7 40 50

OSB’s new dean wants to take learning A brief history of AUB’s relationship Habib Haddad on creating outside the classroom with Washington communities for change

American University of Beirut Magazine. Spring/Summer 2016, Vol XIV, No. 3

The Second 19 Fifty 16 1916-1966 19 66 Aiducation.

For Kamar Younes (BS ’16), an interest in nursing began with an unusual love story. “In high school, I read a story about a boy with cancer who falls in love with his nurse,” she says, clarifying that it wasn’t romantic love… “He was very young and he loved her.” After Younes herself spent time in the hospital, she became more determined to pursue the profession. When she returned to the Al Galilee High School in the Bir Hassan neighborhood of Beirut, she set her sights on a scholarship from NGO Unite Lebanon Youth Project (ULYP). Her strong academic performance and the support from ULYP brought AUB’s Rafic Hariri School of Nursing within reach. Recognizing her passion, the nursing school’s staff offered her the four-year Zahar Fansa Scholarship and, with it, a chance at her dream career. Now a senior, Yo unes spends most of her time at AUBMC where she trains under the medical center’s renowned nursing staff. “I want to work at AUBMC when I graduate then get my master’s at AUB in adult care,” she says. She intends to focus on matters of the heart, that is, cardiac care. “I love helping others and nursing lets me do that.”

To speak to someone about supporting financial aid, contact us at [email protected] or make a gift at https://give.aub.edu.lb The MainGate Spring/Summer 2016 Contents Vol. XIV, No. 3

Student life, the liberal arts, AUB personalities Inspiration 5 past and present

Steve Harvey, the new dean of the Olayan School of 7 Business, is a management scholar who believes (like Einstein said) that thinking is doing.

Discoveries 17 Research, the arts, and current events

Gerontologist Abla Mehio-Sibai studies a growing 22 demographic, Lebanon’s aged and isolated

Wellness 23 AUBMC 2020, health, and medicine

AUBMC’s Special Kids Clinic, finding ways to provide 28 advanced medical care to those who need it most.

AUB’s 150th 31 The Second 50 years Anniversary

Impact 39 Regional impact, advocacy, and policy initiatives

Filippo Grandi, the 12th United Nations High 46 Commissioner for Refugees, on the dimensions of the refugee crisis

AUB Everywhere 49 Alumni profile, class notes, WAAAUB, and chapter news

Habib Haddad (BEN ’02), an ingenious entrepreneur 50 with a knack for finding solutions Letter from the president

Views from Campus

My fellow alumni and friends of AUB, During the presidency of Bayard Dodge through the Task Force on the Lives (1923-48), AUB embraced and enabled and Careers of Women Faculty that I Greetings from this most magnificent cultural and political freedom for commissioned a few months ago. We and intellectually rich campus, now faculty and students. This remains a must continue to celebrate and expand decked in its 150th anniversary regalia, priority for AUB in its 150th year, as we our multitude of nationalities and and with festivities in full flow seek to protect and empower freedom ethnicities, and remain focused on the encompassing students, faculty, staff, and diversity of opinion, so essential equality of all, regardless of race, creed, alumni, and our many friends! This for the development of modern color, or other determinants. second special anniversary edition of societies but sadly lacking around our MainGate looks to AUB’s Second Fifty region. AUB must remain a champion The second half-century in AUB’s Years for its inspiration, and there is for the right to express one’s views history was also focused on developing much to be drawn from that time to constructively, in a civil and collegial excellence in research in service to the encourage and embolden us today. manner. increasingly global community. AUB began to educate, attract, and retain The years 1916-66 saw a period of Today, almost a quarter of AUB’s remarkable and sometimes accelerated evolution on multiple students are international, helping revolutionary scientists and thinkers levels. The University emerged as a make us, despite the current economic in its ranks, in the humanities, haven for free thought, a hotbed for and political challenges faced by natural sciences, medicine, nursing, Arab politics, and a cradle for different Lebanon, one of the world’s richest agriculture, engineering, and philosophies from Arab Nationalism universities from the perspective of architecture to name a few. We are to Communism. Planning began for cultural and socio-economic diversity. determined to continue that trend, the creation of a world class medical This is fundamental to our mission to through our increasingly focused and center—soon to provide the finest help grow great citizen-leaders for excellent faculty and our outstanding health care in the Arab world; the tomorrow who recognize the common student body. The restoration of the pioneering schools of Arts and qualities and causes with friends, principle of tenure was the Board of Sciences, Nursing and Medicine were classmates and teachers whom they Trustees’ green light to another era of joined by new faculties which became might previously have filed under the expansive AUB influence in culture, the standard bearers for the region; mental category of “the Other.” Never pedagogy, and discovery; one we are AUB went co-educational—decades satisfied with where we are, we committed to stewarding in the best before many of its Western continue to work to expand diversity traditions of AUB’s second half-century counterparts—and became more on campus. With our near-even split as it enters its fourth. internationally welcoming, with between men and women students, 40-plus nationalities represented we are focused on reaching that goal With respect and admiration, in the 1930s. among our faculty and staff, initially Fadlo R. Khuri Inbox

Dear MainGate readers,

The fabric of university life, especially a campus community, permits immediate assimilation for those crossing its portals for whatever purpose: study, career, research, or a short visit. With Cover Acting President Constantine generations of students passing through, and an enduring phalanx of committed educators and Zurayk presents a diploma to staff, it’s by nature a welcoming place which doesn’t take long to feel like home. I write thisa a female student at the few months into my job at the Office of Communications, and my senses already seem to be Un iversity’s 86th Commencement Exercises telling me I have been here my whole life. As a non-alumnus, I can only guess how you view on June 27, 1955. AUB, its beauty and companionship, its transformative impact on your fortunes, and its awe- inspiring mission in a turbulent world. No wonder so many stay in touch and keep coming back.

It’s been a fantastic introduction for this AUB neophyte, or call it being tossed in the deep-end! A presidential inauguration, myriad new initiatives, the 150th anniversary and, capping all, the rare responsibility of delivering a top-notch magazine to an audience of discerning AUBites around the world! I have a hard act to follow. Ada H. Porter has been an exceptional editor since 2005, relentlessly cultivating quality journalism and engag ing visuals. I owe her a great debt, and we are lucky she remains running the Debs Centre and serving the trustees as assistant secretary. Ada also has a hard act to follow—see page 8. I’m blessed with a terrific editorial team for continuity: in New York, alumni suprema Barbara Rosica, feature writer extraordinaire Eric Back Cover Eyges; in Beirut the creative hothouse of Communication Design, and the eagle-eye d Sally Kaya Map provided by a project led Najjar keeping the whole show on the road. by Maria Mansour on AUB’s impact on the streets of I hope you enjoy reading Vol. XIV, No.3 of MainGate half as much as we’ve enjoyed working on Beirut. it. The second of our sesquicentennial trilogy abounds with glimpses of unquestionably AUB’s Executive Editor Golden Age. But there is no shortage of inspiration in today’s stories, and promise of an even Martin Asser greater future. It would be invidious to pick out highlights: please dive in and connect—or Responsible Director reconnect—with the astounding AUB community in all its glory. Nabil Dajani Managing Editor Sally Kaya Najjar Features Editor Martin Asser, Executive Editor Eric Eyges Alumni Editor Barbara Rosica Contributing Writer Nicholas Boke Erratum: In Volume XIV, No.2, page 27 (Giving Old Pills a Second Chance), Walid Saad was incorrectly identified as professor at Copyeditor the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; he is assistant professor at the Department of Chemical and Erratum Sierra Prasada Petroleum Engineering. Art Direction and Design Communication Design SAL www.cd-sal.com Photography Hasan Nisr AUB FAFS FHS IFI REP Jean Pierre Tarabay American University Faculty of Agricultural Faculty of Issam Fares Ins titute Regional University Li braries, Archives of Beirut and Food Sciences Health Sciences for Public Policy and External Programs and Special Collections Abbr. International Affairs AUBMC FAS FM SPC American University of Beirut American University of Faculty of Arts Faculty of Medicine LAU Syrian Protestant College Office of Communications Beirut Medical Center and Sciences Lebanese American HSON WAAAUB PO Box 11–0236 University Common CCECS FEA Rafic Hariri School Worldwide Alumni Riad El Solh 1107 2020 abbreviations Center for Civic Faculty of of Nursing OSB Association of AUB Beirut, Lebanon found in the Engagement and Engineering Suliman S. Olayan Tel: 961-1-353228 Community Service and Architecture School of Business MainGate (MG): New York Office 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 8th Floor New York, NY 10017–2303 Tel: 212-583-7600 [email protected] www.fsc.org www.aub.edu.lb/maingate The pages of the MainGate are printed on 100 percent postconsumer fiber paper and the cover is 30 percent. It is printed using Printing web offset process with attention to clean-air operations. Lane Press gets 98 percent of its electricity from sources other than greenhouse Lane Press gas-producing carbon fuel. Inks are bio-derived and low in volatile organic compounds.

Please recycle this magazine. If you prefer to s ubscribe to the online version of the MainGate, please email [email protected] For the past few years a group of around the world who have engaged in faculty, staff, alumni, and friends similar initiatives to promote native have worked together to transform the plants and sustainability. As the AUB th AUB campus into an arboretum and University celebrates its 150 botanical garden. On May 4, President anniversary, it reaffirms its role as a Fadlo Khuri made the official responsible custodian of one of the Botanical announcement designating the world’s most beautiful places! entire campus as a botanic garden. Read more about AUB’s green campus: Garden In the heart of urban Ras Beirut, the www.au b.edu.lb/news/2016/ AUB Campus incorporates within its Pages/botanic-garden.aspx walls a unique natural environment with a diverse mix of flora, fauna, quiet Learn about its origins and future. walkways, and breathtaking views of (MainGate, Fall 2015, pages 20-21) the Mediterranean. With this project, viewer.zmags.com/publication/ AUB joins leading universities from 090d2363#/090d2363/22 Inspiration

Student life, the liberal arts, AUB personalities past and present

Interventions in Conflict: International Peacemaking in the Middle East; Oil for Published & Produced 6 Food: The Global Food Crisis and the Middle East; The Birth of Indology as an Islamic Science; One Hundred and Fifty; We Once Were Like That

Learning by Doing 7 OSB’s new dean wants to push students outside the classroom

Face to Face 8 AUB bids farewell to a pillar of the New York Office

By the numbers 10 AUB outpaces in co-education

Study Abroad 11 UMASS at Amherst student Mike Avanzato comes to AUB and learns something!

A Community of Scholars 12 MasterCard expands its scholarship program at AUB, diversifying campus, reaching out to the underserved Inspiration

Published Interventions in Conflict: International Peacemaking in the Middle East (Palgrave & Produced MacMillan, 2016) Edited by Rami G. Khouri, senior public policy fellow and former director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI); Karim Makdisi, director of the Public Policy and International Affairs Program and associate professor of International Politics at AUB; and Martin Wahlisch, affiliated 1. inTervenTiOns scholar at IFI, Interventions in Conflict collects lectures by influential international in cOnFLicT: peacemakers in the Middle East. These include former Secretary-General of the Arab inTernaTiOnaL League Amr Moussa; former US President Jimmy Carter; conflict mediator and UN PeaceMakinG in diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi; and UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson. The The MiddLe easT book offers unique insights into the highest levels of diplomacy and international peace mediation, drawn from direct experience. The talks in this volume took place 1 between 2007 and 2014 and were part of the Bill and Sally Hambrecht Distinguished Peacemakers Lecture series at IFI.

Oil for Food: The Global Food Crisis and the Middle East (Oxford University Press, 2013, paperback 2015) by Eckart Woertz, who developed a curriculum for AUB’s food security diploma. Oil for Food is geared to academics interested in the political economy of the Gulf region; practitioners in governments; the media; and 2. OiL FOr FOOd: The international organizations who deal with contemporary food security and energy GLObaL FOOd crisis issues. It provides a concise overview of the global food crisis in the Middle East, and The MiddLe easT shedding light on the geopolitical importance of food trade and food boycotts since World War II. Woertz’s analysis includes the foreign agro-investments by Gulf countries—the so-called Gulf “land grabs;” the failed Sudan breadbasket strategy of the 1970s; and gaps between food security planning and implementation. 2

The Birth of Indology as an Islamic Science (Brill, 2016) by Mario Kozah, PhD, visiting assistant professor at CAMES. Kozah closely examines the pioneering contribution by Biruni (d. ca. 1048) to the study of comparative religion in his major work on India. He concludes that a process of Islamization is employed through a 3. The birTh OF meticulous systematization of Hindu beliefs into one “Indian religion,” preceding indOLOGy as an by almost a millennium the earliest definitions of Hinduism by 19th-century isLaMic science European Orientalists. This formulation of Hinduism draws on Biruni’s interpretation of Yoga psychology articulated in the Kitab Batanjal, his Arabic translation of the Yoga-Sutras of Patañjali. Biruni’s Islamic reading of Hinduism relies on certain common denominators that he identifies as being of fundamental 3 importance. In the case of Hinduism, Kozah identifies metempsychosis as its unifying banner.

