maparyan stressed, is both a celebration and a call to action—an invitation for stakeholders, alumni, and partners to invest in UL’s future. She expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions whose support over the years has sustained the university and enabled its continued growth.
Planned activities for the anniversary include a multifaith thanksgiving service, parades, exhibitions, cultural performances, and other commemorative events designed to bring the UL community together. One of the major highlights will be the President’s Ball, a landmark event expected to convene national leaders, alumni, and supporters in celebration of UL’s foundations and aspirations.
“As we embark on this journey, we invite everyone to be part of UL’s story,” Dr. Maparyan concluded. “Whether you are an alumnus, student, faculty member, or supporter, your role matters. Together, let’s make the next chapter of the University of Liberia its strongest yet as we prepare to celebrate 75 years of excellence, growth, and transformation on February 15, 2026.”
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