Latest news with #AmericanUniversityofBeirut
Web Release
13 hours ago
- General
- Web Release
AUB Alumni Reunion 2025: Honoring Legacy, Celebrating Community
American University of Beirut (AUB) alumni, along with families and friends, came together to celebrate the AUB Alumni Reunion 2025 through a series of meaningful events held between June 19 and 21. While the annual reunion is a cherished tradition for AUB graduates, it holds special significance for alumni celebrating their 25th, 50th, or more-than-55-year anniversaries. These milestone classes are formally honored during a ceremony at AUB Assembly Hall, which marks the official launch of a three-day reunion celebration. During the Honoring Ceremony, Associate Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and University Events Salma Dannawi Oueida welcomed the guests with moving remarks. 'This bond between you and AUB isn't tied to a graduation year; it's something deeper. It's the quiet pride you feel when you hear of a student breaking barriers. It's the comfort of seeing old classmates and knowing that this place still feels like home. As we look around this room, we see more than alumni. We see torchbearers. Bridge builders. Guardians of a legacy,' she said. In his keynote address, AUB President Fadlo Khuri reflected on the university's enduring mission and future direction: 'We're proud of the impactful AUB education that we provide—and our extraordinary alumni—but it's not enough. Our university must do more for the communities beyond our walls. And that is what we are doing. We are transforming, introducing new programs—even new faculties—while holding tight to the values that have made this institution great.' Khuri also shared updates from campus and affirmed the essential role of alumni: 'There have been some changes at your alma mater. But some things do not change. At the top of that list is the importance of our alumni—of all of you: You lead, you inspire, you innovate, and you give back—so that others may have life and have it more abundantly. You have stepped up time and time again in support of our abiding mission: to serve the peoples of Lebanon, the Middle East, and beyond to the greatest of our abilities. Thank you.' Keynote speaker Hussein Ammar, representing alumni celebrating their 50th year graduation anniversaries, delivered a poignant reflection. A 1975 graduate with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Ammar built a successful career managing construction companies in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. A founding member of the AUB Alumni Chapter in Jeddah, he has remained closely connected to the university as a mentor to graduates and a loyal, generous donor. 'We celebrate today our graduation from 50 years ago; and it would be remiss not to reflect on how those years affected our beloved Lebanon,' he said. 'We endured a civil war, wars of others on our land, and external control that has gripped our country and regressed it to levels unimaginable. None of us graduating in 1975 could have anticipated what ensued. We were pioneers and we have fallen far behind.' He continued by highlighting AUB's enduring role through decades of turmoil: 'While all this transpired, AUB has persevered, affirming its noble mission. AUB has continued to be a beacon of learning and open thought in Lebanon, in the Arab world, and beyond. It has stood as a moral compass and safe haven in the face of unimaginable adversity. It has continued to bring Lebanese and Arab students from all walks of life, all religions and all political affinities into one common space—a space for debate, for listening, for learning, for growth. AUB is a microcosm of what Lebanon could be.' Class of 2000 keynote speaker Dana Hussein Ammar (BBA '00) represented alumni marking their 25th graduation anniversary. A strategic business and brand consultant, she also runs a motherhood mentorship platform and has over 20 years of experience spanning global corporations, social impact ventures, and food retail startups. She comes from a distinguished multi-generational AUB family and is the daughter of Class of 1975 speaker Hussein Ammar. 'To think that my father, mother, and I sat under the same trees and walked the same steps on this campus, gives all the more meaning and exemplifies the longstanding legacy and sacredness of our alma mater,' she said. Looking to the future, she pointed to the power of alumni to make a difference: 'Having shared precious years and memories on this campus, we now have the privileged position to impact and give back. Some will aid students financially, others through mentorships, grants, opportunity building, and the like—the bravest even get into politics. All of it is vastly appreciated by the communities we support.' The Honoring Ceremony featured the distribution of medals to members of the celebrated senior classes. It concluded with a group photo of the iconic AUB Main Gate stairs and a lively reception at the Assembly Hall Plaza. Festivities continued on campus with the annual Alumni Party featuring Alecco and his band, where hundreds of alumni, joined by their families and friends, enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere and high-energy evening. On the following evening, more than 2,000 attendees gathered at the AUB Green Oval for an unforgettable evening under the stars. The atmosphere was electric as Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram lit up the stage with her timeless hits, and the crowd sang along in pure joy. The concert was a beautiful mix of nostalgia, energy, and pride—bringing together alumni, students, families, and friends for a magical night that perfectly captured the spirit of AUB Reunion. All proceeds from the concert will go toward supporting the class reunion scholarship fund, reinforcing the event's mission of giving back and empowering future generations. The reunion weekend concluded on a warm and joyful note with a family day trip, where alumni explored Lebanon's natural beauty and created new memories with loved ones.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Khuri joins global knowledge elite