One Hundred and Fifty (American University of Beirut Press, 2016), edited by Nadia Maria El Cheikh, Lina Choueiri, and Bilal Orfali. A comprehensive, annotated history of the first 150 years of AUB by scholars and historians, this volume covers 4. One hundred key moments in the history of the University; its current position as a local agent and FiFTy with global concerns; its location within Ras Beirut and the resulting interaction and mutual impact over years of growth and transformation; and salient personalities and constituencies who have made significant contributions to AUB’s legacy. To order, email: [email protected]. 4

We Once Were Like That (Ameera Publishing, 2009) is a memoir written by a former editor of Al-Kulliyah, Najwa Shaheen Haffar (BA ’51). This personal account also chronicles the history of AUB from its inception as the Syrian Protestant College under Ottoman rule to the revolutionary years of the birth of Lebanon and Arab Nationalism. Haffar describes a Golden Age when the University was pivotal to the 5. We Once Were multicultural development of Ras Beirut. Told with humor and nostalgia, and Like ThaT peppered with amusing anecdotes, this vivid account details the invaluable contributions of American missionaries, the dedication of the AUB faculty, and Faysal’s and Uncle Sam’s, Bliss Street institutions where intellectual discourse and the comforts of home were served up in generous portions to Haffar and her contemporaries. The book is available at the Jafet Library. 5 76

Learning By Doing in Business

Since the earliest days of commerce, people don’t even want to know who they are; they have been teaching it. Merchants in Phoenicia, just want to hire them.” Rome, and Babylon surely instructed their children in the finer points of moving goods, Experiential learning, when properly executed, assessing their value, and collecting fees. endows students with a “can-do” mindset, Learning then, however, would have been less Harvey says. It’s the kind of mindset formal, more experiential—and it still should companies need at every level of their be, says AUB Olayan School of Business Dean organization. “Everybody in a company Steve Harvey, who took over the reins of the should be an entrepreneur,” he maintains. busine ss school in January. Harvey previously served as Dean of the John Molson School of When it comes to OSB, Harvey has a big vision, Business at Concordia University in Montreal, one that seeks to capitalize on the region’s Canada. potential as a market for consumer goods. “If you look at the demographics, they’re in In an interview with MainGate, Harvey favor of this region, of Asia, and Africa.” By explained that he’s encouraging business strengthening OSB’s ties to local markets, the educators to put more effort into creating school can become an attractive destination the kinds of practical learning opportunities for students looking to do business in the that can best prepare students for real-world region, he says. “I came here looking for a business situations. “Universities and more international ex perience, a wider view, employers are cons tantly challenging how and I feel there’s real potential for that.” relevant curricula are and seeking to improve them,” he says. “But, in my view, that’s only 50 percent of it.”

The other 50 percent includes: internships, lectures by business leaders, case competitions, entrepreneurship programs, and myriad other opportunities. The idea of allowing students to manage a small fund, giving them real experience in navigating capital markets, has also been floated by faculty and administration.

Harvey stresses how activities like sports and volunteering can help students develop the psychological fortitude necessary to succeed in business. “If you have a rugby team captain whose team had a 0-10 record but who managed to keep morale up, that person developed a maturity around that,” he says. Companies look for that kind of battle-tested character: “I’ll have recruiters call me and ask to hire the top case competitors we have. They Inspiration Face to Face Retirement for a Remarkable Member of the AUB Family

­­In­1964,­when­Eileen­F.­O’Connor generations­of­AUBites,­whether started­work­in­AUB’s­New­York­office, neophyte­students,­seasoned­Board she­could­hardly­have­imagined­that chairs,­or­anyone­in­between,­learned she’d­embarked­on­a­career­that­would they­could­count­on­Eileen’s carry­her­into­the­new­millennium. good-natured­guidance.­­­­ Over­some­50­years,­Eileen­would assist­10­university­presidents,­travel­ Born­in­Ireland­and­raised­in­the to­the­Middle­East­dozens­of­times,­ Bronx,­a­borough­of­New­York­City, and­make­the­leap­from­presidential Eileen­took­values­of­honesty,­hard secretary­to­Sec retary­of­the­University work,­and­loyalty­to­heart­and and­Director­of­the­Debs­Center,­AUB’s developed­a­simple­creed­that­has home­in­New­York­City­since­2003.­In served­her­well­throughout­her­life; short,­Eileen,­known­to­many­as­Mrs. dedication­to­work­and­family.­A O’Connor,­became­an­institutional remarkably­adept­woman,­she­built fixture.­Is­it­any­wonder­that­the both­a­professional­life­that­epitomizes president­requested­a­six-month­grace exemplary­service­and,­with­loving period­when­she­announced­her husband­Mike,­a­strong­family­that imminent­retirement­on­December­28, includes­sons­Michael­and­Brian; 2015?­Ada­H.­Porter,­the­previous daughters-in-law­Joanie­and­Danielle; MainGate editor,­stepped­up­in­her­role granddaughters­Shealyn­and­Kyra,­ as­assistant­secretary­of­th e­University and­grandson­Ni cholas.­­­­ and­took­full­responsibility­for­the Debs­Center,­while­Eileen­graciously When­Eileen­joined­AUB­in­the­early agreed­to­serve­as­special­adviser­to­the 1960s,­life­was­certainly­different.­­ president­until­July.­Special,­indeed: There­were­no­cellphones,­no­internet, 98

and no desktop computers. The absence we have experienced over the last 17 office environments. Board committee of reliable phone and postal services years. She is an example to us all and meetings were not held in Beirut at meant urgent communications will always remain an indelible and the time, and he was really ingenious depended on the stark telegram and the irreplaceable part of the AUB in arranging meetings in Syria, unwieldy telex. Databases lived on community.” Cyprus, and Jo rdan at a time when index cards; files were not a mouse communication between the US and click away, but housed in clunky metal Eileen herself credits lessons learned the Middle East was very challenging. cabinets. In an era of rapid change, from four extraordinary mentors, Whenever I’ve had problems in that Eileen took new technologies in stride university stalwarts with whom she area, I’d think, ‘What would Bill do?’” from the typewriter to the video worked closely: Chairman Emeritus conference. It may be this trait of Richard A. Debs, Chairman Emeritus Mary Bajada served as Secretary to adaptability that made her such a good Thomas Q. Morris, Vice President the Board of Trustees from 1966-85; fit for AUB, an institution with deep William Rice, and Secretary of the her absolute commitment and deep roots in a country known for its resilient Board Mary Bajada. In 2003, Eileen devotion to AUB set a standard for and resourceful people. worked with Drs. Debs and Morris, to Eileen. “All four of these remarkable establish the Debs Center. She told people were examples of selfless service For many in the AUB community, MainGate, “Dr. Debs and Dr. Morris to firmly held ideals,”she said. “They Mrs. O’Connor was the New York office. were guiding lights and driving forces were truly inspirational figures Her cheerful, purposeful presence lifted in AUB’s remarkable recovery and throughout my entire working life.” people’s spirits and reassured them. growth following the extreme hardships She was practically always at her desk, of the civil war. Dr. Debs taught me that Everyone who’s had the privilege of long before and long after daylight. the devil is in the details—to be getting to know Eileen understands Blessed with good health, she rarely conscientious, precise, and accurate in that, for her, AUB is family. As trustee took vacations. Upon he r retirement, every endeavor without regard to its Abdulsalam Haykal said in a farewell Eileen received hundreds of effusive relative importance. Dr. Morris taught message to her, “Your example will farewell messages from across the me the importance of taking time to do always inspire me. There’s no better University and around the world. the right thing. He is a model of sound embodiment of what AUB stands for President Khuri and Chairman Khoury professional judgement, and he never than your legendary commitment to may have said it best in their joint allows pressure to infringe on courtesy the University, energizing belief in the message to the AUB community, “Eileen and respect for colleagues.” mission, extraordinary energy, dignified has seen, nay cared for, AUB through and peaceful presence, and your thick and thin, from the day the William (Bill) Rice worked at AUB from persistent smile despite long days University nearly closed in the 1970s, 1958-97 in several leadership positions, and tough times.” Much as the modest to the war years of the 1980s that saw including compt roller, vice president Mrs. O’Connor couldn’t have imagined four university presidents working of the University, secretary of the her remarkable, decades-long career at in New York, the destruction and corporation, and head of the New York AUB, we cannot imagine life without reconstruction of College Hall, and Office. Eileen says, “Bill reinforced the her. Fortunately, for so many in the the period of great renewal and growth value of treating everyone as an equal. AUB community, she is firmly lodged His love of new technologies helped me in our hearts. to adapt to fast moving changes in ­

Inspiration

By the Nu bers Heidelberg 1899

AUB (Women admitted to schools of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry; to the School of Arts and Sciences, preparatory to Medicine and as special students above the freshman year) 1921

Sorbonne 1924

American University in Cairo 1928

Princeton 1969

Yale 1969

Oxford 19­74

Lebanese American University 1975 Circa late 1920s Harvard (when Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges Gender Integration Firsts merged) 1977 in Higher Education

By the Books Course: Nutrition Security: Assessment and Intervention Strategies

SYLLABUS CLASS TIME and doctoral degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and completed a science and This course introduces students to basic This course combines several teaching technology policy fellowship at the Institute of principles of food and nutrition security and strategies including didactic learning, Medicine. She teaches undergraduate and highlights the role of nutrition in disease interactive class discussions, applied field graduate community nutrition courses; serves prevention and health promotion at the work, and reflection essays. Students are as the coordinator of community nutrition community level. The course aims to equip encouraged to be active learners. There are practicum for dietetic internship students; and students with the knowledge and skills extensive readings, class discussions with plays an instrumental role in the newly required to: assess food and nutrition guest speakers from various local and established diploma and master’s programs in insecurity at the community and population- international organizations, and organized food security. Her research interests include the level; identify policies and interventions that group field visits where students put concepts assessment of food and nutrition security promote food security; and plan, implement, into practice. There are also quizzes, group among vulnerable groups, including women, and evaluate community nutrition programs presentations, and reports. children, and refugees; assessment of dietary based on evidence-based practice, while and lifestyle behaviors among youth and young taking into consideration cultural, social, and BIO adults; developing programming of trainers’ contextual dimensions. This course focuses workshops and school-based nutrition on food security challenges facing the Middle Dr. Lamis Jomaa is an assistant professor in education interventions to alleviate food East and North Africa (MENA) region, while community nutrition at the Department of insecurity and prevent obesity among children. addressing needs of specific vulnerable Nutrition and Food Sciences in the Faculty of groups, including women, children, and Agricultural and Food Science (FAFS) at AUB. refugees. A Fulbright scholar, Jomaa earned her master’s ­

1110

When Mike Avanzato, a history student Through his SJP activism, he met inequality, and, of course, how to at the University of Massachusetts UMASS Amherst students of Arab order coffee. (UMASS), Amherst, arrived in Beirut origin, who turned him on to Lebanon. in January 2015, one of his first The country also came with the He also made a point to leave his impressions of the country was of recommendation of UMASS Amherst’s comfort zone and integrate as much as the lights streaming upward from Mary Wilson, a history professor who his short stay would allow, socializing Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and spent her junior year at AUB in 1970-71 with other Lebanese students at bouncing off the rain. Lebanon seemed and returned as a visiting faculty Captain’s Cabin in Hamra and to glitter. He felt fresh and ebullient. member in 2005-06. “She gave me a list elsewhere, discussing politics and the The spotlights of Downtown gave way of places to go, but some of them misperceptions that fueled mistrust on to the streetlights of Ras Beirut where haven’t been there since the Civil War,” both sides of the Atlantic. “Everyone Avanzato met Off ice of International says Avanzato. was so outgoing and accepting of Programs mentor Malika Hassan and foreigners,” he says. “It was a breath ordered his first Lebanese meal. “I had And so Avanzato joined a dozen or so of fresh air. I’m from the northeast.” lahme bi ajeen,” he says proudly. other Americans in directly enrolling at In Boston, he says, you’re lucky if AUB through the Office of International someone doesn’t shout at you for Avanzato came to Lebanon seeking an Programs. On arriving on campus, he walking too close to them. alternative to the traditional hedonistic met with an adviser and learned about American study abroad experience, classes, credits, and options. He heard After his spring semester, he decided to which he characterized as “getting the speech that Captain Shalak gives stay for the summer and volunteered drunk in Barcelona or hanging out and about security at AUB. And, of course, with the Learning for the Empowerment drinking wine in Italy.” He says that he he received a warm welcome, including and Advancement of the Palestinian wanted to “actually learn something icebre aker activities and informal People (LEAP) to teach English at and do something” re lated to his introductions to staff. “The goal,” Rashidieh Camp on the outskirts of passions, which lie in Middle East says AUB Enrollment Adviser Megan Tyre, which exposed him to the ground- conflict and injustice. Scanlon, “is to have students talking level realities of the conflict that and laughing. If they look bored to sparked his interest in Lebanon. Avanzato credits a history course at tears, like bumps on the log, then UMASS Amherst with introducing we’re not doing our jobs.” Now a senior at UMASS Amherst, him to the Middle East and the Avanzato plans on returning to AUB as intractable conflict between Israelis During a semester at AUB, Avanzato a master’s student in public policy and and Palestinians. Moved by what he enrolled in two Arabic language international affairs, which he hopes learned, he joined the student activism courses—one formal, one colloquial—a will lead to a career at the UNHCR or a organization Students for Justice in course in conflict management, and a similar organization that deals with Palestine (SJP); with SJP, he marched, course in social inequality t aught by refugee issues. “A couple of months into wrote letters to the powerful, and visiting professor Fawaz Traboulsi. He my stay in Beirut, I got the impression showed films to fellow students that learned about the economic causes of that this is a place where I could live,” shed light on hardships facing Lebanon’s civil war, theories of social he says. “As I was leaving, I thought, I Palestinians. need to figure out a way to get back here.” A More Meaningful Study Abroad Inspiration

