“DON'T LEAVE IT UP TO PRESIDENT SIRLEAF ALONE" – Hon. David A. Straz, Jr.

Southfield, Michigan, May 2007 – A philanthropist, Hon. David A. Straz, Jr., has urged Liberians “to take the lead in helping to rebuild the country and not leave it up to President Sirleaf alone.” Mr. Straz, an Honorary Consul General, Republic of Liberia, and Ambassador at Large to Central and South America, made the remarks shortly after receiving the CWA-AA, USA Iceberg Crystal Eagle Award for his commitment and dedication to education and the visual and performing arts; and for his generous contribution of $200,000 for the complete renovation of CWA. He promised his personal periodic visits and supervision of the ongoing renovation project.

The Ceremony which marked the culmination of events of the 15th. Annual Reunion events of the College of West Africa Alumni Association, USA was held at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Southfield, Michigan; hosted by the Michigan Chapter under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. The award was presented to Hon. Straz by Liberia's Ambassador to Brussels, Belgium, Ambassador Youngor Telewoda; herself an alum of CWA.

Hon Straz, who was accompanied by Baron Gottfried von Bree, said he felt honored and privileged. In accepting the award, he expressed sincere and heartfelt gratitude to CWA-AA, USA for bestowing upon him such honors and pledged his fullest support, loyalty and involvement to the complete renovation of the historic institution. He praised President Sirleaf for the excellent job she is doing in Liberia to bring Liberia back from the shambles of war; while cautioning Liberians "not to leave the reconstruction of Liberia to President Sirleaf alone." Mr. Straz further praised Ambassador Telewoda for her instrumentality in getting him involved in the rebuilding efforts of CWA.

He then called upon the newly elected leadership of CWA-AA, USA led by National President, Mrs. Sylvia Henri Wonasue, and members of the Executive Board to work exceptionally hard for the historic institution which he described as a major landmark of Liberia and Africa.

In response, CWA-AA, USA’s President, Sylvia Henri Wonasue, thanked Honorable Straz for the contribution and outstanding generosity toward CWA. She invoked God’s blessings upon his Foundation in a bid to open more doors for the human capital via the young Liberians.

At the event, the General Sponsorship Program was also launched to assist performing students with financial needs at CWA, and provide incentives for all teachers. In the inaugural exercise of the fund, Hon. Straz matched dollar-for-dollar the amount that was collected for the program.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Foundation through negotiations with Ambassador Telewoda in Brussels, contributed the sum of US$200.000.00 in November, 2006 for the complete renovation of the historic College of West Africa in Monrovia.

All CWA alumni are encouraged to participate in the advancement of the association. www.cwa-foxes-den.com