Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences Alumni Association

30/01/2024

Congratulations to all our graduates!
Go out there and represent Winifred, UMU, and Liberia!!!

20/02/2023

Pls read!

23/12/2022

Fellow Veterans,
As we climax another year, it’s time we take an inventory of our activities, particularly those that concern our professional growth and development. Pondering these things allows us to assess the need for adjustments and re-adjustments given our unique situation and abilities.

It will be very common for questions to arise in one’s mind. Questions intended to stimulate the intellect in harnessing skills and abilities that will help us advance professionally. What did I do to advance my career over the course of the last twelve months? What were my professional successes during the year? What challenges did I encounter during these months and what did I do to overcome these challenges? Do I have plans for the months ahead? What are the prospects of these plans for the year ahead? These questions and many more may pop up spontaneously or sporadically as you go along in your thought process. What’s important to remember is that the generation these questions signifies our desire to advance. Meanwhile, asking them does not show we will progress; but what we do in response to their generation, ensures progress, its direction and pace.

Answers to these questions may be apparent or, in some instances, difficult to come by. Whatever the case is, we need not fret as the primary objective is for us to keep progressing. It’s important not to attempt brushing aside these questions and the curiosity they generate! Rather, we are encouraged to endeavor to seek out solutions to them as they may just unlock those doors to a flourishing career that may have been eluding us.
It’s always commonplace for professionals like us to get fixated on our current jobs and daily routines. Have you asked yourself about life outside your daily routine? How often do we attempt to view life outside our routines as counter professional? These questions gain their relevance from the fact that today’s professionals are an embodiment of the reality of our time. Are you living in today’s world or yesterday’s? Another area to contemplate as we seek to be fully rounded professional nurses that our colleagues and patients can rely on.

Throughout history, successful professionals are seen to either establish networks or be a standout member of an existing network through reforms and progressive roles played. This speaks to a sense of community. We depend on one another to achieve our goals for patient care, directly or indirectly. This interdependence defines the notion of team work that echoes throughout the history of nursing education and practice. In our situation, we have various organizations/institutions. But of particular common interest is the Winifred Jewel Harley College of Health Sciences at the United Methodist University. This is the establishment we all hold dear as a source of our enlightenment. This common interest led to the establishment of the Network of Winifred Ganta Graduates (Net-WinGGs). We are very grateful to the progenitors of this brilliant idea, one which helps to keep us united for a common purpose as enshrined in our constitution and bylaws.

Many of us have contributed and continued to contribute to the growth of the organization. To you, this organization is very grateful. What you continue to do will definitely be carved out in the annals of time as we will do everything we can to perpetuate the life of this organization as long as we live. We say thank you!

Some of us have just been here observing and not contributing even a line of greetings when it matters! One can only imagine the reason behind your decisions. We dare not think that you don’t care or don’t wish the organization well. Whatever the challenge is that is keeping u from being actively involved, we hope and pray it’s dealt with so that you can join us. We also ask that u look at this organization as your own and not anyone’s. Those who are active members do also have issues; but as professionals should be a part of a professional community, they have elected to prioritize this community of Veterans. We look forward to your participation in the months ahead.

My Fellow Veterans, I want to thank all of you for your contributions (in any forms and manner) to the organization. May the new year be full of many opportunities for you in your professional drive. May our community of NetWinGGs Veterans be a vibrant one that will promote Winifred and fellow Veterans in immeasurable ways!

From all of us at NetWinGGs’ interim leadership, we say a Merry Christmas and a joyous 2023! 🙏

28/09/2022

Learning Session with Borwulor!

07/01/2022

(A borrowed piece)
A Hint to the Wise.