AUB and MasterCard Expand their Reach

This spring the MasterCard Foundation refugees. The places are to be deepened a five-year relationship with distributed equally among AUB’s seven AUB, its only Arab partner, with a large faculties and schools. “This program grant that promises to fully fund the reaches out to students who are the educations of 70 undergraduate and 110 most economically disadvantaged, graduate students over the next nine young people who wouldn’t be able to years, beginning this fall. An earlier come to AUB without a scholarship, award supported 60 students’ studies who might be the first to go to college in at the Faculty of Health Sciences toward their family, but who are also promising bachelor’s degrees in medical lab academically and in terms of leadership sciences and environmental health and potential,” says Rima Afifi, professor master’s degrees in public health. The and co-director of the AUB MasterCard MasterCard Foundation funds scholars Foundation Scholars Program. at more than 22 universities in Africa, Costa Rica, and North America with the “People can give back to their goal of preparing a new generation of communities in multiple meaningful leaders to foster social transformation ways,” says Afifi. “They can stay local and economic growth, ideally in their or go abroad. Ultimately, the goal is to home communities. support young people to stay in their countries and regions of origin to work The new program targets specific and live, but there are broader social demographics: 90 of the total 180 and economic conditions which may entrants over the next six years will not allow them to do so.” come from Sub-Saharan Africa and 60 from underprivileged communities in In addition to fulfilling degree Lebanon, including people living as requirements, under the new award, refugees here, such as Palestinians; scholars receive direct training in the remaining 30 scholarships are leadership and community building earmarked specifically for Syrian from AUB’s Center for Civic Engagement 1312

and Community Service (CCECS), including classroom accepted by the Teach for Lebanon program, where she’ll time with NGOs serving underprivileged communities. teach in one of Lebanon’s underprivileged schools before going on to pursue her master’s degree. The Faculty of Health Sciences’ Center for Public Health Practice led the leadership training component of the first The expanded program will also diversify AUB’s campus, award. Evelyn Namuwonge (MPH, expected ’17) (right), a ethnically and financially. “More diversity increases AUB’s Ugandan student and recipient of that award who dorms at global aspect,” says Afifi. “AUB has the policies and Boustany Hall, volunteered during a national blood drive. procedures in place to support diversity, and under this “We went with our colleagues who speak Arabic and new administration there has been a big effort to promote mobilized people to come and donate,” says Namuwonge. dialogue about enhancing equity, including gender.”

On a larger level, the MasterCard Foundation aims to create a Eighteen students from the original cohort, including Nader, distinct community of institutional partners and scholars: graduated this year, following two students who graduated students and program managers from partner universities, in May 2015 and have moved on to master’s and doctoral including AUB, gather annually to discuss concepts and programs. “The partnership between the MasterCard challenges fundamental to the program, such as Foundation and AUB is synergistic and complementary,” transformational leadership, scholar recruitment, and says Afifi. “This generous grant has allowed AUB to move transitions. The discussions lead to working groups that forward its vision to create a more diverse campus student meet regularly over Skype. community.”

Ashley Collier, Scholars Community Manager at MasterCard Foundation, sees this community as opening doors for students. “We have an e-platform,” she says. “It’s a mix of LinkedIn and Facebook that lets students network with each other across universities, find internships, and get career support.” The hope is that the community will keep students connected both to each other and their values.

One of the first MasterCard Foundation scholars, Lucienne Nader (BS, ’16) (left) comes from Tal Abbas in Akkar province. Spurred to learn about the cancer that had taken her father’s life, she became a medical lab sciences major.

Nader recently served as a student representative at a scholars gathering. “We traveled with our program officer to Arizona where we met students from Africa and Costa Rica,” she says. “We sat in a semi-circle and discussed challenges, both financial and academic.” Nader has since been Inspiration

USP Scholars Reflect on their Time at AUB and Prepare to Move On

As I sit in a third-floor classroom of so its widows can earn a living. “First Since its inception in 2011, USP has Fisk Hall, I am buoyed by the spirit we did a needs assessment,” he says. educated about 50 Lebanese public and ambition of the students sitting “We found that the area was rich in school students a year, aiming for across from me. They are from the first olive oil, so we decided to implement a balance in gender and geography, with cohort of the United States Agency for project that makes use of this 21 of the country’s 26 districts being International Development’s resource.” Drawing a budget of represented in each cohort. As University Scholarship Program (USP), approximately $4,500 from USAID and University Preparatory Program here at AUB on full four-year an NGO called Mercy Corps, Ali and Director Samar Harkous explains to scholarships, set to graduate this his team purchased equipment that me, the USP program is a vehicle for spring. They come from all over would improve efficiency. Whereas merit-based socioeconomic mobility Lebanon, from tiny villages, remote soap production at the factory in a country where nepotism usually towns and disadvantaged city areas. formerly required heat and a full day’s carries the day. And after four years all are showing labor, it can now be produced with 15 great promise in their chosen subjects, minutes’ work using a cold process. The program’s representatives fan out and most importantly, as leaders. each year to recruit applicants, some Two other students, Youssef Bandak of whom can be skeptical about Many arrived on campus with little to (BS, ’16) (left) and Rachid Klaimi (BS, applying to a US government-funded no English, having come from public ’16) (right), worked with local NGO program. Applicants are assessed schools where the language of Zgharta Zawyeh Youth Movement according to academic performance, instruction is French. Yet now they (ZZYM) to build a youth cultural center financial need, and leadership speak to me confidently and in Zgharta in the hills above Tripoli. In potential. “We calculate district coherently in English about their deciding on the project, Klaimi speaks averages for both grades and finance,” experiences as students and of managing debate and compromise, explains Harkous. “We also look for volunteers. a skill he says he acquired at USP readiness for social involvement and leadership workshops. “The program ambition.” About 260 shortlisted One of them, Ali (BEN, expected ’16), helped me with my self-confidence,” candidates are invited to campus each a private young man who wished to he says. “I was a very shy person when year for a fully-funded trip to AUB that remain anonymous for this article, I came here, but I was forced to deal includes a series of interviews and tells me of his experience refurbishing with people, to present to people, as a exams, after which the final 50 are a soap factory in the town of Hasbaya volunteer and a team member.” chosen. in the far south-east part of Lebanon 1514

It is important for recruiters to verify had never heard of email,” Harkous earnestness, as he tells me about his each applicant's financial background, says. This same student is now an family and his senior year project as accounting for all income and assets, a honors graduate in computer science. a computer engineering major in sometimes difficult task in areas where software defined networks (SDNs). thorough financial reporting is At some point during their studies, uncommon. Any misreporting of students go abroad for internships, a Ali comes from a southern town he household income would result in challenging experience for those does not want identified. His father dismissal from the program, and this coming from rural parts of the country. recently passed away, and his two has happened on one occasion. Once Klaimi is applying for an engineering sisters are now supported by extended accepted, students receive housing, a master’s at AUB after having spent a family. His speech is precise, reflective, laptop, a $300 book allowance, and a summer abroad. “Last summer I did an except when he speaks about the USP $500 monthly stipend. internship in Brazil, but I didn’t like program, then it grows thick with living without my family and friends, emotion. “Nobody gave me what USAID Those with weak English skills, about so I decided to do my master’s degree gave to me. I’m very,” he pauses to 70 percent of incoming students, must here,” he says. think of the word, “grateful.” take a year of intensive language training before beginning their studies. The program mandates community -EE After that, they enter their majors. volunteering and civic work as it seeks "Our mission is to fund students who to mold a generation of altruistic, can find work immediately upon socially-conscious leaders. graduation,” Harkous says. “So we encourage students to major in Students I spoke with expressed mixed nursing, computer science, education, feelings about the likelihood of leaving business, political science and public home after graduation. They would administration, as well as psychology.” stay in Lebanon if the opportunities Majors such as biology and physics, presented themselves, but many which are precursors for medical believe they won’t—though at least training, or history and math cannot one USP scholar has found a job at be accepted. Deloitte’s Lebanon office.

Some arriving students also need some As my session with the students help with IT. “I remember telling one winds down and they filter out of the student to send me an email, but he classroom, Ali approaches. He exudes 16 Inspiration

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AUB’s 147th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony May 28, 2016 Tag Tour

1 President Fadlo R. Khuri 8 – 11 Faculty Shields, L – R: Faculty of 21 Chief Marshall Lara Halaoui 2 Board Chairman Philip S. Khoury Health Sciences, Faculty of 22 – 28 (R – L) FAS Dean Patrick McGreevy, 3 Interim Provost Muhamad Harajli Engineering and Architecture, EVP and Dean FM Mohamad 4 Computer Science graduate Reem Abou Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty Sayegh, FEA Dean Makram Suidan, Ibrahim addresses the Class of 2016 of Medicine FAFS Dean Nahla Hwalla, FHS Dean 5 Degrees: 1,566 undergraduate degrees 12 – 20 Trustees, L – R: Board Co-Chair Iman Nuwayhid, OSB Dean Steve awarded: FAS, 590; FEA, 476; OSB, 276; Hutham Olayan, Trustee Abdulsalam Harvey, Dean of Students Talal FAFS, 129; FHS, 55; HSoN 40 Haykal, Trustee Randa El-Sayed Nezameddin 6 Registrar Moueen Salameh holds the 150th Haffar, Alumni Trustee Ghaleb 29 Live big screen broadcast with Arabic Anniversary Commencement Program Daouk, Alumni Trustee Hisham subtitles Booklet Jaroudi, Trustee Carol Belamy, 30 AUB 150th anniversary banner, one of eight 7 Honorary Degree Recipient Nadine Labaki, Trustee Huda Zoghbi, Trustee around Green Field filmmaker and actor, who is about to Senator John Sununu, Trustee Maher deliver the Undergraduate Commencement Mikati address Discoveries Research, the arts, and current events

AUB Spaces 18 Take a peek inside AUB’s archives

Pursuits Dima Jamali analyzes the social networks supporting female 19 entrepreneurs; Khouzama Knio catalogs Lebanon’s insect biodiversity

Seen/Scene 21 Alemian Manoug creates Lebanon with his photography

Under Discussion 22 A new social phenomenon, growing old alone in Lebanon Discoveries

Safeguarding AUB’s Treasures Though collecting and archiving of material has been ongoing since 1870, it wasn’t until 1991 that The room that one imagines to be the heart of AUB decided to officially establish its archives AUB’s archives is long and cavernous. Its mobile department. Headed by Samar Mikati, the shelves move along tracks on the floor and department now counts 14 staff members whose contain titles like Description de l'Egypte by Benoit duties range from cataloging and research de Maillet published in 1735; Voyages and Travels support to preservation and outreach. When in the Levant in the Years 1749,50,51,52 by Fredrik reaching out to individuals and institutions, the Hasselquist, and Astronomicum Caesareum: department aims for documents related to the AUB Avicenna's Book of Canon published in 1593. Next history of AUB, Lebanon, and the Middle East to these rare texts are old phonograph records, region; 20,000 negatives from iconic like Felix Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s photographer Alemian Manoug were just Spaces Dream, and faded political posters, including one acquired this spring (see page 21). from the 1970s that says “Yes for Kataeb” and features partisans in ranks, genuflecting, arms Much of the department’s collection has been raised in salute. digitized; a move which, according to Mikati, spurred interest in the archives printed collection This room, together with the nooks and crannies and increased foot traffic at the department itself. below Nami Jafet Library, contains the sum of the “Consultation of a print book, a manuscript, or a Archives and Special Collections Department’s print poster or photo, is considered a must by physical collection: 16,000 books; 8,944 student many scholars wishing to conduct in-depth theses; 1,800 manuscripts; 2,000 maps; 10,000 research on a topic. Material artifacts, rare books issues of periodicals; 70,000 photographs; and and manuscripts, print posters and ephemera are 6,000 posters. nicely complemented by their digital surrogates, but never superseded by them,” says Mikati. 1918 Pursuits

The Social Scene for I’m studying how social capital—networks, done focus groups and one-on-one interviews Lebanese mentors, socializing—has made a difference in the and have found anecdotal evidence of big Businesswomen trajectories of female entrepreneurs in Lebanon. changes in the business environment that women I want to find out how the business landscape is face: women say they feel more supported now evolving and understand how women are making than they did in the early 2000s, face less use of social capital in its various forms to get pressure to close their businesses, and have more their businesses off the ground. In designing a role models to look up to. There are more research framework, I’ve broken down social resources for them, like the Blessing Foundation, capital into three categories: structural, a networking site for female entrepreneurs. We relational, and cognitive. Structural capital refers found architecture, education, and health food to to the structure of relationships, frequency of be important industries for women. The study is Dima Jamali meetings, and strength of bonds. Relational refers being funded by the National Council for to more intangible qualities like trust and Scientific Research. Professor of Management and Kamal expectations. Cognitive refers to how female Shair Endowed Chair in entrepreneurs think about relationships. We’ve Responsible Leadership Olayan School of Business

