Published: February 20, 2026
Last updated: February 23, 2026
MONROVIA, Liberia — University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan will host a President’s Ball and Fundraising Event on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, as part of an ambitious effort to address longstanding infrastructure challenges confronting the nation’s premier public university.
The high-profile event, scheduled at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, forms a central component of UL’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, which officially began with a Thanksgiving Service on Feb. 15 at the Capitol Hill campus.
Beyond celebration, the evening is designed as a strategic fundraising drive to mobilize financial support for campus rehabilitation, modernization and institutional development.
A Dual Celebration
The event will also mark President Maparyan’s birthday, blending personal celebration with institutional advocacy.
Distinguished guests expected to attend include senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, corporate partners, alumni, faculty, students, staff and other key stakeholders. While attendance is strictly by invitation, sponsorship packages remain available, with opportunities to purchase seats and tables in support of the cause.
Infrastructure and Sustainability Agenda
Since her inauguration in January 2025, Maparyan has consistently underscored the urgency of diversifying UL’s revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability.
She has argued that a healthy, fully functional university must draw resources from multiple external sources, including grants, donations, philanthropic partnerships and fee-for-service initiatives.
The President’s Ball represents a practical step toward advancing that vision.
Leadership and Global Experience
Dr. Maparyan, the University of Liberia’s 16th president, was appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. following a rigorous vetting process. A distinguished scholar, she holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University and a Master of Science degree from Penn State University.
Her professional achievements include receiving the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community. Her connection to UL dates back to 2010, when she served as a Fulbright Specialist — an engagement that helped shape her long-standing commitment to academic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration.
Toward a Center of Excellence
Organizers describe the President’s Fundraising Ball as more than a ceremonial gathering — it is a pivotal step in transforming the University of Liberia into a modern center of excellence.
Members of the public, alumni and institutional partners are encouraged to lend their support, as proceeds from the event are expected to contribute to strengthening infrastructure, improving learning conditions and enhancing access to quality higher education.
The event is being organized with assistance from International Focus (iF) Magazine.
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