Indiana University officials welcomed the recent news that Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will share the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.
IU awarded Sirleaf an honorary degree in 2008 in recognition of her efforts for rebuilding Liberia following a long period of civil war as well as longstanding ties between IU and Liberia.
“On behalf of Indiana University, I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her dedicated role in promoting peace, democracy and women’s rights around the world,” IU President Michael A. McRobbie said.
“Indiana University had the distinct pleasure of presenting President Sirleaf with an honorary doctorate during commencement ceremonies in 2008,” he added. “This award recognized her tremendous contributions to justice, equality and human rights. It also reflected IU’s long and productive partnership with Liberia, which dates back to research conducted in the 1930s and has resulted in successful efforts to help rebuild the country’s legal education system, guide constitutional reform and preserve its rich culture and heritage.”
The Nobel committee announced that Sirleaf will share the prize with Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Tawakul Karman of Yemen, a pro-democracy campaigner. It will be presented in December in Oslo.
“During President Sirleaf’s visit to IU in 2008, she asked the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs to assist in the development of programs at the University of Liberia,” said IU Vice President for International Affairs David Zaret. “Shortly thereafter, she appointed IU alumnus Emmet Dennis as president of the Liberian University. Since then, she has met on three occasions in Liberia with Charles Reafsnyder, associate vice president for international research and development, and other members of visiting IU delegations. We are tremendously proud of President Sirleaf’s contributions to Liberia and her personal support of IU’s involvement with the University of Liberia.”
