| Smythe Smiles At 11 |
| Published on May 24, 2010 | Email To Friend Print Version
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Hundreds of students, alumni and administrators of the Smythe Institute of Management and Technology (SIMT) Friday, May 21, 2010 paraded, danced and jubilated in commemoration of the institute’s 11th founding anniversary in Monrovia.
The jubilating family paraded in the street from the institute’s 16th Street’s campus to the Capitol Bye-Pass, before converging on the campus for an indoor program that was characterized by singing and dancing of gospel music, fundraiser and honoring of several personalities for their contributions to the institute’s survival.
Since its establishment on May 5, 1999, Smythe has graduated at least 500 students (a meaningful contribution to the country’s human resource capacity) who are contributing in many sectors of the country’s development, officials said.
Friday was the first time the institution officially observed its founding anniversary, according to its co-founder and President Richmond S. Anderson.
Making an opening statement, an enthusiastic Anderson said the college has not been able to celebrate its founding anniversary during these years because it has been “fighting for survival and struggling to make impact in society”.
He said enemies of progress stood in the way of the institute, lobbying for its closure, but “Smythe has finally triumphed” thereby evoking a need for celebration.
“We are celebrating because we are constructing a new complex… because our enemies have failed…because all over Liberia our products are working…because of our pride and dignity, because we can smile…”Mr. Anderson stated to the pleasure of the jubilating audience of students, alumni and staff.
Mr. Anderson boasted that “Smythe has made history” and will continue to do so, especially by producing graduates who will compete with counterparts from other higher institutions of learning providing the same level of education in the country.
Smythe offers Associate Degrees in the fields of Humanities, Business, General Administration, Science & Technology and Health sciences.
Reading the College’s history, student Femia Farr said following its establishment in 1999, SIMT attained a college status from the National Commission of Higher Education. Its Nursing department was two years later accredited a one of the Nursing Schools in Liberia.
The institute has a mission to train middle-level professionals to meaningfully contribute to the social-economic development of the country, she said.
Meanwhile, the Institute on Friday recognized and certificated several personalities including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Bong Senator Joel Howard Taylor, Dr. James N. Kollie of the University of Liberia, Sinoe County Senator Mabuto V. Nyenpan among others for their meaningful contribution to the survival and sustainability of Smythe.
A fundraiser was also held to support construction of the institute’s new campus in Gbengba’s Town (Robertfield Highway). D K Sengbeh writes; 231 6 586 531, dakasen1978@yahoo.com
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