Insect Diversity in I’m looking at insect diversity at the Bentael meant to address that. Two of my students travel Lebanon Reserve in Byblos, specifically the number of to Bentael twice a month, beat bushes and scrubs species and their distribution. Surveys of butterfly with nets, and collect insects along a trail through species were conducted decades ago, but no the reserve that gives us a representative sample. surveys of insect biodiversity in the Reserve have We’ve conducted a preliminary survey and ever been done. Insects are the planet’s most discovered 19 new associations between insect diverse and abundant class of organisms, a class species and thistles. UNESCO funded the first year that, like others, has fallen victim to of data collection, but I want to continue for urbanization. They play an important role in several years and determine whether certain regulating plant reproduction. There are many species of insect are thriving or dying out. Khouzama Knio gaps in our knowledge of the distribution and Professor types of insects in Lebanon and this study is Department of Biology

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. Honorary degree recipients for 2016 included acclaimed Lebanese filmmaker and actor Nadine Labaki, world-renowned risk specialist and best- selling author Nassim Taleb, and radical chemistry giant Dr. Samir Zard. “They were chosen in recognition of their achievements on the international stage and their determination not to let conventional wisdom stand in the way of their quest for transformative excellence,” said President Fadlo R. Khuri. Discoveries R+D

Research focus: reviewed after the revolution, but I don’t have a focus at this point. again, they were sidelined. Basically, the way it works is that you spend the first year-and-a-half going Implications for research: through topics. You take a number of I’m doing interviews this month with a Yasmin Shafei courses in the history department and number of Egyptian women and asking produce a number of research papers them questions about their experiences (expected on diverse topics that trace economic, with, and awareness of feminism. I PhD ’20) social, and political histories. want to understand to what extent feminism, largely led by Egyptian elites, One area that I’m interested in is gender captures the aspirations of women studies, relatively under-e xplored area farther down the socioeconomic ladder. in the Middle East context. I’m interested in looking at relationships How I got here: between women and men and the I did my master’s in international different dynamics of power. relations at the American University of Cairo. Then I worked for 15 years in I would also like to trace the deve lopment in various parts of the development of feminism in Egypt. A UN system, including with UNODC, lot has been written about women and UNAIDS, UNHCR, and UNDP. I worked Islam more research needs to be done at Oxfam too. After 15 years, I became in the Egyptian context. I would like disillusioned with the international to look at how early male Egyptian development system. I joined the intellectuals and the Islamic discourse Department of Arab and Middle Eastern influenced Egyptian feminism— History at AUB. Now I hope to write and Egyptian feminists led the way in the produce a great deal of knowledge on region and its relationship with Islam the region that can challenge existing and with the state are very important. scholarship. I hope to teach as well in the future. Biggest discovery to date: I’ve found that there is a need to de-link What I’ll remember most about AUB: the feminist movement from the The dynamism. The people. The different state narratives. The feminist constant production of knowledge. movement lost its agency and Lectures. Workshops. We’re lucky to independence over the years. For work in a regional hub. It’s also one of example, Egyptian feminists actively the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever participated in anti-colonial protests seen. against the British. They believed, after independence, that their demands for Best moment of my day: economic and legal rights would be When I successfully formulate a met, but they were disappointed. research question that really speaks to me and has a certain degree of novelty. When Egyptian suffragettes did achieve It doesn’t happen often enough, but their goals, it was in spite of the state, when it does, I can close my computer not because of it. More recently, women and go home happy. hoped inheritance laws would be 2120

Creating Lebanon

Does art imitate life? Or does life imitate national community,” says Chebaro. Love of subject defined Manoug’s work art? Probably both, but Dr. Kaoukab “All photos can do that, especially if and pushed him to explore every stone, Chebaro, associate university librarian they are used by national, official building, tree, villager, and man-about- for archives and special collections and entities, and these definitely were.” town that came into focus. So keen and assistant professor at the Archives and For older Lebanese, Manoug’s photos sensitive was his eye that he drew the Special Collections Department, thinks conjure up memories of a bustling, attention of the region’s political elite: it’s more complicated than that and bucolic, spiritually tolerant country King Hussein of Jordan, King Faisal and gives the recent exhibition of the work that is at once, according to Chebaro, King Khaled of Saudi Arabia, President of Manoug Alemian, Manoug’s Magic “captured, reinforced, staged, and Hafez el-Assad of Syria, and President Lantern, as an example. constructed.” Camille Chamoun of Lebanon—all commissioned Manoug to take their Alemian, commonly known as Manoug, An unlikely visual spokesperson for official portraits, thus permitting him took many of the photos symbolizing the country, Manoug came to Lebanon to create the image of both man and the diversity and contrasts of pre-war in the 1930s by way of Hama, Syria; nation for millions of Arabs. Lebanon and AUB just acquired 20,000 his parents were killed during the of them. Manoug did for Lebanon what Armenian Genocide, leaving him in “With any photo, it’s difficult to say Ansel Adams did for Yellowstone the care of adoptive Syrian parents. what is constructed and what is National Park in the United States, Manoug began teaching himself documented,” says Chebaro. capturing, in iconic black and white, photography and opened his first “Between the dialogue of reality and religious leaders, vistas of mountains professional photo studio in Bab Idriss, the represented reality you have many and sea, folk dances and skyscrapers. downtown Beirut, in 1956 and his discourses. For example, one photo that The Ministry of Tourism used these second, in 1965, on Graham Street. I love was of Fairouz in a play called scenes to introduce Lebanon to the His photos of Lebanese Cedars and Fakhr al-Din. She is portrayed in a very world, evoking the idea of a the Baalbek Festival, along with aerial specific way, as the maiden singing of cosmopolitan country, both modern photos of the capital, came to adorn Lebanon, a representation and creation and romantic. Lebanese diplomatic missions, tourism at the same time.” bureaux, restaurants, Middle East “We curated this exhibit as a Airlines offices, and a myriad of commentary on the role visual culture publications. can play in creating an imagined 22 Discoveries

Under Discussion: Lebanon’s Challenge—A Lonely Old Age

Lebanon has the largest proportion of family caregivers, as well as migrant people over 65 in the Arab world, about workers, who may transition from the 8.5% of the population. This proportion role of domestic worker to that of has been growing as a result of caregiver and companion. While they decreased fertility rates, increased help lower institutionalization rates, survival into old age, and the “return migrant workers often lack Abla Mehio Sibai migration” of older workers post- qualifications and do not share Professor and Chair, retirement from the Gulf where there children’s sense of filial loyalty. Department of are no prospects for gaining citizenship. Epidemiology and Meanwhile, many young people have UN agencies, including the World Population Health pursued their higher education in Health Organization, promote “aging Europe and the US and remained there in place.” In-home care remains a better afterwards. and less-costly option than institutionalization. It’s more dignified This exodus of the young means that and family-oriented. A number of NGOs Lebanese adults are more likely to age and centers now provide services, like alone. Lebanon again has the highest mobile clinical and catering services, proportion in the region of older people that support in-home care in Lebanon. who live by themselves at 12%, compared to figures between five and There is a dearth of social workers and seven percent elsewhere. Religious and nurses specialized in elderly care, and social mores continue to emphasize the geriatrics is not a popular specialty role of relatives as caregivers, but the among medical residents. For the intergenerational living arrangement Lebanese healthcare system to sustain has frayed and the traditional model an aging population, aging issues need of familial care for the elderly may be to be mainstreamed. Primary care and disintegrating. family physicians need to be trained to address the multiple and interrelated In Lebanon, nursing homes are seen as chronic comorbidities among older a last resort, in cases where family people, and gerontology and geriatrics support falters, or where severe frailty need to be integrated into our medical or cognitive impairment exists. The and nursing schools’ curricula. majority of the elderly remain at home and a good proportion are cared for by Wellness AUBMC 2020, health, and medicine

Thalia Arawi discusses the ethics of medicine, organ donation, and Check Up 24 designer babies

AUBMC News 26 Ghassan Abu Sitta performs surgery from far away with a virtual hand

Special Care 28 AUB’s Special Kids Clinic brings advanced care to Lebanon’s neediest

Rugby League 29 AUB’s rugby team celebrates a year of historic accomplishment

A recipe from the new WAAAUB cookbook Abundance Roasted green wheat Sahtein 30 with chicken and eggplant Wellness

Check Up:

Q. When was SHBPP founded? Why? What’s the program’s mission? A. The Salim El-Hoss Bioethics and Professionalism Program (SHBPP) at the AUB’s Faculty of Medicine Thalia Arawi, PhD, Founding Director, and Medical Center is an Salim El-Hoss interdisciplinary resource for faculty, Bioethics and students, healthcare providers, and Professionalism policy makers, who are involved in Program (SHBPP), bioethics education, research, and talks about bioethics. consultation in Lebanon and the region. It was launched in April 2010 as the first targeted initiative in the Arab world that seeks to educate, research, and champion issues related to professionalism, medical humanism, and bioethics. It promotes and encourages the development of the requisite skills, attitudes, and behaviors among those who practice medicine on issues such as end-of-life care, medical economics, health administration, law and policy, and ethics and research in Lebanon and the Arab world.

Q. How would you define bioethics? A. Bioethics can be defined as a serious examination of ethical issues in health care. It is principally concerned with the moral, legal, religious, political, and social issues raised in medicine and clinical care. Although ‘bioethics’ is a modern term, the concept can be traced back to Hammurabi’s Code and the Hippocratic Oath, both of which require ethical considerations in medical practice. Perhaps the first full book on physician ethics was Adab al-Tabib by Ishaq ibn Al- Ruhawi, written towards the end of the 9th century. Al-Ruhawi believed that physicians are “guardians of souls and bodies.” 2524

Q. Is bioethics taught at AUB? How? AUBFM Humanism and a football player or a musician?”— When? Where? Professionalism Awards and also the this is where we draw the line, I A. We have been teaching Bioethics at Medical Humanism Fund to help think. The usual question that is the Faculty of Medicine for a number needy patients. These are only some raised is whether we have the right of years now. We do that via both the examples. M ore can be found on our to play God. formal and the informal curricula as website: it is my firm belief that both need to www.aub.edu.lb/fm/shbpp/. For example, if now, I’m pregnant, be aligned or else we will not get the and I want my kid to be a musician results we are aspiring to. Often, the Q. How do ethical standards differ and a doctor, and I act on that, I’ve hidden curriculum contradicts what across countries? East versus West? taken on even more responsibility was learned in the formal one, thus A. It’s a long story. One difference for my child’s fate than I would have the importance of working on both at centers on the principle of autonomy. through a natural conception. What the same time. We are lucky to have In Lebanon, we used to adhere if the child grows up and doesn’t like received institutional support for the somewhat to soft paternalistic my choices for him or her? I would SHBPP mission from our Dean and elements, which can be traced back be fully responsible for making them Executive Vice President Mohamed to the Hippocratic Oath, which states what they didn’t want to be. And Sayegh. I do not think any of this that the physician knows more. Yet, when talking about medical would have been possible without while matters have changed enhancements, there’s always the his support. I take the opportunity to drastically over the years, and the question of who will have access. thank him for all the support he has patient is involved in all decisions, Only certain countries? A certain class shown and is still showing for some form of soft paternalism might of wealthy people in those countries? SHBPP. At SHBPP, we have still be needed in this part of the This could widen the already large introduced a rigorous series entitled world. gap between the wealthy and poor in Physicians, Patients and Society terms of medical care. These are only (PPS 1 to 4), which is a longitudinal It’s also important to ease into bad some issues that might arise; there is series required from undergraduate news. We used to have oncologists much more of course. medical students. PPS courses coming from America who might include bioethics as well as medical tell a patient they have cancer as Q. What about organ donation? humanities. In addition, we also soon as the results are in. Here, A. I can’t give an overview statement offer integrated lectures within organ you need to prep the patient more here. It’s really a case-by-case issue. systems. Moreover, SHBPP psychologically and emotionally, You can have two patients of similar introduced BROWnies (Bioethics and there is a way to break bad news. circumstances, but the decision can Rounds On the Wards) with medical Going back some time, doctors didn’t be very different. In Lebanon, we students, residents, nurses, use words like cancer. They told have donor cards. Organ donation is attending physicians, AUBMC’s patients they had an infection. religiously acceptable. All Abrahamic clinical bioethicist, and others. PPS They were concerned about the religions support it. co urses as well as BROWnies have psychological impact of breaking received very positive feedback from such news to the patient and family, Q. What do you see as your role as students and faculty. In addition, who used to refuse to hear or director of SHBPP? and as part of the informal mention the word cancer. A. As Founding Director of SHBPP, curriculum, we have an Ethics my main role is in enhancing the Matters lecture series–in which we Patients here often come for understanding and appreciation offer lectures on bioethics treatment with their entire family in of bioethics as being intrinsic to topics–and an electronic newsletter. tow. So physicians must consider medicine, not extraneous to it. We These are attended by students, how to manage that dynamic. are doing our best to make this residents, and faculty (medicine and happen at AUB, in Lebanon, and nursing) from AUB and Lebanon. Our Q. What is your stance on designer in the Arab Region. I am happy to speakers are often internationally babies? say that we have already made a renowned figure s (such as Arthur A. It is something that science might difference. We want to help graduate Caplan, Howard Brody, Haavi make possible, but there are some physicians become “healers” as Morreim, Trudie Roberts, Eric Cassel, things we ought not to do. If we’re opposed to “healthcare and Jeremy Sugarman, to mention working on genes of a potential baby practitioners,” who will do the right but a few) and colleagues from that will eliminate Alzheimer’s or thing when no one is looking. It is AUBMC. We also have local, cystic fibrosis, I might say that’s very important to develop bioethics national, and regional conferences okay. But when you start tampering regulations that fit our culture and and workshops. We have established with specific traits, like, “Do I want not just import them wholesale from the physician and resident SHBPP- my child to be blond with green eyes, the West. Wellness

AUBMC News

A Surgical Hand Reaches Across Borders

This April, Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, head teams to communicate and work of plastic surgery at AUBMC, found a together via tablet computers. From way to extend his surgical hand across nearly 200 miles away in Beirut, he international borders, from his office at guided his counterpart in Gaza in AUBMC to Gaza’s Al Awda hospital, via drawing markers over an image of a an online interactive platform known as young patient’s hand, which was Proximie, which allows the medical soon to be operated on.

