Paynesville, Sept. 2 -- The hall at the Best Brains University campus in Thinkers Village was alive with whispers, laughter, smiles and anticipation.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

Families, friends, students, church members, political supporters and government officials gathered around decorated tables, patiently waiting for the arrival of the man whose life story had brought them together.

Then came the moment.

As Rev. Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh entered the hall alongside his wife, Christine, excitement swept across the room. Applause filled the atmosphere as guests rose to celebrate a man whose journey had taken him from the painful realities of poverty and war to one of academia's highest achievements.

For...