In a short ceremony at Ashesi yesterday, the university celebrated the legacy of two of its most outstanding administrators – Matthew Taggart, and Emerita Professor Nana Araba Apt. The two, who retire from active duty at Ashesi this month, were key members of Ashesi’s founding team, and helped lead the university as it transitioned from small rented buildings to a world-class permanent campus.
In citations to Prof Apt and Mr. Taggart, Ashesi’s President, Dr. Patrick Awuah, thanked the two for their years of sacrifice, for believing in the seemingly impossible mission to start Ashesi, and for their unwavering service to the university. Reflecting on Ashesi’s early years, Dr. Awuah said, “people remark about the success of Ashesi when they visit us and see our campus, but what is often missed is the sweat, the sacrifice, and the grit of the team that worked to build this institution, and the community that is working to preserve this legacy for future generations.”
Under Prof Apt’s leadership, Ashesi established and maintained a strong faculty team, and helped build the liberal arts culture that Ashesi has become known for. Prof Apt, as one of Ghana’s leading academics, also mentored and motivated both faculty and staff members, and helped train, and care for generations of Ashesi students. In a tribute on behalf of Ashesi’s faculty, Dr. Lloyd Amoah said, “you have given your all to Ghana, and a great bit of that to Ashesi, [...] But our spirits are invigorated, our souls energized, for your work in support of this great institution are eternally wrapped in her existence. You will be greatly missed and in equal measure and more remembered always and fondly. And the whole of nature itself stands up and intones: “Professor Nana Apt you contributed aptly to Ashesi!”
Mr. Taggart, who joined Ashesi in 2000 as the third member of the university’s team with co-founders Dr. Awuah and Nina Marini, has played a central role in Ashesi’s fundraising efforts, helping raise funds for the university’s campus and securing partnerships that will ensure many generations of students who otherwise could not attend university are able to attend Ashesi on scholarships. Mr. Taggart also helped start Ashesi’s Alumni Relations Office, and since 2008, has helped lead efforts to build a strong Ashesi alumni community and to ensure Ashesi alumni thrive beyond their years at Ashesi. Speaking on behalf of Ashesi’s alumni community, Alumni Relations Officer, Ebenezer Gwumah ’11 said, “You have worked so hard to build this legacy, Professor Apt and Matt, and our promise to you is that Ashesi’s alumni will work to ensure that years down the line, you look back with pride, not regret, at this institution you gave so much of your life to.”
The Ashesi community also celebrated the work and contribution of Dr. Astrid Larssen, Computer Science professor at Ashesi, who also retires from Ashesi this month. Dr. Larssen joined Ashesi in 2007, and has grown to become a great mentor and advisor to many of Ashesi’s students and alumni. In a tribute on behalf of the student community, Student Council President, Michael Quansah ‘14, said, “Dr. Larssen’s dedication to the Computer Science department cannot be quantified by the numerous lines of code and applications she’s reviewed, or the quality hours of tutelage that students have enjoyed in her classes. She is a true gem and will really be missed. Her contribution to encouraging more women to engage Computer Science courses has given light to some of the most promising computer science students and careers in the country.“
For your incredible work, Professor Apt, Mr. Taggart, and Dr. Larssen, and for your amazing dedication, the Ashesi community thanks you. We will deeply miss your presence in our community.