Coming Together for Health During his January 25th inauguration Health, he explains, must be addressed speech, President Khuri laid out his holistically. vision for “the region’s first legitimate Health Sciences Center, combining The initiation phase of the vision, medicine, health sciences, food sciences, entitled ‘Strategic Health Initiatives business, engineering, nursing…” Shadi (SHI),’ was announced by President Saleh, professor of health systems and Khuri on April 7. Saleh terms the early financing at FHS and founding director stages of executing this vision the of the Collaborative for Leadership and “Health Initiative Mapping process Innovations in Health Systems (CLI) and (HIM),” which involves collecting the Healthcare Leadership Academy information from each of AUB’s faculties (HLA), has been appointed to execute and units involved in health. that vision. Saleh says he looks forward to working under the visionary Saleh argues that there must be multiple leadership of Executive Vice President interventions led by experts from each of of Medicine Mohamed H. Sayegh and the different units. Public health experts in coordination with Deans Nuwayhid at FHS, for example, can communicate (FHS) and Houalla (FAFS), HSON and work with nutritionists to design Director Huijer, and other AUB leaders awareness campaigns and promote engaged in health. comprehensive health policy, surveying the public health landscape. Biomedical “Currently we have at least four units engineers can work with business that are deeply involved in health, leaders and explore ways to maximize including FM, FHS, Nutrition, and the reach and use of their inventions to Nursing, as well as AUBMC,” says impact health. Saleh. The goal is to link these and other units together in a way that fosters For more on SHI please see the next issue collaboration and maximizes impact. of MainGate. 2726

Leaving the Heart Untouched

In January, Drs. Bernard Abi-Saleh and The subcutaneous defibrillator is a small Bernard Harbieh performed the first battery-powered device that monitors heart subcutaneous defibrillator implantation rhythm and delivers a dose of electricity to in Lebanon at AUBMC, a procedure aimed restore that rhythm when it senses the at preventing sudden death in patients at heart is beating dangerously fast or risk for cardiac arrest. The procedure was chaotically. It represents a paradigm shift performed on a 19-year-old young man with in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter- several attacks of ventricular tachycardia defibrillato r technology, as it leaves the and near cardiac arrest episodes stemming heart untouched. Not only does it involve from arrhythmogenic right ventricular placing the lead—the electrical conductor— dysplasia, a rare genetic form of under the skin, but it also does not carry cardiomyopathy in which fatty tissue the risk of bleeding or puncturing the lung. infiltrates the heart muscle of the right ventricle.

An Institutional Commitment to Genomics

This February, Pillar Partners CEO Youssef El Zein praised the exceptional role AUBMC El-Zein, President Fadlo Khuri, and AUBMC has played in transforming healthcare in EVP Mohamed H. Sayegh signed a pledge Lebanon and the region. “AUBMC was the agreement for the establishment of the obvious choice due to its forefront roster of Pillar Genomics Institute of Precision translational, cutting-edge scientists and Medicine at AUBMC. Khuri noted the commitment to the delivery of exceptional importance of establishing such an quality care, excellence in education and institute. “This institute will revolutionize training, and leadership in innovative the way we treat disease, linking advanced research,” El Zein said. “We can think of research and next-generation sequencing no better investment that will make as big in the laborato ry to the patient's bedside,” a difference in Lebanon and the region, he said. “Using precision medicine will and we know that together we can do translate research breakthroughs into the great things.” most advanced therapies for patients.”

Building More Than Strong Bones

Dr. Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan has won osteoporosis guidelines. Fuleihan directed the Endocrine Society’s Award for the development and finalization of the International Excellence in Endocrinology, blueprint, governance structure, and which is presented to an endocrinologist policies for the University’s Human who resides outside of the United States Research Protection Program, and its and who has made exceptional Clinical Research Institute. She was contributions to the field of endocrinology awarded a five-year grant to launch the in geographic areas with underdeveloped Scholars in HeAlth Research Program resources. Fuleihan focuses on osteoporosis (SHARP). SHARP allows trainees enrolled and hypovitaminosis D. She has led the from Lebanon and the region to pursue a IOF Middle East Africa osteoporosis audit, summer certificate or master’s degree in spearheads the National Task Force for quantitative methods in health research Metabolic Bone Disorders, the FRAX into non-communicable diseases. Lebanon calculator, and participates in setting national and international Wellness

Giving Everyone a Head Start

The obstacles facing Ali Khudr, a Syrian progression of her disease. Though refugee from Idlib, quickly added up. the enzyme normally costs more than “At first, I thought Nassim was just Firstly, his refugee status, which in $100,000 per year, Boustany has calm,” says Nariman. Neither local Lebanon means limited access to public managed to acquire it free of charge doctors nor her parents could give her services like education and healthcare. through the company’s compassionate clarity. “My parents told me some Secondly, his finances: as a gas station use program. US law, she explains, babies are delayed in their spee.”ch attendant, Khudr makes only $400 a requires pharmaceutical companies to After learning her son was autistic, she month, on which he needs to support serve the poorest families through this began a rigorous therapeutic regimen. a family of five. And thirdly, his two- program; the companies, in turn, often “They told me not to react to him when year-old daughter Shahd’s medical use the program to access new markets. he acts out. This was very hard.” condition: a rare genetic disease called Though he is still non-verbal, Nassim Hurler syndrome which causes facial “They want to introduce the enzyme has made significant progress after a deformities, stunted physical through us because they know we will year of therapy. “He makes eye contact development and progressive apply it properly,” Boustany says. “This with us, hugs his sister—all that was intellectual disability. will be a showcase for them and they non-existent before.” want it to go well.” She hopes to With the cards so stacked against him, involve the Ministry of Health in future Nariman was able to afford treatment you might expect Khudr to be negotiations with Genzyme and other because of OpenMinds, an NGO and depressed, and yet his deeply tanned pharma companies in order to lower AUB-affiliate d volunteer organization face glows with a sense of peace and costs more widely and bring more drugs that raises money to help low-income acceptance. Some of that peace comes to Lebanon. families get care; to fund basic research from the fact that Shahd is set to receive into the causes of many of the disorders the most advanced treatment available The Special Kids Clinic, nested in a treated at the clinic; and to raise around the world fo r Hurler syndrome T-shaped building across from AUB’s awareness about special needs issues. at AUBMC’s Special Kids Clinic. Medical Gate, acts as a one-stop-shop As Boustany explains, OpenMinds for parents of special needs children enables families like Ali’s and Clinical Director and Professor of who often require a range of tests, Nariman’s to give their children the Pediatric Neurology Dr. Rose-Mary treatments, and therapies. Parents often head start they need: “We want to give Boustany (pictured) has successfully arrive here after having shuttled their the maximum number of children the lobbied Genzyme, a Boston-based children to different specialists and, in utmost amount of help early, so they biotech firm and the world’s only many cases, received misdiagnoses. can get into mainstream schools and provider of the enzyme lysosomal Such is the case with Nariman, who receive services there.” alpha-L-iduronidase, to provide the lives with her autistic son Nassim in enzyme Shahd needs to halt the Mount Lebanon. 2928

Rugby takes off at AUB

In keeping with AUB’s 150th anniversary, Check out these stats from the Jannoun; Women’s Varsity MVP the AUB Rugby League (RL) program Collegiate Rugby League (CRL) National Loubna Sasso; Farid Chaker Saab has had a historic year. Under the Lebanese Universities’ Championship Student-Athlete Award – Abbas A. leadership of Head Coach Mikhael and AUB’s Athletes Night. Matar; Sportsmanship Award – Toufic Shammas and Associate Coach Sol Y. el Hage; Men’s Leadership Award – Mokdad, AUB/RL developed and Men’s Varsity Malek F. Noureddine; Women’s fielded three teams: Men’s Varsity, CRL Final Four; CRL Final Four Most Leadership Award – Rim Wazni Men’s Junior Varsity, and its first-ever Valuable Player (MVP) – Toufic W. Lebanese Women’s Rugby League team. Ghalayini; CRL Third Place It also became the first Lebanese university sports program to send a Men’s Junior Varsity team to the Republic of South Africa. In CRL (Division 2) Premiers; CRL (Division addition, Toufic El-Hage (Men’s Varsity) 2) Champions; CRL (Division 2) MVP – was selected as a member of the Cedars, Marwan M. Jannoun; CRL Final Four; the Lebanese National Rugby League CRL Final Four MVP – Nicolaos G. Team, which proceeded to win the Eleftheriou Middle East-Africa (MEA) World Cup qualifiers and secured a place in the AUB Athletes Night 2017 Rugby League World Cup! Men’s Varsity MVP – Majd M. Marrache; Men’s Junior Varsity MVP – Marwan M.

Varsity player Toufic El-Hage will play for the Cedars

A championship season for AUB’s Men’s Junior Varsity 30 Wellness

Sahtein roasted green Wheat with Chicken and eggplant Freeket al-Djaj ma’ Batenjan eleanore aboussouan (BS ’89, MPH ’91)

IngredIents: and boil on low heat until it is tender and the water is absorbed. Sauté the almonds in 1 tbsp oil • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) large eggplant or butter ove r medium heat until golden in color. Send your recipe submissions to • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) raw chicken pieces, bone in, [email protected] skin removed To assemble, place the cooked wheat on a • 2.2 L (9 cups) water serving platter, lay the chicken pieces on top of • ½ tsp salt the wheat, and the eggplant cubes on the side. • 3 small cinnamon sticks Sprinkle the top with roasted almonds. Serve hot • 220 g (7 oz) onions, thinly sliced with a salad or yogurt on the side. “I always thought while • 250 g (1½ cups) roasted green whe at freekeh experimenting with food recipes that freekeh had a • 1 tbsp unsalted butter Makes 6 servings missing element—a • 100 g (~1 cup) peeled and coarsely chopped vegetable, a mild diuretic to make it lighter on the almonds good for you? An expert weighs in... stomach and improve the • 1 tbsp oil or butter taste. Then, I found it. This , PhD, LD – Lecturer and meal is highly nutritious Marie Claire Chamieh and very healthy. I PreParatIon: Practicum Coordinator, FAFS recommend it for people who lack energy and have been exposed to long Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Using a fork, Roasted green wheat with chicken and eggplant periods of stress.” pierce the eggplant in several places and bake in is a healthy meal that provides a fair amount of

Eleanore Aboussouan a pan with 2 tbsp water for 20-30 minutes, or all macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and (BS ’89, MPH ’91) until tender and cooked. Remove the cooked fats), as well as a good amount of fiber and a eggplant from the oven. Peel, discard the skin variety of micronutrients. It is a good source of and seeds, and reserve the pulp on a plate. Cut magnesium, a micronutrient known to reduce the pulp into 5-8 cm (2-3”) cubes and set aside. muscle tension, lessen pain associated with Wash the chicken pieces, cut to desired size, and migraine headaches, improve sleep, and address place in a saucepan. Add water and salt, and neurological disorders such as anxiety and cook on medium heat, removing the foam that depression. This meal is also rich in vitamin E forms on the water surface until it becomes clear. and selenium; both are antioxidants that protect Add the cinnamon sticks and the onions to the body tissues from damage. Furthermore, it has chicken and continue cooking in the partially significant amounts of vitamin A and lutein covered saucepan on low heat until the chicken which are crucial for better eyesight. Last, but is tender. Keep checking that the water level not least, this meal is low in sodium and rich in always covers the chicken. Trim the wheat, if potassium, a combination that helps regulate necessary, and place in a saucepan. Wash 3 times blood pressure. in water and drain. Sauté in a saucepan with butter for about 5 minutes. When the wheat is Serving size: 1; Calories: 530; Fat (g): 18; Saturated Fat (g): 4; golden brown, pour some of the strained chicken Protein (g): 46; Carbohydrates (g): 50; Fiber (g): 13; Sodium (mg): 280 broth over it to cover the wheat (about 3 cups), AUB’s 150th Anniversary (1916-1966)

