Suakoko, Bong County — Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. has challenged graduates of Cuttington University’s 64th Commencement Convocation to recognize that success in life extends far beyond earning an academic degree, stressing that character, responsibility, and service are the true foundations of lasting achievement.
Delivering the keynote address on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the university’s main campus in Suakoko, Bong County, Vice President Koung reflected on his own journey from a humble upbringing to Liberia’s second-highest office, encouraging the Class of 2026 to embrace responsibility and remain committed to serving their communities and country.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond the Degree: Character, Responsibility and Service,” Koung described the occasion as a homecoming, recalling his years as a student at Cuttington University and the experiences that shaped his leadership and values.
“It is good to be home,” he said. “This is the place that helped shape my character. It taught me responsibility and instilled in me the conviction that service is the highest expression of our call to humanity.”
The Vice President reminisced about student life, including chapel services, student leadership debates, matriculation bonfires, and gatherings at the student center, saying those memories embodied the university’s motto, Sancte et Sapiente—”Holy and Wise.”
Addressing the graduates, Koung reminded them that while academic qualifications may create opportunities, they are not enough to sustain success.
“Your degree may open doors, but it is your character that will keep those doors open,” he declared. “Your degree may help you secure a position, but it is your sense of responsibility that will determine how far you go. Your commitment to service will ultimately define your legacy.”
Sharing his personal story, the Vice President recounted growing up in poverty between Grand Bassa and Nimba counties, where financial hardship forced him to delay university enrollment after graduating from high school in 2001.
As the eldest son in his family, Koung said he worked to support his younger siblings before pursuing higher education. Beginning at age 12, he sold cane juice, gasoline, medicines, and other goods to help sustain his family.
Despite achieving financial stability through business, Koung said he recognized that education remained an investment rather than an expense. He enrolled at Cuttington University in 2006, financing his own studies.
While at the university, fellow students encouraged him to seek leadership, resulting in his election as president of his graduating class.
According to Koung, that experience transformed his understanding of leadership.
“It taught me that leadership is not about titles; leadership is about service,” he said. “Confidence grows when responsibility is accepted.”
He explained that the confidence and leadership skills developed at Cuttington laid the foundation for his political career, which saw him serve two terms as Representative for Nimba County, later as Senator, and now as Vice President under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.
Koung urged graduates to take ownership of their futures, emphasizing that opportunities often come without recognition or applause.
“There will be moments when nobody applauds you or notices your sacrifices,” he said. “In those moments, your character will speak louder than your credentials.”
The Vice President also encouraged graduates to become entrepreneurs and job creators instead of relying solely on government employment. He noted that expanding Liberia’s private sector remains one of the government’s key strategies for addressing unemployment.
“As someone who came from the private sector, I am honored to work alongside President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., whose vision is to build Liberian entrepreneurs capable of driving private sector growth,” Koung said. “Begin thinking about business ideas and make the most of the opportunities our government is creating.”
Concluding his address, the Vice President urged the graduates to move forward with confidence, purpose, integrity, responsibility, and a spirit of service, expressing optimism that the nation’s future would be strengthened through their contributions.
“Go forward knowing that the future of Liberia is brighter because of you,” he said before congratulating the Class of 2026.
The 64th Commencement Convocation brought together government officials, university administrators, faculty, alumni, students, parents, and distinguished guests to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026.
