In a dispatch from Shanon L. Hader MD, MPH -Dean and Professor of American University, Washington, DC, United States of America, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone have 18th May 2023 received the American University’s Global Alumni Leader Award. The dispatch reads –
Your Excellency,
As President of Sierra Leone, your leadership has made an enormous difference for the people of Sierra Leone and has become a model for other nations. Being known as the “Father of Democracy” and always driven by a passion to serve your country, your contributions to the restoration of democracy and the attainment of peace in Sierra Leone cannot be overstated. Your philanthropy and humanitarian work also are worthy of recognition.
This year, in celebration of your important work, we would like to honour you with American University’s Global Alumni Leader Award. This award was newly established in 2022 to celebrate alumni whose substantial impact on society exemplifies Au’s tradition of service and leadership in the context of a global community.
American University alumni and students continually distinguish themselves through service and leadership, and an ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities. As part of our strategic plan, Changemakers for a Changing World, AU is driving the kind of change that our world needs. And you are an illustrious example of -and for – AU changemakers.
At American University, we enjoy a great tradition of sharing stories of alumni through our annual alumni awards program, which seeks to highlight AU Eagles whose stories align with the institution’s values and our Change Can’t-Wait campaign priorities. I sincerely hope you will be able to accept this award. The ceremony will take place on May 18, 2023. We invite you to join us by video link or to record your acceptance, should travelling to our campus not be possible. (Of course, if you are able to travel to campus, we would welcome you warmly! But we are aware these are busy times for you and your country, and hope that you will accept this award with our strong appreciation.)
Please confirm that you accept this award, and do let us know if you will be able to join via live video link or by pre-recorded video, (or in person)
My colleagues will follow up shortly to share more information. In the meantime, thank you for your important work. We are grateful to have you as part of the American University Family.
END
PEL Koroma
Embassy of Sierra Leone
Washington, DC