Events that made history: SPC aids children post-World War I; Timeline 1916-66 First Student Council elected; Beirut Reaction discovered

Scenes of AUB 32 Campus life during the second fifty years (1916-66)

Constantine Zurayk and Constantine Zurayk invents a language for Arab nationalism Arab Nationalism 34

150 years of diversity, tolerance, open dialog, critical thinking, AUB Values 35 and civic responsibility

Legacy Families 36 Generations of Jebejians and Shadids Anniversary Scenes of AUB

Campus life during the second fifty years (1916-66)

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18 19 1. Assembly Hall, 1920s 2. Commencement, 1935 3. Graduating Class of Medicine, 1931, including first female MD, Adma Abu Shdeed, 4. Arts and Sciences 1939 5. Bread Man, 1920s 6. Student hike to Antelias and Beirut River Valley, 1930s 7. Students at Bechtel Engineering Building, 1953 8. Lunch attended by faculty and staff, 1950s 9. Students demonstrate in support of Lebanese Independence, 1944 10. Dedication ceremonies of Enginee ring School with 20 22 Lebanese President Camille Chamoun and Faculty of Engineering Dean C. Ken Weidner, 1954 11. 1920s 12. Marquand House, 1960s 13. College Hall, 1956 14. The Big Soccer Game, 1968 15. Iranian students celebrating Nowruz, 1961 16. Van Dyck Hall, Medical Building and Post Hall from Jafet Library terrace, 21 1955 17. Student party, 1964 18. AUB’s lush cypress trees, 1953 19. Medical students and residents at work, 1960s 20. Students at the AREC farm, 1953 21. Miss AUB winners, 1966 22. Aerial view of Campus, 1960s AUB admits female graduate students in the schools of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. The University becomes completely coeducational 1916 - 1966 in 1924.

The Second 50 Years Co-eds on Chapel steps 1929-30

Al-‘Urwa al-Wuthqa Howard Bliss at the Paris SPC is renamed the Association founded Peace Conference American University Al-‘Urwa al-Wuthqa SPC President Howard of Beirut in 1920 and Association acts as a Bliss gives an impassioned all professors are focus for cultural and speech at the Paris Peace granted institutional political activity on Conference in support equality and awarded campus. The of Syrian rights to self- voting rights within organization promotes determination. US the general faculty, a pan-Arabist political President Woodrow regardless of national philosophy and Wilson, a close friend origin. organizes meetings of fellow Princetonian and protests. Cleveland H. Dodge (father The San Remo The American Committee of AUB President Bayard Conference for Armenian and Syrian Syrian Protestant Dodge), establishes the places Syria and relief College (SPC) aids King-Crane Commission, Lebanon under a children post-World the first survey of Arab French mandate War I public opinion, to and Palestine under Many starving investigate the disposition British control. children, orphaned in of non-Turkish areas the wake of World War (Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, I, are cared for at the and Anatolia) within the SPC hospital and the former Ottoman Empire. Aintoura Orphanage. The declining health of SPC doctors, nurses, both Wilson and Bliss faculty and students contributes to the organize soup commission’s failure to kitchens, farming influence unfolding activities, wool and events. silk weaving, and other forms of medical aid and relief.

1918 1919 1920 1921 The Village Welfare Lebanon gains Service and the Civic Independence Welfare League founded AUB students participate in 1933 in massive protests in The Village Welfare solidarity with prisoners Service improves held by French forces. On public welfare in rural November 22, 1943, communities by Lebanon gained its establishing camps independence. President staffed with AUB student Bechara el-Khoury and volunteers. Based on its Prime Minister Riyad el- success, the Civic Welfare Solh lead the new nation. League is established to 1944 reception in honor of serve urban areas, the first anniversary of the First Student Council primarily in Beirut. Lebanese Independence. elected L-R: Riad el-Solh (President The first Student Council Adma Abu Shdeed earns of the Council of Ministers), is appointed in November Bayard S. Dodge is a medical doctorate Bechara El-Khoury and the first Student 19 AUB alumni attend appointed as the third from AUB (President of the Republic), Council elections are held the San Francisco president of AUB Adma Abu Shdeed, one of and AUB President Bayard during the academic year. conference where the The son of William Earl the first women to earn a Dodge United Nations charter Dodge, who helped bachelor's degree at AUB, was signed on June 26, Daniel Bliss recruit becomes the first woman 1945. Charles Malik, PhD SPC’s first trustees, to receive a doctorate (BA ’27) serves as Bayard Dodge joined from the institution in Lebanon’s chief delegate two foundational SPC 1933. at the conference. In 1948, families when he he is a central figure, married Daniel Bliss's along with Eleanor Al-Kulliyyah Review granddaughter, Mary Roosevelt, in the framing, published William Bliss. Dodge AUB's first comprehensive drafting, and adoption by strengthens the student newspaper, Al- the General Assembly of foundations of AUB as Kulliyyah is published one of the most important the region’s premier from 1933-46. Students documents of the modern institution of higher had been publishing Members of the Lebanese era, the Universal AUB’s first Student learning, while Adma AbuShdeed newspapers and delegation at the signing Declaration of Human Council, 1944 broadening its horizons decorated magazines since 1899. of the UN Charter. Rights. by recruiting students and faculty from around the globe.

1923 1933 1943 1945 The School of The School of Engineering (now the Agriculture (now the Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Agriculture and Architecture) and Food Sciences) founded founded With funding for a new Under the leadership of engineering building Founding Dean Samuel provided by Stephen D. Wheeler Edgecombe, Bechtel, the School of the agriculture buildings Engineering is on lower campus are established, under the completed and equipped, Deanship of C. Ken and the University’s 255- Engineering students, Weidner. The Bechtel acre farm in the Beqa’a is 1953 Engineering building is established for training, inaugurated three years teaching and research. later. SPC had offered Edgecombe served as engineering degrees FAFS dean from 1952–59 Outlook becomes AUB’s through the School of and as provost of AUB official student newspaper Arts and Sciences since from 1954–58. in 1949. It suspended 1913. publication only during the Women admitted as years 1975-97 as a result of AUH hosts the first freshmen the civil war. The first issue Middle East Medical For the first time, women was published under the Assembly (MEMA) are admitted as freshmen umbrella of the Student AREC founded MEMA is an to all schools except for In 1953, AUB establishes Council, with Fawzi Saba internationally the schools of Agriculture (BBA ’52) as editor-in-chief, the Agricultural recognized medical and Engineering. They Research and assisted by Najwa Shaheen MEMA,1955 conference attracting had previously entered as (BA ’51). Publication Educational Center experts from around the sophomores, completing (AREC) in the Beqa’a. occurred monthly at first, world. their “junior college then every two weeks, and work” at other academic finally weekly in its present institutions such as the form. The paper’s Beirut College for Women distribution includes (now LAU). students, alumni, staff, Lebanese President faculty, and friends. Camille Chamoun at the Farm Dedication Ceremony, 1956

1949 1951 1952 1953 School of Public Health (now the Faculty of Health Sciences) founded “The Big Game” is AUB’s School of Public held for the first time Health, the first in the Though football region, is established (soccer) had long been with founding director a tradition at AUB, the Leland Earle Powers (MD first annual game, University of Iowa, MSPH Al-‘Urwa al-Wuthqa AUB introduces its first thereafter named the University of Michigan). Association ceases doctoral program “Big Game,” wasn’t In addition to his service operation In 1960, AUB introduces its inaugurated until as director of the School Following violent student first non-medical doctoral 1966. of Public Health (1954- demonstrations against program and began granting 59), Powers was a the Baghdad Pact, al- doctorates in Arabic history. professor of Public ‘Urwa al-Wuthqa is shut FEA prepares for the Health and Preventive down. Big Game in 1969 Medicine (1954-59) and associate dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (1957–58). He In 1965, AUB Professors later went on to become Constantine Issidorides associate director of the and Makhluf Haddadin Association of American discover the “Beirut Colleges. Reaction,” a chemical reaction that has led to Political protests on the development of campus hundreds of antibacterial In the 1950s, AUB AUH (now AUBMC) and anticancer drugs. students conduct large- receives US Joint scale demonstrations in Commission on Beirut reaction support of Palestinians Accreditation of and Algerians and Hospitals against the Baghdad AUB Hospital becomes Pact, a mutual security the first hospital alliance between Iran, located outside the Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, United States to be and the United Kingdom. granted full accreditation by the US Joint commission.

1954 1955 1956 1960 1965 1966 Anniversary

Creating the language of Arab Nationalism Constantine K. Zurayk (1909–2000)

Scholar, Constantine Zurayk was an influential Syrian colonial domination, economic disparities, and Diplomat intellectual and a pioneer of Arab secular restive social practices. But necessary as these AUB, BA History nationalism. He was the first counselor at the Syrian forms of emancipation might be, they were of 1928; Princeton Legation in the United States, minister of Syria in secondary importance, ceding primacy to the University, PhD 1930 Washington DC, and a delegate to the United liberation of the nation and its constituent Nations. An educator who taught generations of individual members from paralyzing internal students history at AUB, Zurayk also served as shackles represented by ignorance, greed, and vice president (1947-49 and 1952-54), dean of the sectarian schisms. The struggle against external faculties (1952-54), and acting president (1954-57). obstacles and the more intractable internal perils, He was a scholar of international renown whose Zurayk warned his audience, would be long and major research interests centered on Arab countries painful, requiring unceasing labor, faith, and and culture as well as the philosophy of history. self-sacrifice. Yet when victory is achieved, the Zurayk received numerous honors and awards, citizens of the nation will have attained the including the Lebanese National Order of the “highest degree of physical, moral, and spiritual Cedars, Commander and Grand Commander Rank, development.” At that stage, the Arab nation is the Syrian Order of Merit, First and Distinguished ready to fulfil, in line with its genius and its past Class, and the Arab League Prize for Cultural cultural legacy, its supreme historical mission Achievement. comprising the establishment of a unique civilizational order based on a “new synthesis” between “spirit and matter, between individual and society, between East and West.” In the unfolding of the new age, Zurayk explained, students at AUB and at other Arab universities have a decisive role to play: they as the privileged, enlightened, and literate Arab vanguard, animated by a rejuvenated national spirit, an inward self-replenishing core, were duty-bound to materialize the liberating essence of their nationalism, and bring about the rise of a future world order which would secure the fullest life for their nation, for themselves, and for mankind as a whole, a life of abundance, characterized by spiritual growth, feeling, and creativeness.

Following is an As is generally known, the higher cause, the It is difficult to downplay the impact that excerpt from Samir Seikaly’s noble ideal, to which Constantine Zurayk devoted such rhetoric, brimming with sentiment and essay “Constantine his entire life, was Arab nationalism—a recent undisguised commitment, is likely to have had Zurayk: Beginnings, doctrine which, according to him, invaded every on the students. Here was a young faculty 1931-1939” included in heart and spread its wings across the Arab world. member, a visionary, painting an appealing AUB’s historic This being the case, it comes as no surprise that picture of an imagined future that contradicted anniversary book, One Hundred and he dedicated a series of Chapel talks to what he every aspect of the present in which the students Fifty, (chapter 23, called the “spiritual aspects of nationalism” in lived. Some may have failed to understand the page 297) edited which he affirmed his belief that true nationalism message, and others may have mocked its stark by Nadia Maria El Cheikh, Lina including its Arab variety, is essentially and idealism, but for most, it was something that they Choueiri, and fundamentally spiritual, born of a unique and could think about and strive to attain. Long after Bilal Orfali pure spirit which flows from the heart. In its true the Chapel talk rituals were over, indeed long form, it aims to liberate the nation, as he put it, after the students had completed their education, from its external yokes, occasioned by transient the inspiration of Zurayk appears to have endured. 3534

150 Years of AUB Values

Diversity, Tolerance, Open dialog, Critical thinking, Civic responsibility

Al-‘Urwa al-Wuthqa Society, 1937 The First Student Council, 1944. An activist student organization focused on Arab Headed by Dr. Sami B. Bashour (BA ’40, MD ’45) identity. President Bayard Dodge, seated, front [standing back right. On his right is Atifa El-Jabry row center (BA ’45) from Syria.]

