Latest news with #PhilipKhoury


Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Poh Ling Yeow struggles to hold back tears on MasterChef as she bids farewell to contestant Andre Ursini
An emotional Poh Ling Yeow struggled to hold back tears on Tuesday's MasterChef Australia as she bid farewell to contestant Andre Ursini. Andre appeared alongside Poh on the inaugural MasterChef season back in 2009. However, his second chance at success was foiled after he lost a Pressure Test that tasked Andre and fellow contestants Alanah Lowes and Snezana Calic with recreating an ornate dessert by renowned pastry chef Philip Khoury. When it came time for Andre to make his exit, judge Poh became emotional when reflecting on the journey that she and Andre had started together. 'Andre, we started this journey together – whoa – 16 years ago,' Poh said, with tears welling in her eyes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'For the past 16 years, I've watched you not only become a really brilliant cook and an amazing entrepreneur, but an amazing husband and dad.' An emotional Poh added that having the chance to see Andre in the MasterChef kitchen again was a pleasure. 'It's been so nice and fun to be back in the kitchen with you,' she said. 'I love that you've always marched to the beat of your own drum.' Poh then lightened the mood, joking: 'Even though sometimes I do – no I don't, I really don't.' Obviously touched by Poh's heartwarming tribute, Andre wasn't shy about returning the compliments. 'I was pretty inspired that first time I walked in – seeing my mate in the bright shining light where she belongs,' he said. Andre continued to heap praise on the MasterChef judge saying: 'Poh is a jewel in the crown of the Australian culinary scene.' 'She's one of the most genuine and unique individuals that we've all been around. 'She's basically going to start levitating any year now,' he joked. Speaking to camera after making his emotional exit, Andre was philosophical about his elimination, despite being 'devastated.' 'Being eliminated, I'm devastated, but I've come so far in the competition,' he said. 'It's taken me 16 years to re-emerge – I came in here with no expectations and got to top ten. He added: 'I'm feeling pretty invigorated. I've rediscovered my passion for cooking after all these years and, from now on until the time I die, I'm going to keep cooking.' Poh also repeated her sentiment on Instagram, commenting under a post on the MasterChef page about Andre's exit. 'This is very hard for me to say, but I'm super proud of you,' she wrote. 'It has shaved 2 years off my life with every pressure test I've had to watch u do so that adds up to 6 years, which is very expensive for my well being. 'I love the conviction and stoicism with which you walk through life. See you on the flip side.' Fans also flooded to the comments to echo Poh's words, with many praising Andre as their favourite contestant. 'Dammit. I'm sobbing,' one wrote. 'So sad you've gone Andre. What an absolute joy you are.' Another chimed in with a similar: 'So sad to see that one of my favourites has left. You are a joy to watch Andre. You're amazing and always full of energy and humour. You will be missed.' Andre appeared alongside 19 hopefuls, including Poh and Julie Goodwin, on the inaugural MasterChef season in 2009. He was eliminated while Julie and Poh went on to claim winner and runner-up titles, respectively.


Al Bawaba
11-06-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
The sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. This latest milestone recognizes Dr. Khuri's exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, as well as his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere during a decade plagued by overlapping crises, placing him among a select group of global an honorary society and an independent research center, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence that span across disciplines, professions and perspectives. All of its members have impacted the lives of people and societies, leaving their mark in every field of human American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, the second President and first Vice President of the United States; American political and intellectual leader James Bowdoin; and American statesman John Hancock. Its first elected class included U.S. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first U.S. President George response to the news, Dr. Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And 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.'Chairman of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees Abdo G. Kadifa, commented on the announcement, stating, 'Since assuming office in 2015, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri has been a transformative leader. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of AUB Online, and the launch of AUB Mediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon. Dr. Khuri's leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing AUB's global reputation, reflected in its dramatic rise in international rankings.'He concluded, 'Dr. Khuri's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and the betterment of society through education and research.' American Academy of Arts and Sciences President Laurie L. Patton commented on the academy's newest class: 'These new members' accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.' She added, 'We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.'


