Distinguished Alumnus Award- 2003

In 1973, I first stepped onto the campus of Brooklyn College as 21 year-old single immigrant from Ghana . Born to poor parents, I came to the USA with the hope of testing the waters. I believed in what I had read and heard much about: the American dream. It was not only my dream but that of others too, who I had left behind in my mother country, Ghana . As an aspiring student, I left no stone unturned. I quickly adjusted to campus life, and by taking advantage of the flexible academic schedule, I worked and attended classes simultaneously, and managed to complete a bachelors degree in chemistry with highest honors. As a married graduate with three mouths to feed, renting a cap and gown was a college luxury I could not afford. I charged on to pursue my goals in medicine, family life and philanthropic activities. FOCOS was a dream come true for me and for countless other, who suffer from spine and orthopedic afflictions in Ghana. Thirty years after entering Brooklyn College , my academic work and philanthropic activities were recognized by the Board of Trustees of my alma mater. On the 29th of May 2003 at the 78th commencement exercises, I was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award and was privileged to give the commencement address to the graduating class of 2003.

It was quite an irony that I was the focus of an event I regretted missing 27 years earlier. In my message to the graduating class, I challenged them to emulate those who have gone before them to become productive members of society by being determined, resourceful, persistent and taking charge of their affairs. Using my own example as an immigrant from a poor background, I emphasized that these qualities contributed to my confidence, and buoyed my will to succeed: “If I Could Do It, So Can You.” I urged them not to be swayed by peer pressure, dishonesty, or shaky deals to succeed, but to remember that wherever life may lead them, there is a purpose and a reason. With the right attitudes, they could learn the rules of the game of life and hold integrity and loyalty as important values. I left them with some words of wisdom by Mark Twain: “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”