Put a frog 🐸 into a vessel filled with water 💧 and start heating the water. As the temperature of the water begins to rise, the frog adjusts its body temperature accordingly. The frog keeps adjusting its body temperature with the increasing temperature of the water. Just when the water is about to reach boiling point, the frog cannot adjust anymore. At this point, the frog decides to jump out. The frog tries to jump but it is unable to do so because it has lost all its strength in adjusting with the rising water temperature. Very soon the frog dies!!! What killed the frog🤷🏿‍♀️? Think about it 🤔! I know many of us will say the boiling water. But the truth about what killed the frog was its own inability to decide when to jump out. We all need to adjust with people and situations, but we need to be sure when we need to adjust and when we need to move on. There are times when we need to face the situation and take appropriate actions. If we allow people to exploit us physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually or mentally they will continue to do so. Let us decide when to jump or make that decision! Let's make that decision/jump while we still have the time and strength.
May God Almighty go with you and Happy 2022!!!

03/03/2021

The Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences, formerly called the Winifred J. Harley United Methodist School of Nursing, was founded deep in the interior if Liberia in 1952 by Dr. George way Harley. The giving of simple medical care was started in 1926 and the first “hospital” was located in what was then the industrial supply house.

In 1949 Miss Dagmar Pederson, the first RN to join the mission staff, taught classes in nursing arts, basic sciences, reading, writing, and arithmetic to the hospital staff Workers. The classes were held in what is now the out-patient department pharmacy.

In 1951 the present male ward was opened to be used by both male and female patient s. Miss Uniola Adams and Miss Margaret Prentice joined the Hospital staff and started working towards a dream of having a school to train professional nurses.

In 1953 the Liberian Board of Nursing Examiners granted permission for a professional school of nursing to be started at Ganta hospital, but there were no student in the area with adequate education to qualify for admissions. By 1960 eight grade graduates were available and the nursing school was stared with eight students enrolled in two-year practice- nursing program Miss Adams and Miss Jewell Lineberger were the first teachers. In late, 1961 Miss Vera Hughlert and Miss Sue Dunham joined the hospital staff and the nursing school faculty.

This college operates a school of nursing that offers four programs: the first program is a three years Associate of Science Degree (ASN) in nursing; the second and third are a one to two years Bachelor of Science Degree (BSN) in nursing and Midwifery (BSW).
Students admitted to the Bachelor Degree Programs must have completed an Associate or Diploma program from an accredited nursing institution. Fourth is a two years Dental Therapy Program.

The Associate program is designed to train middle level professional nurses and health care technicians.
The program begins in Monrovia for one year where the basic nursing and general required courses are done and then upon satisfactory performance by the student, the program continues for two years at the Ganta, Nimba County Campus.
The Bachelor Program trains nurses who are already attained an Associate Degree or Diploma and are already licensed (Have taken and passed the State Board Examination).
Enrollment to the Programs (BSN & BSW) is based on success in a nursing challenged test consisting of the five basic courses.
The Dental Therapy Program is also for registered nurses and is run from our Gant Campus. Enrollment is based on the success in the nursing challenged test. However, students who did their Associate at UMU and have met these prerequisite are accepted as re-admitted students with all their credits accepted from the Associate Program. On the Other hand, students coming from other institutions who have met these prerequisites are accepted as transferred students.

Copied from https://www.umu.edu.lr/College_Of_HealthSciences.php

03/03/2021

The Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences, formerly called the Winifred J. Harley United Methodist School of Nursing, was founded deep in the interior if Liberia in 1952 by Dr. George way Harley. The giving of simple medical care was started in 1926 and the first “hospital” was located in what was then the industrial supply house.

In 1949 Miss Dagmar Pederson, the first RN to join the mission staff, taught classes in nursing arts, basic sciences, reading, writing, and arithmetic to the hospital staff Workers. The classes were held in what is now the out-patient department pharmacy.

In 1951 the present male ward was opened to be used by both male and female patient s. Miss Uniola Adams and Miss Margaret Prentice joined the Hospital staff and started working towards a dream of having a school to train professional nurses.

In 1953 the Liberian Board of Nursing Examiners granted permission for a professional school of nursing to be started at Ganta hospital, but there were no student in the area with adequate education to qualify for admissions. By 1960 eight grade graduates were available and the nursing school was stared with eight students enrolled in two-year practice- nursing program Miss Adams and Miss Jewell Lineberger were the first teachers. In late, 1961 Miss Vera Hughlert and Miss Sue Dunham joined the hospital staff and the nursing school faculty.