Al Bawaba
01-06-2025
- General
- Al Bawaba
The American University of Beirut Graduates Its 156th Cohort of Trailblazers
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Honorary Doctorate and Graduate Commencement Ceremony was held on May 30, 2025, conferring master's, doctorate, and medical degrees to 678 students and recognizing this year's honorary doctorate degree recipients: Christiana Figueres; Dr. Raif Geha; and Dr. Philip ceremony was attended by Dr. Nawaf Salam, president of the Council of Ministers, who represented His Excellency, General Joseph Aoun, the president of the Republic of Lebanon. In President Aoun's name, Salam decorated the two honorees of Lebanese descent—Dr. Philip Khoury and Dr. Raif Geha—by bestowing upon them the Lebanese Order of Merit, Silver Grade.'AUB graduates carry the potential not just to lead, but to build bridges, and to be peacemakers where peace is most needed... At AUB, we do not work for rankings. We work to change the world. We do not just train highly paid consultants, physicians, nurses, engineers, and scientists. We train change-makers,' said Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, to the graduates. 'We are here to uplift, to empower, to enlighten, to transform. We are not here simply to help you gain knowledge, or jobs, or opportunities, or degrees or wealth, but rather to help you in being uplifted, to uplift your families, communities, and nations. That has never been more critical than it is today.' Khuri spoke about the joy of living with purpose and every individual's right to the pursuit of health, happiness, and a more abundant year's graduate student speaker was medical student Nader Zalaquett, a high-distinction achiever who has held several leadership roles, co-authored numerous scientific publications, and received multiple research awards and grants. With extensive clinical experience focusing on otolaryngology head and neck surgery, Zalaquett will be joining Mayo Clinic's Department of Otolaryngology.'What are the odds that a sixteen-year-old from Zahle, with near zero exposure to Beirut and its universities, would graduate as a medical doctor from the best medical school in the Middle East?' said Zalaquett. 'Little did I know that AUB is a door to the entire world. From the halls of the #1 hospital to the #1 cancer center and the #1 tech firm in the world, an AUB graduate was always there, ready to guide, support, and uplift.' He added, 'AUB has given us more than an education, it has given us a launchpad to every single corner of the world.'President Khuri bestowed the university's honorary doctorate degrees upon this year's recipients, in recognition of their contributions and representation of the values and mission of AUB: diplomat, author, and architect of the Paris Climate Agreement, Christiana Figueres; allergist, immunologist, and James Gamble Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Raif Geha; and academic leader and historian of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, and chairman emeritus of the AUB Board of Trustees, Dr. Philip commencement keynote speaker, Dr. Raif Geha, graduated from AUB to become a world-renowned physician-scientist with an enduring impact on pediatrics and immunology. He spoke about his experience as a biology and then medical student at AUB, and the role that holistic education, mentors, and relationships established at AUB played in his education and career.'Acquiring the skills needed to lead a meaningful, successful, and happy life requires the type of education AUB provides,' said Geha. 'One pillar of my education at AUB has been my mentors and role models... I learned from my mentors at AUB about rigor, hard work, tough love, grace, humility, compassion and humor.' Geha concluded with words of wisdom as the class of 2025 looked toward a new chapter in their journey of trailblazing leadership and impactful service, 'To the graduating students, I say work hard, nose to the ground.' He added that, 'the two things worth spending money on are education and memories. AUB has given you plenty of each. Use both to live life more abundantly.'


