Lastly, MentorSciNet will provide an E- Job Assistance program for unemployed Ward Fund beneficiaries. Students can submit a summary of their qualifications and members of the Ward Fund or Ward Fund mentors with provide leads on jobs that match qualifications.

For Immediate Release
Contact Person: Vickie E. Ward
Phone: 703-944-9725

The Victor E. Ward Educational Fund Celebrates 6 Years in Grand Style!

North Brunswick, NJ – October 9, 2006 – The Victor E. Ward Memorial Educational Fund, the organization named for the late Victor E. Ward, former Chairman of the Chemistry Department at the University of Liberia and Liberia’s first chemist, turned 6 years old and celebrated in a big way this past weekend. The Officers and members of The Ward Fund made up of Ward family members and close friends of the family, hosted their 5th Annual Crystal Awards Gala at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe Township, New Jersey

Guests enjoyed an extraordinary evening of mouth-watering food, entertainment with musical selections from singers Ernest Bruce and Princess Pakeel Baldwin. Mrs. Jurudoe Martin, wife of Rev. Charles Levi Martin led the runway in the Fall Fantasy of Fashion – African style, and as always, DJ Jaak Norman dazzled guests with his impeccable DJ style and choice of music.

During the evening, The Ward Fund’s Chairperson, Vickie Ward and Vice Chair, Vivian Ward Worjloh took a moment to recognize two loyal donors to the Ward Fund: Stephen A. Tolbert and Frank Tolin. Vickie Ward told the audience, “Although we appreciate our other donors who may give a one-time gift or a gift once every other year, Steve and Frank are regular donors who do not miss a year.” Ms. Ward, in her chair report told the guests that The Ward Fund will be dedicating a Memorial Wall at the University of Liberia in December to commemorate the life works of her father and the two other professors (James Bowier and Albert Sinewah) who were killed during the 1990 Liberian war. Ms. Mona Bedell, The Ward Fund’s Scholarship Committee Chairperson, recognized those donors making gifts in the last year.

The Ward Fund honored three Liberian women of influence: Stephanie Horton, writer; Angela Peabody, journalist and Emira Woods, policy specialist with regards to Africa and Africans. Emira Woods received the Woman of the Year Award, and Ms. Horton was honored for her e-journal of Liberian writings, www.liberiaseabreeze.com. Accepting the Literary Arts award in Ms. Horton’s absence was Wayetu Moore, A Howard University student and writer. Angela Peabody was honored for her work in journalism, particularly her magazine, Global Woman. Receiving the Fund’s Humanitarian award were The Honorable Joseph Newsome, Former member, House of Representative, Rhode Island and Donna Ferrucci. (posthumous). Ms. Ferrucci’s sister, Kathie Schrek accepted the award. Lastly, the coveted Victor E. Ward Science Award went to none other than Budoin-Brutus Cooper, a former student of the late Professor Ward. Mr. Cooper told the guests about the impact the teachings of Professor Ward still have on his life today as he practices in the field of environmental engineering.

The Crystal Awards Dinner boasted an impressive guest list of Liberian influentials, including, Leslie Norman Cole; Former Ambassador to the U.S., Rachel Diggs and her husband, Dr. Joseph Diggs; Dr. and Mrs. Emmet Dennis, Dr. Jestina Doe Anderson, Stephen A. Tolbert, and Owen Spencer Moore. The evening was culminated by a touching keynote speech given by Miss Shade` Ogunleye, Miss Black New York 2006. She urged Liberians to always give back to community.

The Victor E. Ward Educational Fund is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote education in the sciences, primarily in the field of chemistry at the University of Liberia. The Fund was established in 2000 in memory of the late Professor Victor E. Ward, and it is the only Liberian organization providing scholarships, internships, educational aids, and educational programs for women in the sciences. To date, the Fund has sponsored more than 75 students; 14 have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.
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The Ward Fund Sponsors its first
Student in Pharmacology

Adolphus Clark, a former beneficiary of The Victor E. Ward Educational Fund and 2006 graduate and chemistry major at the University of Liberia, this year enrolled at the university’s School of Pharmacy. The Ward Fund is assisting this student with tuition so that he can pursue his dream of becoming a Pharmacologist. Adolphus will receive a second Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology upon graduation.

Thanks to the support of our donors this past year, the Ward Fund is able to expand its educational programs.

Five Ward Fund Beneficiaries Receive
Computer Training

Franklin Bundoo, Benetta Quimorlue, Adolphus Clark, James McClain and Plenseh Paye have added a notch to their belt of knowledge. They all underwent training this past December at the TLC Africa Internet Café and Wireless Lounge in Sinkor, Monrovia. Under the tutelage of Ciatta Victor, owner of the Internet Café, the five students completed a 4-week basic course that covered lessons in Introduction to Computer, Internet Browsing, MicroSoft Word, Access and PowerPoint.