KWEE Liberian Literary Magazine Jan. Iss. Vol. 0115 Feb Vol. 0215 | Page 47

Liberian Literary Magazine the dry-season, but because of imminent climate change, the residence of Monrovia or the entire country is experiencing two days of nonstop rain in this dry season with expectation of more rain to come. Faculty guest speaker Mr. D. K. Johnson (Associate Dean, Dept. of Mathematics) discussed mathematics as the universal language and made the audience aware that we all speak this universal language in our everyday activities. He also challenged all, especially the female students to increase the numbers of those speaking the language of mathematics in order to enhance their participation in the science and engineering fields, and to help solidify their roles in the national development of Liberia. Dr. Ophelia Weeks, Dean of the T.J.R. Faulkner College of Science and Technology thanked the students and expressed profound appreciation for a job well done by all of the student presenters. She welcomed and thanked the primary and high school students and their chaperons for being present. There were five schools with 85 students represented from 1) the Promoting Liberian literature, Arts and Culture Lott Cary Mission School from Brewerville, 2) Len Miller High School from Monrovia, 3) Confidence School from the Cooper Farm Fendall Community, 4) School of Prime System in Paynesville City, and 5) Rick Institute in Brewerville. The Dean also thanked all the professors present and encourage everyone bot h teachers and students to become active supporters of STEM education and encourage others to do so in the interest of adequate participation in the sciences by all and for the development of Liberia. The day long first University of Liberia STEM Symposium ended with the five hundred plus students in attendance taking full advantage of item 13 on the agenda commonly referred to in Liberia as the “food to eat time”. STEM in Liberia, the first of its kind, was the most well attended academic event I have ever attended since coming back to Liberia four years ago. And believe me, I have attended several educational events – but this one was special since it was planned and implemented by students. The students at the University of Liberia, especially the ones in the 33 natural and applied sciences have what it takes to be the best students in Liberia. All they need is our show of interest and commitment to support them in their pursuit of academic excellence. Primary sponsors of the STEM Symposium were: Dr. Emmett C. Dennis (Southern Connecticut State University Mathematics Department) and Mr. Preston M. Tulay (University of Liberia Engineering Division) The STEM Dare to ALL Liberians here and abroad. Contact: [email protected]