Web Release
01-06-2025
- Health
- Web Release
The American University of Beirut Graduates Its 156th Cohort of Trailblazers
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Honorary Doctorate and Graduate Commencement Ceremony was held on May 30, 2025, conferring master's, doctorate, and medical degrees to 678 students and recognizing this year's honorary doctorate degree recipients: Christiana Figueres; Dr. Raif Geha; and Dr. Philip Khoury. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Nawaf Salam, president of the Council of Ministers, who represented His Excellency, General Joseph Aoun, the president of the Republic of Lebanon. In President Aoun's name, Salam decorated the two honorees of Lebanese descent—Dr. Philip Khoury and Dr. Raif Geha—by bestowing upon them the Lebanese Order of Merit, Silver Grade. 'AUB graduates carry the potential not just to lead, but to build bridges, and to be peacemakers where peace is most needed… At AUB, we do not work for rankings. We work to change the world. We do not just train highly paid consultants, physicians, nurses, engineers, and scientists. We train change-makers,' said Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, to the graduates. 'We are here to uplift, to empower, to enlighten, to transform. We are not here simply to help you gain knowledge, or jobs, or opportunities, or degrees or wealth, but rather to help you in being uplifted, to uplift your families, communities, and nations. That has never been more critical than it is today.' Khuri spoke about the joy of living with purpose and every individual's right to the pursuit of health, happiness, and a more abundant life. This year's graduate student speaker was medical student Nader Zalaquett, a high-distinction achiever who has held several leadership roles, co-authored numerous scientific publications, and received multiple research awards and grants. With extensive clinical experience focusing on otolaryngology head and neck surgery, Zalaquett will be joining Mayo Clinic's Department of Otolaryngology. 'What are the odds that a sixteen-year-old from Zahle, with near zero exposure to Beirut and its universities, would graduate as a medical doctor from the best medical school in the Middle East?' said Zalaquett. 'Little did I know that AUB is a door to the entire world. From the halls of the #1 hospital to the #1 cancer center and the #1 tech firm in the world, an AUB graduate was always there, ready to guide, support, and uplift.' He added, 'AUB has given us more than an education, it has given us a launchpad to every single corner of the world.' President Khuri bestowed the university's honorary doctorate degrees upon this year's recipients, in recognition of their contributions and representation of the values and mission of AUB: diplomat, author, and architect of the Paris Climate Agreement, Christiana Figueres; allergist, immunologist, and James Gamble Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Raif Geha; and academic leader and historian of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, and chairman emeritus of the AUB Board of Trustees, Dr. Philip Khoury. The commencement keynote speaker, Dr. Raif Geha, graduated from AUB to become a world-renowned physician-scientist with an enduring impact on pediatrics and immunology. He spoke about his experience as a biology and then medical student at AUB, and the role that holistic education, mentors, and relationships established at AUB played in his education and career. 'Acquiring the skills needed to lead a meaningful, successful, and happy life requires the type of education AUB provides,' said Geha. 'One pillar of my education at AUB has been my mentors and role models… I learned from my mentors at AUB about rigor, hard work, tough love, grace, humility, compassion and humor.' Geha concluded with words of wisdom as the class of 2025 looked toward a new chapter in their journey of trailblazing leadership and impactful service, 'To the graduating students, I say work hard, nose to the ground.' He added that, 'the two things worth spending money on are education and memories. AUB has given you plenty of each. Use both to live life more abundantly.'


Zawya
26-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
The sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. This latest milestone recognizes Dr. Khuri's exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, as well as his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere during a decade plagued by overlapping crises, placing him among a select group of global leaders. As an honorary society and an independent research center, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence that span across disciplines, professions and perspectives. All of its members have impacted the lives of people and societies, leaving their mark in every field of human endeavor. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, the second President and first Vice President of the United States; American political and intellectual leader James Bowdoin; and American statesman John Hancock. Its first elected class included U.S. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first U.S. President George Washington. In response to the news, Dr. Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And 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.' Chairman of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees Abdo G. Kadifa, commented on the announcement, stating, 'Since assuming office in 2015, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri has been a transformative leader. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of AUB Online, and the launch of AUB Mediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon. Dr. Khuri's leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing AUB's global reputation, reflected in its dramatic rise in international rankings.' He concluded, 'Dr. Khuri's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and the betterment of society through education and research.' American Academy of Arts and Sciences President Laurie L. Patton commented on the academy's newest class: 'These new members' accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.' She added, 'We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.'