Three Ghanaians get their masters at the University of Toledo

The day was bright, sunny and friendly and Savage Hall was full to the brim as the clock?s seconds went 2: 59: 57, 58, and 59 went with the name Emmanuel Gbaruk, he rose and walked majestically splendid to the dace to grab his MBA degree. One couldn?t tell whether his walk was to the tune of the deafening cheers and hand claps of the thousands of friends and families who gathered to witness the occasion or it was the celebration of his hard work.

The same enthusiastic and passionate walk was witness the receipt of other two Ghanaian guys who received their maters earlier in the morning, in the same Hall. Last Saturday May 6, 2006 was marked as memorial in the lives of Ebenezer Kyei who graduated in Master of Public Administration (MPA), Ben A Cofie (not former GFA chairman) in Master Arts in Mathematics and Emmanuel Liyoobe Gbaruk in Master of Business Administration (MBA). All of them had their first degrees in Ghana. Emmanuel and Kyei had their first degree from the University of Ghana while Ben had his from KNUST.

Addressing the graduands which included hundreds of first degrees and associates, Daniel Johnson, the President of the University of Toledo acknowledged the long and difficult journey they have come this far. He expressed his hope that the challenges they have faced and the obstacles they have overcome have made them wiser and stronger and have increased their resolve and dedication to their dreams. He also added that the commencement (graduation) not only marked the completion of an important chapter in their lives, but also marked a new beginning.

The University of Toledo was established in 1872 by Jesup W. Scott as a small institution serving the State. It has metamorphosed into a nationalized, comprehensive, doctoral granting metropolitan research university. The University offers instructions and majors in 8 academic colleges administering 17 doctoral, 9 specialist, approximately 90 masters, approximately 100 baccalaureate, and 8 associates programs. Its students come from almost all the States, and about 100 countries worldwide.

In deed the new beginning in their lives began immediately they left the campus and joined friends and loved one in their various locations. A p arty was organized by Emmanuel where dozens of Ghanaians, Nigerians, Liberians, Yemenis and Americans gathered to not only enjoy themselves but also interact and make networking. The new graduates were advised by Ghanaian professionals who work at General Motors IBM, Goodyear Corporation etc.

The good news to Ghana is that these graduates plan to return to Ghan and help develop the economy. Emmanuel, who is also a certified banker and worked with Standard Chartered Bank at its Accra High Street Headquarters for several years, stated that he will return this year. Kyei plans to work here for a year to gain more experience before returning home to work at the Ministry of Health.