O n Saturday May 3, 2008 Indiana
University
conferred an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree on President, Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf.
Indiana
University
President Michael McRobbie expressed that
President Sirleaf had an illustrious career
and
had
achieved
many accolades in the
face of adversity. A
social event held at the
Wells House on Bloom-
ington's
campus
in
honor
of
President
Sirleaf, was attended
by members of the
Liberian Association of
Indiana. We were
invited by the Liberian
Studies Association. They
requested from us an
RSVP of
twenty-five
Liberians
from Indi-
ana. Through thought-
ful
evaluation,
the
Executive Board of the
Liberian
Association selected a broad spectrum of
Liberians. Our goal was try to reach
someone within every sector of our
community. The selection process itself
was an exercise in unity. We also
extended one slot each to the Presidents of
the Liberian Associations of Columbus and
Illinois. Columbus was able to attend, but
Illinois was unable to make the trip.
Although we would have preferred to take
everyone, we were restricted by constraints
beyond our control. Our hosts needed to
have a predictable ex-
pectation in order to
have
a
successful
event. Also anytime a
head-of-state is involved
there are security con-
cerns
that must be
respected. The delega-
tion of Liberians from
Indiana, convened on the
south-side of Indianapolis
and embarked on our
journey to Bloomington
in
caravan of
vehi-
cles. Because of the rela-
tive short distance to
Bloomington, we felt it
appropriate to car-pool.
We arrived well before
the
start
of
the
program and were warmly greeted by our
hosts. After being ushered into the Wells
House reception hall, we mingled freely
with fellow Liberians and friends of Liberia
Written by Varnie N’jola Karmo, Secretary
Continued on page 5
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (photo courtesy IN-Univ)
2
promote national unity and reconciliation.
But, the TRC process has not be