Capitol Hill, March 11, 2026 | As part of its landmark 75^th anniversary commemorations, the University of Liberia (UL) will host a high-level discussion Thursday with a senior U.S. diplomat and Liberia’s ambassador to the United States exploring a historic agreement between the University and the United States that helped secure the institution’s financial future.

The diplomatic talk titled “Two Diplomats in Conversation on a Historic Moment & Its Legacy: The Greystone Exchange” will feature Hon. Joe Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Liberia, and former acting UL President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, who is currently Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the United States.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia. And it will take place on Thursday, March 12, from 12 pm to 1:15 pm at the UL Capitol Hill’s Auditorium.

The discussion will examine the historic agreement through which property owned by Liberia College—now the University of Liberia—was leased to the United States government for construction of its embassy headquarters.

By leasing this property to the United States government for the establishment of its new embassy headquarters, the University secured a financial foundation for the UL Endowment through international cooperation that continues to benefit the institution 75 years later, Dr. Maparyan said.

“The Greystone Exchange is an important moment in UL’s history because it seeded UL’s endowment,” Dr. Maparyan said. “Every university needs an endowment, and, in our 75th anniversary year, this story about a major fundraising success is both interesting and timely.”

While the “Greystone Exchange” is one of the most pivotal chapters in the University’s history, it’s unknown to younger generations. Dr. Maparyan said the discussion is an opportunity to learn the history and understand how the UL’s past assets were leveraged to secure its future.

“People should come out for this discussion because it is a chance to learn about UL’s endowment and how UL has benefitted from its properties to advance its educational mission,” Dr. Maparyan said.

The event is open to students, faculty, alumni, and the public. Attendees will gain unique insights into the intersection of real estate, international diplomacy, and institutional growth.

The moment was also a bridge between nations, Dr. Maparyan said, adding the discussion will “showcase the collaborative relationship between UL and the US Embassy in Liberia.”

The discussion is part of a series of events that will be held monthly during the yearlong commemoration of UL’s 75^th anniversary as a chartered university.