This college operates a school of nursing that offers four programs: the first program is a three years Associate of Science Degree (ASN) in nursing; the second and third are a one to two years Bachelor of Science Degree (BSN) in nursing and Midwifery (BSW).
Students admitted to the Bachelor Degree Programs must have completed an Associate or Diploma program from an accredited nursing institution. Fourth is a two years Dental Therapy Program.

The Associate program is designed to train middle level professional nurses and health care technicians.
The program begins in Monrovia for one year where the basic nursing and general required courses are done and then upon satisfactory performance by the student, the program continues for two years at the Ganta, Nimba County Campus.
The Bachelor Program trains nurses who are already attained an Associate Degree or Diploma and are already licensed (Have taken and passed the State Board Examination).
Enrollment to the Programs (BSN & BSW) is based on success in a nursing challenged test consisting of the five basic courses.
The Dental Therapy Program is also for registered nurses and is run from our Gant Campus. Enrollment is based on the success in the nursing challenged test. However, students who did their Associate at UMU and have met these prerequisite are accepted as re-admitted students with all their credits accepted from the Associate Program. On the Other hand, students coming from other institutions who have met these prerequisites are accepted as transferred students.

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01/01/2021

05/01/2017

Let me (President, WJHCHS) inform all of you that we will climax the meeting with an acquaintance ball. Please join us to shake up the municipality of Gompa and share our great experiences. Come and let's share the fun together. More information will come later.

05/01/2017

Let me use this platform to inform all graduates of Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences, then Winifred J. Harley School of Nursing that an important meeting to discuss the future of the school and of the alumni association will be held on Friday, January 26, 2017 at the main campus of the college at the Ganta United Methodist Mission beginning at 5:00 pm precisely. The specific venue is the Sue E. Porter Hall, right before girls hostel, near the airfield. All members of the Alumni Association are expected to attend and to pay a sitting fee of $10 USD.
On the following day, Saturday, January 27, the school will be hosting the Oath and Honor Program and you are cordially invited as well. During this program, the Alumni Award (Loretta Gruver Excellence Award will be presented). More information will come later.
Thanks,
V. Doolakeh Taryor
President
WJH Alumni Association

05/12/2016

To all Alumni, kindly get ready for the January meeting in Ganta. The exact date will be communicated very soon! At the meeting, we will discuss the Constitution and the Groover's Award. Winifred beckons ..... will you respond?????

