Darius Dillon, Dr. McCray and Associate Prof. Barbara Klitz in the Science Laboratory at University of Rhode Island
RHODE ISLAND/MONROVIA: A Liberian Student studying in the United States, Former Montserrado Senatorial Candidate and political activist, Abraham Darius Dillon has pleaded with two professors of Rhode Island University to lend support to the educational sector of Liberia especially the University of Liberia and other institutions of higher learning.
According to a dispatch from the United States of America, Mr. Dillon made the appeal when he paid a one-day official visit to the state of Rhode Island on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the invitation of Dr. John H. McCray, Jr., Vice Provost for Urban Programs & Associate Professor of Management Sciences at the University of Rhode Island.
The dispatch also furthered that during the visit, Mr. Dillon expressed gratitude to officials of the University for the invitation and warm reception. He expressed joy for being in the United States in his pursuit of higher and quality education as well as professional career.
“Other officials and Professors on hand to meet Mr. Dillon were Madam Barbara Klitz, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Graduate Cytopathology Program, Dr. Edward Bozzi, Associate Professor, Chemistry Administration, Biotechnology Management Program, Miss. Nadia Saadeh and Mr. Alan Rothman, all of the University of Rhode Island (Alan Shawn Feinstein Providence Campus),” the dispatch noted.
The US dispatch intoned that considering what the Liberian political activist saw at the university, especially the Science Laboratories, he made a passionate appeal for technical as well as financial assistance for institutions of higher learning in Liberia with specific emphasis on the University of Liberia.
The dispatch quoted Mr. Dillon as saying: “I will not shy away from the fact that these learning facilities are lacking in my country due to our civil conflict that lasted well over fourteen years. As a country and people, resilient in our resolve to ensure we make up for the lost years, we are seeking every needed support and assistance in this direction. It would please my heart were you to consider lending some technical support toward the educational sector of my country; especially to the State-owned University of Liberia. There are other institutions of higher learning that are contributing and helping to mold the minds of young and upcoming professionals. But, admittedly, these facilities are lacking. We have no state-of-the-art learning equipment such as the ones you have here. We are in dire need. Some of my compatriots lack the opportunity to acquire quality education due to lack of financial support. I appeal that you consider offering some scholarships to some deserving students in Liberia to come and have the benefit of acquiring such. We shall forever remain grateful. Please consider my country.”
For his part, Dr. McCray welcomed Mr. Dillon and commended him for the visit. Dr. McCray indicated that he has had a long-standing interest in the history of Liberia and recalled how the Late Liberian President William V. S. Tubman reportedly fought for freedom of Africa that witnessed the independence of many African Nations during his reign and afterwards. After the brief welcome protocol in Dr. McCray’s office, Mr. Dillon was taken on a guided tour to see the facilities of the campus.
Dr. McCray then reportedly expressed his interest in helping with the educational sector of Liberia and embraced Mr. Dillon’s invitation to visit Liberia to meet with heads of some relevant institutions as a means of working out modalities for technical cooperation between some institutions of Liberia and the University of Rhode Island.
The dispatch also disclosed that Dr. McCray is expected in Liberia early February 2013 at head of a high-profile delegation at which time he will seek to meet particularly with Dr. Emmett Dennis, President of the University of Liberia to foster a partnership between the University of Rhode Island and the University of Liberia. Mr. Dillon assured that he would do his utmost the contact Dr. Dennis and heads of other relevant institutions of higher learning to inform them about Dr. McCray’s impending visit to Liberia.
At the same time, two United States Congressmen of the State of Rhode Island certificated Mr. Abraham Darius Dillon on the same day during his visit. Congressman Jack Reed said he was certificating Mr. Dillon for his dedication and service to the people of Liberia”.
On the other hand, Congressman Sheldon Whitehouse said: “In honor of your advocacy on behalf of the people of Liberia, I am pleased to present you this Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.”
Mr. Dillon, according to the dispatch, expressed delight over the awards and said his motto has always been and remains “Liberia First”. He promised to keep advocating for the people of Liberia as his way of contributing his quota.
Mr. Darius Dillon is currently pursuing his undergraduate studies at the Strayer University on the Christiana Campus in the State of Delaware, United States of America.
ReplyDarius Dillion is a young man who has always shown leadership and love his country. I have followed his activities and I am not surprised at his latest moves. Continue being selfless and your reward is not far. BRAVO!
ReplyWhen I supported Dillon in 2009, in his bid for the Liberian Senate, I did so with no doubt that he could have done better for Montserrado and Liberia in general... His advocacy for social justice and better living standard for the underprivileged, etc., strenghten my resolve to support him any day... I'm not surprised!!!!!!
Reply"Mr.Dillion, you have exemplify an attitude of a Nationalist. Liberia and I are proud of you. Remain blessed in your endeavors."
ReplyThanks to you all for the kind sentiments and commendation. We owe a duty to our country and people. We can do it. "YES, WE CAN".
ReplyYour Reward Is In Glory Dillon!!!
Keep On The Good Work And Advocacy For The Poor!!
May God Almighty Continue To Bless You As You Learn New Things!!
I'm Also Not Too Surprise!!!
ReplyBro Dillion, keep up your focus in seeing Liberia become a different nation in this 21st century. As the Holy Bible states "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with me, to give every one according to his work." (Rev 22:12)
Bro AB, your reward is coming soon from the Liberian youth!
ReplyGreat job dear friend. One does not have to be a Minister to engage in such positive minded venture. You have just disgraced the million of critics sitting in diaspora and know nothing but to condemn and lambast others as if to say they too cannpt emulate your good example. This is leadership mehn................!
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Abraham Darius Dilloin is the man of our time. Continue to do what you do best, my friend. Advocate for your country selflessly. This is what you are known and loved for. Your campaign for GENERATIONAL CHANGE will come to pass.
ReplyEducation! Education! Yes this is the primary solution to all of the problems overflowing in Liberia. Thanks Dillon for the awareness.
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This is a laudable effort....and it tells a lot about the man behind the appeal. Bravo Hon. Abraham Darius Dillon. You are a visionary with your country at heart.