Dr. William A. West with Quantitative Dr. Charles Malik with Eleanor Roosevelt Demonstrations of Syrian students Analysis Class, 1944 (pictured here with her son) during his against the Student Council’s political service as Secretary of the Commission positions, 1952 on Human Rights, 1945

Inauguration of the Student Club, Friendship International, 1963

Agriculture students in microbiology laboratory, 1955 Inauguration of the Student Club, Friendship International, 1963 Anniversary

Legacy Families

Four Generations of the Jebejian Family

Vahe Avedis Jebejian, on saxophone

Avedis Jebejian

Hrayr Vahe Avedis Jebejian AUB not only provided academic education and Hrayr’s wife Arda Jebejian, PhD (MA 1999) training for the Jebejian clan for well over a earned her master’s degree in English literature century, but instilled in them values of service and her doctorate in applied linguistics at the that they brought to Syrian, Lebanese, and Cypriot University of Leicester. The author and editor of 22 communities. books and many academic papers, Jebejian is assistant professor and coordinator of the English Avedis Jebejian (MD 1902) was born in Aintab, Department at the American University of the Turkey. He helped organize the Armenian Middle East, Kuwait. community in Aleppo, Syria, after the Armenian Genocide and World War I. Alik Hrayr Vahe Avedis Jebejian Arda (expected degree 2017) is an OSB undergraduate Jebejian Vahe Avedis Jebejian (PhC 1938) graduated from majoring in Entrepreneurial Business. Alik is part the School of Pharmacy. A genius in mathematics of the Business Team of AUB’s student publication, and physics, he also played the saxophone and Outlook, and enjoys playing the flute. She was a helped found the first AUB jazz band. soloist piccolo player with the Cyprus Youth Symphonic Orchestra for 5 years. Hrayr Vahe Avedis Jebejian, D.Min. (MS 1984) received a master’s degree in agricultural economics from FAFS. He earned a doctoral degree in ministry from the New York Alik Hrayr Vahe Theological Seminary in 2014, and is the General Avedis Jebejian Secretary of the Bible Society in the Gulf. Author, lecturer, and consultant, he was awarded the Ambassador of the Motherland medal by the Republic of Armenia in 2014. 3736

The Shadid Family

Dr. Najib Instructor Rima Shadid Shadid

Amb. Joseph Shadid

Joseph Shadid (BA 1939) passed away Among the many members of the • Rima Shadid (MA 1973) in 2015 at the age of 101. He had an Shadid AUB legacy family are: [daughter] teaches in English impressive diplomatic career. In 1944 Department at AUB • Najib Shadid (MD 1896) [father] he was appointed first secretary to the • Karim Masrouha (BS 2005, • Asaad Rahhal, (MD 1883) first Lebanese Embassy in London MD 2009) [grandson] [maternal grandfather] headed by President Camille • Zina Masrua Shammas • Emile Shadid (MD 1934) Chamoun. His postings then took him (BA 1998) [granddaughter] [brother] to Liberia, Australia, New Zealand and • Faris Shadid, MD (BBA 1931) South Africa where he was in charge [brother] of the Lebanese missions. In 1966, he • Adib Rahhal (MD 1909) was appointed ambassador to Turkey [maternal uncle] and in 1970, ambassado r to Austria. • Iskandar Hourani (MD 1913) After retirement, Shadid returned to [father-in-law] Beirut where he was active in the • Hanna Hourani (BA 1944) Circle of Lebanese Ambassadors [brother-in-law] organization and also served as adviser • Farid Hourani (MD 1953) to the Institute of Palestine Studies. [brother-in-law] He authored several articles and his • Moueen Salameh [nephew] (AUB autobiography Between Politics and Registrar and Professor of Diplomacy. He was awarded Lebanon’s Industrial Eng’g) Commander of the Order of National • Farid Emile Shadid (BA 1964) Cedars; the Star of Africa, Liberia; and [nephew] the Grand Cordon of Austria. 38 Anniversary

AUB Couples

From AUB’s second 50 years

Costi Zurayk and Najla Cortas, 1940s Najla Cortas (BA ’37) and Constantine Zahira Sabai (BBA ’57) and HE Khalil (Costi) Zurayk, PhD (BA ’28) met in Makkawi, PhD (BA ’54) Brumana in the summer of 1927 when “I met my wife Zahira at AUB. The liberal she was 16 and he was 18. When she was education we received and the diversity of a student at AUB and he was assistant the student body we experienced shaped our minds and personalities. To a large professor in the Department of History, extent, it enhanced my performance as Costa proposed to Najla while sitting on ambassador to several European capitals Amal Ayyub (BA ’57, MA ’67) and Musa one of the benches on campus and they and to the United Nations in New York. As were married in 1940. Najla worked as a the first president of WAAAUB, I was Freiji (BS ’57) Amal and Musa live near teacher and on social welfare problems in fortunate to contribute to strengthening campus and have five children and 14 Lebanon. Constantine wa s AUB acting the ties between the alumni at large and grandchildren. “Our journey continues, president, vice president and dean of the the university administration. Long live always keeping AUB in our hearts, and faculties and a distinguished professor of AUB as a beacon of higher education for aspiring ‘to have life and have it more history. Considered a leading intellectual of Lebanon and the whole region.” Khalil abundantly.’” his time, Constantine was also a pioneer of Arab secular nationalism. Najla and Costa had four daughters: Ilham (deceased) (BS ’63) taught briefly in the Department of Physics; Huda (BA ’65), previous dean of and retired professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences; Afaf (BA ’70) artist and lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts and Art History; and Hanan (BA ’73) who worked in publishing and as an editor and married George Tawil (MD ’73).

Leila Salamun (BA ’59) and Zahi Khalaf, PhD (BBA ’53) “One summer day in 1962 in Aley, I encountered a small group of friends Raja Ghandour (BA ’60) and Andre on a hike to Ras el-Jabal and was Dirlik (BA ’61) “On the copper plate affixed introduce d to a lovely newcomer named to the back of the bench facing the lower Leila Salamoun. . . . Thus began a happy campus, west of Jafet Library, one can read love story now in its 52nd year and ‘Andre L. Dirlik and Raja M. Ghandour crowned by three important achievements: courted here, AUB 1958-1961.’ It is on this 1) the raising of a family of three bench that we both used to comment on wonderful children, a son and two our courses, evaluate our professors, daughters; 2) a long-term commitment to Najiba Usayran and my busy Bliss Street dental practice; and 3) Najiba Usayran (BA ’46) and discuss the politics of the day, exchange Sami Alami as newly a lifetime of dedication by Leila to her Sami Y. Alami (BBA ’44, MA ’46) information about ourselves, and enjoy the minted AUB grads alma mater through voluntary service, Najiba and Sami fell in love at AUB in the magic of the campus grounds. . . . Raja and working on several alumni committe es. We early 1940s. Their secret place was the I often reflect on what might not have look back at our life together as a blessing. Observatory. happened in our respective lives had AUB simply passed us by.” Andre We are thankful to all those who helped us make it.” Zahi Impact

Regional impact, advocacy, and policy initiatives

American Government 40 Bill Hoffman guides us through AUB’s long and complex relationship with and AUB the United States government

Zaha Hadid 42 Celebrating the visionary architect with a look back at her early years at AUB.

AUB Alumni in Canada 44 Building new lives from strong roots

Global Challenge of 46 The MainGate talks to UN’s high commissioner for refugees about an urgent Refugee Crises global issue Impact

AUB Goes to Washington

When I tell people in the United States is that there’s not, but that’s not the combat the spread of communism, and that I work for the American University whole sto ry. to fill, in the Middle East and elsewhere, of Beirut, they often ask, “What’s some of the void left by the enfeebled American about it?” I answer that, As Bill Hoffman, AUB’s longtime European colonial powers. During his among other things, it follows an representative in Washington, passes second inaugural address in 1949, US American model of liberal arts higher the reins after 35 years of service to President Harry Truman called for “a education. Yet I sense that implicit in Jennifer Steel, it’s a good time to trace bold new program for making the the question is a desire to know if the history of AUB’s relationship with benefits of our scientific advances and there’s some official American the US government. That history is industrial progress available” to government connection. The answer itself a case study in the evolution of developing countries. American foreign policy; through it we can give some concrete instances of how AUB is an example of American “soft power,” as well as a demonstration of its “public diplomacy,” terms often bandied about in the media to the confusion of most audiences.

First off, AUB’s relationship with the US government didn’t formally begin until after World War II. Prior to that, the promotion of American values abroad was left to private philanthropy. Philanthropists and foundations Bill Hoffman provided critical support for the construction of some of AUB’s oldest The agency tasked with implementing buildings in the late 19th and early 20th this mission was the Technical centuries: New York City banker and Cooperation Administration (TCA). former Syrian Protestant College Board Later absorbed into the United States Chairman Morris K. Jessup funded Post Agency for International Development Hall’s construction in 1902, and in 1931 (USAID), the TCA administered the the Rockefeller Foundation did the Bursary Student Program, which, from same for Van Dyck Hall. the 1950s to the early 1980s, funded the educations of thousands of AUB Post-WWII the US government, students from Lebanon, other Arab surveying the rubble of broken nations, states, and beyond. made a point to retain and expand its influence throughout the world, According to Hoffman, the US deploying money and expertise to government contributed $20 million 4140

to build AUB’s medical center during Lebanese civil war,” he says. “Without the 1960s, channeling the funds this financial support, I think the through the American Schools and University could well have gone under.” Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program. At least some of that money—and this was Hoffman was also instrumental in the a lot of money in those days—came via creation of the Tomorrow’s Leaders informal connections between AUB’s Scholarship Program, which covers the administration, the US Congress, and full cost of education for economically the Johnson administration. As disadvantaged students from all over Hoffman, my guide in these matters, the Arab world; the program sends 12 recounts, AUB Board Chair John Case to 15 new students each year to AUB, had influence with Louisiana Lebanese American University, and the Congressman Otto Passman who American University of Cairo. chaired the House Foreign Aid Appropriations Subcommittee. Like many relationships, the one Around 1964, Passman held up an betwe en the US government and AUB appropriations bill in his subcommittee has grown more complex over time. until President Lyndon B. Johnson Right now, the most important called USAID chief David Bell and programs for AUB—Lebanon directed him to allocate funds for AUB. Scholarship Fund, Middle East Partnership Initiative Scholarship, Alumni living in the United States have and American Schools and Hospitals also been extraordinary assets for AUB Abroad program—fall under USAID and with the US government when they are the State Department. Yet AUB faculty guided by AUB’s Washing ton apply for funding from a myriad of representative in how to leverage their federally-funded institutions, like the influence with their local members of National Science Foundation and the Congress. In 1997, AUB alumnus Rafic National Institutes of Health, where Melhem (BS ‘51, MD ‘55) demonstrated Steel hopes to expand the University’s the power of political organization and involvement. targeting when he wrote Alabama Congressman Sonny Callahan, whom Steel, in charting her path forward, he knew personally, asking for hopes to build on Hoffman’s many appropriations for AUB; he encouraged successes. “He is tenacious and other Arab Americans in his Mobile, charming and makes a really strong Alabama social circle—also case every time I’ve seen him meet with constituents of Callahan—to do the [congressional] staff as far as aligning same. Callahan, who chaired the House their interests and AUB’s,” says Steel, a Appropriations Subcommittee on former senior staffer to two members of Foreign Operations, Export Financing, congress. and Related Programs, wrote back: “I have already received a commitment As for Hoffman, he waxes nostalgic from AID director Brian Atwood to fund about his departure, but has confidence ASHA at $15 million in fiscal year 1998.” in his successor. He’s convinced that AUB would, in turn, be one of the she can do even greater things for AUB, primary recipients of those funds. and he urges the University’s alumni and friends in the United States to step Over the years, trustees, alumni, up and help her show their local friends, and, of course, Hoffman have congressional delegations that AUB is lobbied the US government on AUB’s their best soft power investment in the behalf to great effect. One of Hoffman’s Middle East. When I ask him what biggest accomplishments came in he’ll miss most, he says, “I’ll miss 1985, when he played a critical role being able to say I’m the Washington in securing $15 million for AUB in Representative of the American what amounted to one third of the University of Beirut. It always made University’s budget for that year. “AUB me proud to say that.” was under great stress at the time from all the horrors and trials of the Impact

Dame Zaha Hadid was an AUB repetitive, mass-produced objects or undergraduate (and prospective pieces [the principle of Fordism—using mathematics major) for three semesters standardization, grids, series, and starting in 1968. She received an endless repetition]. But also the honorary degree during AUB’s 140th ideology that the 20th century provided anniversary in 2006. Hadid’s next official places for society to connect to and appearance on campus was at the interact [in], where multiple life inauguration of her building, the Issam processes intersect; and also the ideal Fares Institute (IFI) for Public Policy and of making a new world of transparent International Affairs. At both events her articulation for the sake of orientation remarks were delivered impromtu and and communication. from the heart. I am still hoping that in Beirut the idea of progress will eventually emerge . . . because I think it’s a fantastic, complex city. . . The downtown should not really be dealt with as if it were a factory building. This linearity and strict segmentation are not conducive to contemporary business relations nor to contemporary urban life in general.

I still think that there is a chance we can actually invent the spaces again

Zaha Hadid’s dramatic design [post-civil war], using a sophisticated for the IFI building and versatile new language of differentiation, navigation, and interface. 2006 Doctor of Humane Letters acceptance speech:

I was lucky to be brought up by a really fantastic family in a moment in Iraq’s history when the idea of progress was in the forefront of our thinking, in the sixties. Both my mother and father encouraged me to be extreme…I was always kind of difficult to handle and uncompromising.

