Liberian Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Chris Toe To Deliver Strayer University Commencement Address
Graduates Will Also Hear From Doug McKelway, Morning News Anchor of WJLA Channel 7
FAIRFAX, June 28, 2008
Strayer University, a leading post-secondary adult education institution, awarded degrees to more than 7,000 adult students – a record for the 116-year-old University – at four regional ceremonies in 2008. Strayer University is hosting a 10 a.m. ceremony for Bachelor’s candidates and a 3 p.m. ceremony for Master’s and Associate candidates.
Toe joined the new government of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to play a key role in the rebuilding of the war-torn West African country. In his address, Toe reminded graduates that an education is not only a personal investment, but a means to give back to one’s community. Prior to taking on his role as Minister of Agriculture, Toe served as the 12th President of Strayer University.
"I am reminded every day of the power and necessity of education,” Toe said. "Knowledge afforded by a formal education gives one perspective on the world and the ability to make decisions, however small or large, that will have a lasting effect one’s community, nation and the world."
During the University’s morning ceremony, Doug McKelway, long-time morning news anchor of WJLA Channel 7, discussed the value of ongoing intellectual growth throughout one’s lifetime.
"Adults who have returned to the college classroom have made an important investment in themselves and their careers,” said McKelway, who co-anchors Good Morning Washington and ABC7 News at Noon. "I urge graduates to continue expanding their knowledge even after their formal education is complete. Nothing is more valuable in this world than an active and inquisitive mind both to sustain yourself and to grow your professional potential."
McKelway comes from a long-line of Washington journalists, which includes his grandfather who was the editor of The Evening Star throughout much of the 20th Century. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and is a graduate of The Landon School in Bethesda, Md., and Skidmore College in Saratoga, N.Y., where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Strayer University President Dr. Sondra Stallard added that commencement is a time of celebration and contemplation.
"Our graduates have not only earned degrees by which they can advance their careers—they have built on life experiences that prepare them to make unique contributions," Stallard said. "Commencement is a time when they can look forward to applying lessons learned in the classroom to expand the possibilities in their own lives and in the lives of others."