29/11/2016

STATEMENT DELIVERED BY VICTOR DOOLAKEH TARYOR, PRESIDENT OF THE WINIFRED J. HARLEY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HOMECOMING DAY
CELEBRATION HELD AT THE CAMPUS OF THE COLLEGE
GANTA UNITED METHODIST HOSPITAL
GANTA, LIBERIA
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016
Mr. Johnson Gwaikolo, President of the United Methodist University
Ms Dorine Cooper, Dean of the Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences
The Deans of other Colleges, Associate Deans and Members of the faculty of the United Methodist University
Hon. Benjamin Dokpah, City Mayor of the Great Municipality of Gompa
Officials of Government
The Vice President and Members of the Alumni Association
The President, Officials and Members of the Student Government
Distinguished Student body, Members of the Ganta United Methodist Mission Family
Other Invitees, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my pleasing duty and distinguished honor to welcome you all, my fellow alumni, students and our invitees to the birth place of what is today known as the Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences. The college was originally known as the Winifred J. Harley School of Nursing until it was transformed into a full degree granting institution in the year 2000. I am particularly glad to be a part of this annual event which has over the years served as the bridge for building and strengthening our relationships and sharing the beautiful memories of our Alma Mater. This forum therefore affords us the opportunity to share the fun and great stories of our institution. I am very thankful even for my impromptu invitation to be the keynote speaker on this auspicious occasion. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, kindly permit me to share with you on the topic: Looking Beyond Celebrating our History and Fond Days of Our Institution.
I am very certain that many of us if not all, have participated in Home Coming Program of different types including the church home coming, school home coming, family reunion and even the community home coming. My question is during these events, who really comes home and what are the issues that characterize these events of homecoming? What are your experiences? How have those experiences shaped the destiny of our Association on one hand and the Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences on another hand?
During the last few years of our celebration, we have talked about and celebrated our great history of academic excellence and have narrated the fond of our experiences as students. We have shared the history about the strong academic foundation and the zero tolerance for academic dishonest at Winifred J. Harley. We have shared the history of time consciousness as part of our discipline. We heard the story about how a candidate who successfully passed the entrance exams and interview came on campus and because of few minutes of lateness was denied admission into the school.
At our home coming, we have shared the old story about the hash standard of our school and how one failure in any course work in the past amounted to dismissal from the school. We have talked about the beautiful story about our monthly stipend and the dining hall and the free textbooks of old Winifred Harley School of Nursing.
We have also shared and continue to share the grievous story about the peril of Lassa fever and how we lost a female student to the virus in 1986. We have talked about the expansion of our school and the introduction of other programs like the Dental Nurse Therapy Training and the Bachelor’s degree in midwifery.
We have shared the story about the heavy workload of students and the changes that have taken place over the years. Some of our colleagues are still celebrating and sharing the great stories of how they met their wives and husbands here at Winifred.
These are all great stories, but how do we look beyond these experiences and our history? Looking beyond celebrating our history and the fond days of our school compels us to ask as well as answer some of the fundamental questions about our institution. Some of these questions are:
Do we have the opportunity at the homecoming to listen to progress report and challenges of the present day Winifred J. Harley? Are we still on top of the rest of the schools as measured by our performance in the State Board exams and clinical work? When last did we carry the first place award in the Nursing State Board Exams in Liberia? Do the physical infrastructure and quality of training make our graduates better prepared practically and technologically to meet the healthcare delivery challenges of today? What role is the alumni Association playing in the life of the school?
Distinguished alumni, it is important to know that the history of the development of renowned universities in the world cannot be complete without mentioning the laudable contributions of their old students and graduates. Looking beyond our history requires us to develop the spirit of loyalty and cooperation among us as members of the association and the United Methodist University including the University’s trustees, administration, and faculty.
Looking beyond celebrating our history and fond days of our Institution requires us to take interest in matters related to the progress, development, and the goals of the University and of this Association. I want to salute our fellow alumni who have devoted their time to work so assiduously despite the many challenges in providing classroom education here at Winifred. I want to say serve and serve faithfully and keeping in mind the very best standards and practice our institution stands for.
My fellow alumni, how do we look beyond celebrating our history and fond days of our Institution?
Let us face the fact that we as alumni have not done much in engaging the leadership of the college. It is our moral obligation to follow up on emerging developments of the school and recommend to the United Methodist University matters deemed important to the growth and general welfare of the school and this Association.
We need to undertake projects and financially assist students who will benefit from the university experience of excellence and who will eventually be an asset to the University and this Association. We need to commit our time to serve Winifred Harley. The Loretta Gruver Excellence Award is one of the ways to foster competition among our students. Let us continue to provide support to this effort.
Mr. Vice President, distinguished members of the Winifred H. Harley Alumni Association, I have spoken today from a position of inspiration. Having been part of Winifred J. Harley Alumni Association for many years, I have absolute faith in our capability to forge ahead for unity, responsible stewardship and development for a common purpose. Let us step up to the plate and actively engage ourselves and the United Methodist University’s administration to enhance the training program, make it competitive and to be second to none in Liberia and the sub-region. We need a vibrant Nursing education program at the school that will be capable of maintaining our glory and fame as a center of excellence. These are the challenges before all of us, and I believe that together, we can make this happen.
May God bless you, May God Almighty bless our Alma Mater and the nursing education program in Liberia. Happy Homecoming to you all.
Thank you.
(Big thanks to our President Mr. Victor D. Taryor for the splendid key note address)