Published: November 24, 2025
PAYNESVILLE – Starz University held its eighth annual honors and awards ceremony on Saturday, November 22, setting the tone for its upcoming graduation by celebrating academic excellence, dedicated service, and humanitarian impact. The event, held at the Shatim Event Center in Paynesville, brought together government officials, international partners, parents, educators, entertainers, and distinguished guests.
During the ceremony, Founder and Board Chairman Ambassador Latim Dathong delivered a powerful message to the graduating class, reminding them that true success is measured not by wealth or academic honors, but by the lives they change.
“Let me tell you young people tonight – it is not enough to acquire wealth, to acquire education in life because the measure of your life is how many people you uplift along the way,” Ambassador Dathong said. “That’s the true measure of your life; that money or the ten PhDs should reflect on the number of people you will help along the way.”
Ambassador Dathong urged graduates to demonstrate patriotism, unity, and humanity as they progress in their careers. He emphasized that while everyone must eventually face mortality, legacies endure through service and compassion.
“If you have a million or billion dollar and you don’t help anybody, it is worthless – that’s the true measure of humanitarian,” he said, reinforcing the importance of selflessness in leadership and national growth.
He emphasized two essential pillars for a country to thrive: academic excellence and humanitarian action. According to him, nations become innovative and successful when their citizens are well-educated, and communities grow stronger when those who succeed dedicate themselves to lifting others.
“That is why tonight, we will celebrate many humanitarians,” he added, noting that honorees were being recognized not simply for financial contributions but for integrating business skills with meaningful service to society.
Ambassador Dathong emphasized that each award recipient achieved distinction through merit, noting that students met rigorous academic standards, including completing at least 132 credit hours across eight semesters.
He used the moment to challenge the common belief that Liberia lacks professional educators, asserting that young Liberian professionals emerging from local institutions are proving otherwise. With more than 20 years of experience in Liberia and the United States, he argued that the vibrancy and output of today’s students reflect the strength of the nation’s academic sector.
He congratulated the honorees and thanked the institution’s administrative, teaching, and support staff for their dedication ahead of the formal graduation ceremony set for Tuesday, November 25 in Monrovia.
This year’s recognitions spanned several distinguished categories. Starz University honored outstanding teachers, customer service agents, administrators, academic achievers, and humanitarian figures whose contributions reflect the institution’s mission.
The Starz Leadership Award recognized a student whose commitment to service, vision for positive change, and active engagement in student affairs made a measurable impact on campus. The Customer Service Award highlighted agents whose professionalism and dedication strengthened the trust and satisfaction of students and partners.
The Honors Society Award acknowledged students who maintained exemplary academic performance, demonstrated innovation, and earned nomination through the Department of Research and Development with approval from the university president.
The institution also celebrated exceptional educators through the Starz Best Teacher and Best Administrator Awards, honoring those who exemplified innovation, leadership, and extraordinary service beyond the classroom.
Humanitarians who have dedicated their lives to bettering their communities were also recognized for their compassion, tireless efforts, and ability to inspire change.
The prestigious Latim Dathong Academic and Excellence Award was presented to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and strong conduct, while the Starz Legend Award— the university’s highest honor — celebrated transformative leaders whose influence extends beyond personal achievement to national and even global impact.
The event ended with speeches from honorees in all award categories. They praised Ambassador Dathong and the Starz University administration for their consistent commitment to youth development, educational progress, and national growth.
Many expressed gratitude for the opportunities and inspiration the university has provided, noting that its emphasis on both professional excellence and humanitarian values has equipped them to become leaders with purpose.
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