January 5, 2009 

Virginia---Ricks Institute’s dining hall recently received a noticeable enhancement when the Ricks Institute Alumni  Association in the United States (RIAA) donated new sets of furniture valued at US$7,500.00. This donation brought visible improvement to the institution’s dining hall as all of its furniture were either looted or damaged during the 14+ years Liberian civil war. More than 210 residential students that eat three times daily in the dining hall expressed deep appreciation since the new contemporary style furniture replaced the wrecked furniture, which they were using. Parents, campus visitors and the entire Ricks community continue to express admiration over the pertinent facelift the dining hall has received as a result of this donation.

Making the donation, Mr. David Thomas, Chair of RIAA who also serves on the Ricks advisory board, stated, “The alumni association is excited about the work taking place at Ricks. We are proud to be associated with an educational program at Ricks that is committed to teaching and nurturing Liberia’s future leaders. Our donation is a small gesture of our support.” He congratulated the Ricks administration for what he called “the splendid work they are doing.” Mr. Thomas reaffirmed the association’s commitment in supporting their beloved alma mater. Ricks Institute extends immense gratitude to the RIAA for this valuable and timely contribution. In response to the donation, Rev. Olu Menjay, Principal and Chief Administrative Officer of Ricks Institute said, “this donation is another testimony of the dependable and relevant support the school continues to receive from the alumni. The alumni association is an integral supporter of the school.” He further stated, “we remain extremely grateful for this selfless initiative that will serve as an excellent example for our current students who are encouraged to give
back.”

The RIAA, USA, which celebrates its 20 years of existence, is one of the vibrant Liberia’s secondary school alumni associations based in the United States. Its primary objective is to offer ceaseless support and encouragement to Ricks Institute.