TDT | Manama A rare honour for Arab academic leadership is drawing global attention to the region's growing influence in higher education. Dr Fadlo R. Khuri, President of the American University of Beirut (AUB), has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, placing him among a select group of global thought leaders from across disciplines. Founded in 1780 by U.S. Founding Fathers, the Academy includes historic names like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Dr Khuri's induction into its latest class in Educational and Academic Leadership marks a symbolic breakthrough for the Arab world's academic institutions, which are increasingly being recognised on the international stage. Leadership under pressure Khuri's election is not just symbolic. It comes after a decade in which he steered AUB through Lebanon's economic crisis, the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while spearheading major institutional reforms. Under his leadership, AUB reinstated academic tenure, launched AUB Online, and opened AUB Mediterraneo, its first campus outside Lebanon. The university also saw a sharp rise in international rankings. 'This recognition belongs to all of us who have worked together through some of the most trying times in our university's history,' Dr Khuri said, crediting former AUB Board Chair Philip S. Khoury for his nomination. He added with personal pride, 'My mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.' Wider impact Chairman of AUB's Board of Trustees, Abdo G. Kadifa, said Khuri's recognition was a reflection of his commitment to excellence and service. 'Under his guidance, AUB has not only survived but grown, against all odds,' he noted. Academy President Laurie L. Patton said the newest members demonstrate 'the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence' across disciplines. 'We invite every new member to join us in our work to promote the common good,' she said. Dr Khuri's recognition marks a new chapter in how Arab academic leadership is seen, and increasingly valued, by the world's top institutions.
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Nova Scotia signs agreements with Lebanese universities to bring more doctors to province
The Nova Scotia government has signed agreements with two universities in Lebanon to bring family doctors to the province. Premier Tim Houston announced today that a five-year memorandum of agreement with the Lebanese American University in Beirut commits the university to sending 10 ready-to-practise physicians to Nova Scotia. Two doctors from the university are expected to arrive in Nova Scotia during each year of the agreement. The province plans to spend $5 million during the life of the agreement to cover the cost of medical school residency positions, as well as licensing exams and immigration and relocation expenses. In return, the participating doctors will be required to sign an agreement that requires them to work in Nova Scotia for three years. Meanwhile, the premier confirmed that two doctors from the other university — the American University of Beirut — are already practising in Nova Scotia and another two are on the way.
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Health
- Toronto Star
Nova Scotia government signs agreements with universities to get doctors from Lebanon
The Nova Scotia government has signed agreements with two universities in Lebanon to bring family doctors to the province. Two Lebanese doctors pass an entrance of the hospital of the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday March 14, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Hussein Malla HM HK**CAI** flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
Global News
3 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Nova Scotia government signs agreements with universities to get doctors from Lebanon
The Nova Scotia government has signed agreements with two universities in Lebanon to bring family doctors to the province. Premier Tim Houston announced today that a five-year memorandum of agreement with the Lebanese American University in Beirut commits the university to sending 10 ready-to-practise physicians to Nova Scotia. Two doctors from the university are expected to arrive in Nova Scotia during each year of the agreement. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The province plans to spend $5 million during the life of the agreement to cover the cost of medical school residency positions, as well as licensing exams and immigration and relocation expenses. In return, the participating doctors will be required to sign an agreement that requires them to work in Nova Scotia for three years. Meanwhile, the premier confirmed that two doctors from the other university — the American University of Beirut — are already practising in Nova Scotia and another two are on the way. Story continues below advertisement This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.
