Tolbert giving Small-Thomas Lecture Feb. 27

Cornell College will welcome back Liberia’s National Peace Ambassador and Cornell alumnus The Rev. William Tolbert III ’77 for the Small-Thomas Lecture titled, “Faith and Social Justice for Sustaining the Peace in Liberia,” at 11:10 a.m. on Feb. 27 in the Hall-Perrine Room of the Thomas Commons.

Tolbert, son of the late Liberian President William Tolbert Jr., will speak on the history of Liberia and root causes of its civil war and instability, and identify the challenges to–and recommendations for–genuine reconciliation and lasting peace.

A bonus afternoon talk will follow the main presentation titled “From the Heart” at 1:15 p.m. in the Hall-Perrine Room. Tolbert will focus on a review of his life, including his time as a Cornell student. He’ll also speak about what the U.S. might learn from peace efforts in Liberia as many seek to heal the nation’s divides and keeping faith and hope alive in difficult times.

Tolbert received the Cornell College Distinguished Achievement Award in 2017 in recognition of his work to unify the people of Liberia and his quest for peace and healing.

Since 2000, the Small-Thomas Lectures have explored the intersection of faith and social justice thanks to a generous gift from Richard Small ’50 and Norma Thomas Small.