GBARNGA — Cuttington University’s Alumni Association (CUAA) is spearheading a $50,000 renovation project to improve the Rally Hall women’s dormitory on the university’s Suakoko campus in Bong County.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The dormitory, which was severely damaged by fire in 2019, is being transformed to better serve students.
During the weekend of February 21-23, CUAA President Mydea White Simmons led a tour of the renovation site for alumni and faculty as part of the university’s 136th Founders’ Day and Homecoming celebrations. The event, which attracted more than 250 attendees, included various activities, such as a church service, sports events, and entertainment at Kpatawee Waterfalls, all under the theme “Making Cuttington Visible.”
Through the efforts of the CUAA and the Cuttington University Alumni Association in the Americas (CUAAA), nearly $50,000 has been raised for the project, which includes converting six dormitory rooms into small suites.
Each suite will feature a private bathroom, with two two-bedroom apartments also under construction. The renovation includes a new roof, iron bars, and plans to build six additional bathrooms in Lower Rally Dormitory during the July break.
In addition, CUAA is constructing four one-bedroom apartments in the Upper Rally section that was damaged by the 2019 fire. These improvements reflect the association’s dedication to enhancing the university’s infrastructure and student accommodations.
The Rally Hall Dormitory, originally built in 1978 by Liberia’s late President William R. Tolbert, holds significant historical value to the university.
When White Simmons took over as president of the CUAA in 2023, she expressed a commitment to modernizing the campus to attract more students.
After completing the Rally Hall renovation, the association plans to address infrastructure needs in other dormitories, including building six bathrooms in Harris Hall.
White Simmons emphasized that the improvements are part of a broader initiative to modernize Cuttington and enhance the student experience.
“We want to improve the dormitory life so that students can return to campus, fostering the sense of community that sets Cuttington apart from other institutions,” she said.
She acknowledged that outdated facilities and lack of amenities had contributed to students living off-campus, impacting the unique boarding school atmosphere that Cuttington is known for.
Reflecting on her own experiences in Rally Hall as a student in the 1980s, White Simmons said her goal is to bring the university into the 21st century. “To move with the times, we must make changes. We can’t keep doing things the old way,” she stated.
The newly renovated dormitory now has electricity supplied by Nimba, and the alumni and university administration have also invested in solar power to further improve campus life.
White Simmons affirmed that the CUAA will continue to collaborate with CU President Dr. Romelle A. Horton and her team to prioritize additional campus projects.
President Horton thanked the alumni for their ongoing support, stating, “The alumni association never forgets where they came from. It’s about giving back. Together, we will continue to make Cuttington great.”
White Simmons urged alumni worldwide to continue supporting the university to ensure its continued success and growth.
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