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Celebrating 21 years of Ricks Institute Alumni Association, USA, Inc.

RIAA was founded in 1988 to provide financial and other assistance to Ricks Institute. The goals and objectives of our founders were instrumental in making RIAA a success story and members have guided this effort with leadership, talent, and dedication. Twenty one years later, RIAA continues as the most effective voice for the student of Ricks.

2010 Georgia Chapter Annual Community Empowerment Breakfast

Theme: "Health Care in Postwar Liberia. Saturday, April 24, 2010 9:00 AM at The Valley Bar & Bistro 3400 Holcolmb Bridge Rd Norcross, GA

Washington D.C. Chapter 2010 Installation Program

The new leadership of the Washington D.C. Chapter of Ricks Institute Alumni Association, USA, Inc. (RIAA) was officially installed on January 10, 2010 at the Trinity Episcopal/Anglican Church in Washington, DC during the worship service. Our membership was invited by Mrs. Magretta Cox, alumnus from the Class of 1966 and a long-time member of this church. Reverend Canon John Harmon, Rector and Pastor, welcomed us to Trinity, introduced us to the church, and blessed us with an inspiring sermon. During the service, Ms. Asunta Hage, our newly elected president, participated in scripture reading. Subsequently, Ms Hage recognized RIAA members and shared some highlights of our organization. She discussed our roots in the Baptist School located in Liberia, West Africa. She commented on our 21 year goal of continuous sustainable commitment to our Alma Mater through financial, material, structural and advisory support. The church was very impressed when she informed them that we support “Free Primary Education” for children.

Bravo and congratulations to the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia Chapter for an outstanding 21st anniversary convention.

2009 Reunion Photo Gallery

Honorees
Business Day
Welcome Social
Sports Day
Chairman Banquet
Church Service
Farewell Social

21st Reunion Convention Report

Bravo and congratulations to the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia chapter for a most exciting and meaningful 21st anniversary convention. “Running By”, a familiar song to many of the Ricks students from the earlier days preceded the message from Annette Johnson-Brown, class of ’68 who was determined to get as many alumni members as possible to this convention. Her message, “this might be my last time with you; you must come and do your part to support our school” went very far. Come they did—one person can make a difference.

Thankfully the chapter accepted the assistance from Mrs. Brown and the rest is history. We had represented, students from 1960, and graduating class beginning 1962 throughout. It was truly wonderful.

Words of Appeciation

I, Annette Johnson-Brown, want to say Thanks A million for attending the Ricks Reunion held in Willingboro, New Jersey September 4 – 6/09 (Labor Day Weekend). I called you, we talked about our good and bad days at Ricks, and the problems we as an Association face, etc. You promised you would come, and most of you did. The Big Hugs, Laughter, Jokes and of course our Business Session we all enjoyed. We saw colleagues we have not seen since 1960 to the present. So you see, your presence made the occasion one of the best ever held in the United States. WE LOVE ALL OF YOU VERY DEARLY!

For 2010 let those of us that attended , try and search across the United States for our colleagues who did not come because they don’ t even know about the existence of the RIAA in the U. S. Inform them that Maryland awaits all of us in 2010.

Reflections on the Reunion

The annual convention of the Rick Institute Alumni Association has over the years presented rich possibilities for connection with our family and friends. Perhaps, there is no event that commemorates such a large group of people who shared our childhood and adolescence experiences. During this year’s convention, I searched to answers the question as to what forces, supports, shoulders, sacrifices, etc., has shaped the lives of those who journeyed the Path of our Alma Mata.

The spiritual components of the convention spoke loudly as I’ve come to realize that the greatest rewards of one’s life can only be attributed to ones spiritual enlargements. And now, what can we give back for what was received? The verse of the Ricks School Ode echoes at this point, “With God before us, success we are assured”. We have been blessed with the gifts of life, resources, time, etc.