I remember a member of my family Protest 1969, Zaha Hadid telling me to ‘give up on this pictured with Hamed archi tecture story; you’ll never make it.’ Hamoud Al Ajlan I didn’t even understand what ‘it’ was. Is it because I’m a woman? Because In interviews, I’m constantly asked Remembering I’m an Arab? Because I’m strange? whether my success is luck or fate, and I had no idea which of the three . . . I always say it’s hard work—particularly for women architects, who have to Zaha Hadid I went to London in the seventies to prove themselve s. It requires invention, study architecture, to an extreme like scientists, to unleash or discover so Acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) school, the Architecture Association, many things that are completely attended AUB from 1968-69, majoring in and there, with the help of the unknown. Luck is mostly hard work, mathematics. Her sudden death on March 31 at chairman of the school, a fantastic and also, it’s important to be able to the age of 65 deprived the world of a educator [Alvin Boyarsky], I became enjoy it. Architecture is about well- phenomenal talent at the height of her powers. really in terested in ideas of progress. being, that you can make space which MainGate celebrates the special connection she makes others feel good, like hospitals shared with our community. In that school there were two or schools or housing. convergent ideologies of architecture: One was modernity—modernism as 4342

“I had the privilege of meeting her “We were in the same dormitory on once when she visited the office of the second floor, and her room faced the late Professor Kenzo Tange in mine. I remember, our first week at “I think [Beirut] is a Tokyo, when I was vice president of AUB (Septe mber 1968), being so the firm based in Paris. Kenzo Tange, impressed by her demeanor and fantastic, complex one of the pioneers of contemporary absolute self-confidence. She was architecture, admired her work. I very artistic and daring in how she city . . . . we can actually know from people working at her dressed, the colors she chose, her invent the spaces again office that she had some of her staff hair style. She never minced words, sleeping over at her home and that which came out of her mouth [post-civil war], using a she would wake up in the middle of without the slightest hesitation. the night with some amazing idea When Zaha passed by, everyone sophisticated and and [then] wake people up to draw noticed, and when she spoke, we all versatile new language her inspirational design. She was listened. I am convinced now that totally dedicated to a profession she was always aware of her of differentiation, that she loved and every line she uniqueness and her greatn ess.” traced was done with passion. She navigation, and will be missed, and I hope that her Hoda Hallab Houry interface. ” staff can build on her legacy.” (BA ’72) Omar Take (BAR ’72) “I lived with her in Jewet Hall. Zaha was always smiling–a happy person This journey has been very exciting for who loved to joke with “I enjoyed casual chats with her as a others–always dressed in lovely me, but obviously very hard, because classmate in and around campus. It flamboyant things. I used to meet I’m jet-lagged and everyone wants to was always a delight to hear her her in London often. She was very bargain with me, which is particular to thoughts as a woman entering so generous and had a very close the Arab world. But that’s OK, I’m an drama tically into the men’s world of relationship with her brothers. She architecture.” lost one of them. I really miss her Arab and I enjoy it! presence in my life.” R.H. Barratt (MA’72) Altaf E. Sultan (BA ’71)

“Zaha lived at Jewett Hall where we spent the best times of our lives “Zaha was a friend whom I met at connecting with wonderful friends AUB though we did different from all over the world, especially subjects. We then met again in the the Middle East. The song that I still seventies in London as we lived in remember her singing was [the the same neighborhood. We used to British rock band] Marrillion’s cook together and she was an ‘Sympathy’ with the refrain excellent cook. She always had a ‘sympathy is what we need, my beautiful smile and she always friend.’ These lyrics make you think radiated positive energy and ideas. I twice of how true it is that we need knew Zaha from the days when she more love in the world. “ struggled with her career. And when Zaha at IFI opening, she made it, she never forgot those 2014 Aida Jabaji Matalqa who knew her from the start. She (BA ’71) was a humble suc cessful person. 2014 Issam Fares Institute She proved to the whole world as a Inauguration Ceremony remarks: Muslim Iraqi that we Arabs have “I had the honor of meeting the late talent and that our contribution to “It’s amazing for me to be here and to Dame Zaha Hadid at the civilization at large still continues.” have a presence on the Oval. I’ve always inauguration party of the IFI, as [my had an attachment to this place. My company] Kettaneh Construction Rima Hamadeh father went to IC in the teens of the last was the main contractor of this very (BA ’73, MA ’75) difficult but prestigious project. In a century, and my brother, my cousin, brief encounter, I remember their children all have a connection advising Dame Zaha that, during the here. It was an honor for me to work on construction period, we had a lot of this building. It doesn’t mimic the old difficulties to overcome, like for instance, this outside cantilever, buildings, but it also respects the which was quite a challenge to build. setting of this campus. I hope that this In response, Dame Zaha was clearly is the first of many projects that amused. But once the project was signifies the future of AUB.” terminated and delivered, we were very proud of having been able to construct another work of art of this www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtNUvxfXBig great lady.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2KzZjc-8s4 Nabil C. Kettaneh (BBA ’72) Floral tribute on AUB History Maker banner on Beirut Corniche, 2016 Impact

Finding Warmth in a Cold Climate

Lebanese AUB graduates who find “One of the running threads in the UK law and the children’s well-being and themselves living in Canada are a and the US,” Khoriaty says, “was that I future” as essential elements in what diverse lot. Some were raised in always had to worry about my visa and he calls “the Canadian way,” an overall Lebanon, others in Kuwait and Saudi citizenship. If I even considered leaving approach to life which he applies on a Arabia; some have ancestors who came my employment, I technically had daily basis as president of Horizon to Lebanon from Palestine or Armenia. twenty-four hours to pack up and leave. Accounting and Consulting, Inc. Some studied in Australia, or Scotland, Also, I had a sense of wanting to live in or the US, before settling in Canada. a place where the values were aligned “My grandfather was always saying that There are university professors, IT with mine: human rights, education was the answer,” he says. specialists, accountants and marketing individualism, peace.” Canada seemed “My dad put all of his children through executives who came to Canada by way the place to go. Khoriaty shares, with university: I have 19 cousins, and we all of work in Dubai, Shanghai, Athens, every AUB graduate interviewed for this have university degrees in many fields. and Boston—one even spent an AUB article, a fondness for what he perceives In Lebanon, if my son graduated from semester interning in the oil fields of as Canadian values. university, he’d end up in Saudi Arabia Ibrahim Gedeon Kazakhstan. But they all have one thing or the Gulf. If he says something wrong, (BEN ’86) in common. Ibrahim Gedeon (BEN ’86) came to he’s out of work. There’s no stability. Carleton College in Ottawa for his But Canada has opportunity. I don’t They really like Canada. master’s in electrical engineering. know if this guy I’m working with is He’s been here, running TELUS Jewish or Muslim or what. It doesn’t Well, except for the weather. Communications, ever since. “Canada,” matter.” he explains, “is one of the greatest It requires an adjustment, says Joy countries in the world, where only your Such economic opportunity is Khoriaty (BS, ’02), who studied skillset and contribution to society important for Sara Atieh (BBA ’12). computer science at AUB. “You have matter. Our current government is Having grown up in Kuwait, she earned Carla Khanjian (BA ’82, MA ’86) to engage in winter activities,” he says. reflective of these values. . . We made an Australian degree in marketing “But we’re not made to live in minus 40 sure to take on our global share of from University of Tasmania before conditions. . . . Canadians should be the responsibility for the Syrian refugee transferring to AUB and majoring in first people to settle on Mars—we’re crisis, so we agreed to take in 25,000 business administration, with an prepared!” refugees in under three months. This is emphasis in finance and marketing. a country that truly values others for Then she returned to work in the Gulf Khoriaty took a typically circuitous the vibrancy of their unique culture, region. Partly because many family route from AUB to Montreal, where religion, and history.” members lived in eastern Canada, she he now runs Joylab Technology decided to move there. “Opportunities Elias Abou Hamad Consulting. His parents fled Lebanon’s Carla Khanjian (BA ’82, MA ’86) came to for women in leadership and diversity (BBA ’77) civil war and raised him in Riyadh, Canada in 1989. She and her sister (in are well recognized in Canada” she Saudi Arabia. He returned to Beirut Switzerland) took over a Swiss skincare says. After researching possibilities in for high school. A stint as system line called La Peau. “Canada offers different Canadian cities, she went to administrator for AUB’s Advanced unique advantages to its citizens,” she Toronto. “At the start, it was Mathematical Sciences program ended says. “They have a great healthcare challenging to get into your field of when he pursued graduate studies at system and an amazing quality of life.” expertise when you decide to enter the the University of Edinburgh, which job market,” she says. “I had to build then had the world’s ninth-fastest Elias Abou Hamad (BBA ’77) made his my marketing portfolio with different

Sara Atieh supercomputer. Then came three way to Canada, by way of work in industries within a short period of (BA ’12) years working at MIT in Cambridge, Athens, almost a decade after earning time.” Now, working as a marketing Massachusetts. his BA in Business Administration. He specialist for Shawcor, she says “I’ve echoes the others’ comments, citing gained global marketing experience in And then? “peace, security, respect, safety, rule of my field of expertise.” 494544

You don’t have to have majored in Canada to study at McGill, I realized leaving Lebanon, where many of my business at AUB to thrive in Canada. what people meant when they talked friends were killed. I’m sleeping Amal Ghazal (BA ’94) earned her PhD about ‘the North American Experience.’ peacefully. A friend once asked why from the University of Alberta and now I saw how different it is doing business I’m not married. There was no time; teaches history at Dalhousie University in North America compared to the our objective was to survive.” in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She says that Middle East. I learned about being she appreciates the “academic freedom punctual, staying organized, and Khanjian hasn’t been back to Lebanon and a highly reputable university making the most of my workday. When since 1989. She says she’s ready to visit system” where she works. For Ghazal, I connected my consulting firm with though. While some haven’t been back the opportunities are different from North America, I wasn't able to for years, at the other end of the what they might have been had she immediately bring these ‘North spectrum a number of AUB alumni visit remain ed in Lebanon. “I have multiple American’ skills into it. That was a at least once a year. Khoriaty, for one Amal Ghazal identities here,” she says. “I just got difficult adjustment.” says potential political disturbances (BA ’94) back from a talk to the Faculty of can’t deter him: “Every year we go back Computer Science. While I’m there, So who does Wissam Shaar consider to visit our beloved country, see the I’m the Muslim Arab lady. But I’m also himself to be? Lebanese? Canadian? family. Whenever you think about the Lebanese-Canadian. Sometimes A blend? Something else? “I began going, something happens. Then you I’m the Arab-Canadian. And, of course, thinking about identity after I got my realize, it’s always like that, so you go.” there’s the gender issue, so I’m also the Canadian passport and my wife got Ghazal hopes that someday she’ll be Lebanese-Canadian female academic.” hers. Every now and then we talk able to take what she has learned from about it. The whole process in Canada living and working in Canada back to Marie-Joëlle Zahar (BA ’84) graduated is to make you feel welcomed. I feel the Middle East. “I’ve been here for 20 Marie-Joelle Zahar with a degree in political science, welco med, it feels like home, and I years,” she says. “I’ve gained a lot; (BA ’84) work ed in Lebanon, and then earned love it here, but I still see myself as I’ve published a lot. I’d like to be in a PhD from McGill in Montreal. In more of a Lebanese.” a position in the Arab world where addition to her current position as I could do something like this.” Professor of Political Science at Gedeon shares this point of view. “I’m University of Montreal, Zahar, who definitely Canadian-Lebanese/Arab,” These Lebanese living in Canada have specializes in civil war analysis, he says. “I’m proud of where I come one more thing in common: great conflict resolution, and post-conflict from and my culture and using my affection for AUB. Again and again, reconstruction, is Director of the culture to enrich Canada.” Abou Hamad they praise their experiences at AUB, Wissam Shaar Research Network on Peace Operations, elaborates: “I am a proud Lebanese- speaking about the ideals it stands for; (BE ’02) a research network based at University Canadian. I always promote my roots, the challenges and the support it of Montreal. She served as Senior heritage, and the culture we were provided them; and the impact it had Expert for the Unit ed Nations’ Standby brought up in. We are lucky in Canada on their self-esteem and values. Team of Mediation Experts from March being a multicultural society [where] we 2013 to August 2015. What does she like don’t have to be in a melting pot. Our best about her situation? “My ability to culture and heritage is something we “AUB was a turning point in my life,” define my life and work on my own will always be proud of and eager to Abou Hamad explains. “It showed me terms.” promote.” what the real world should be and how we should have life abundantly.” Atieh Wissam Shaar (BE ’02) commented Khanjian agrees, explaining, “My sister puts it succinctly: “I’ve never seen on the way working in Canada has is Swiss-Lebanese, and I’m Canadian- education as good as AUB. I’ve been to changed him. After graduating with a Lebanese. I always want to mention the seminars from many universities but degree in electrical engineering, he Lebanese, and people ask me why: I never seen people gain the exposure spent eight years working in Dubai. “It love Lebanon, I want to promote that they get at AUB.” was interesting,” he says of his work Lebanon.” There’s another side to this with DC PRO En gineering. “I was story for Khanjian though. “Nothing -N.B. working hard, making money, and has been easy,” she says. “I came to spending money. But when I moved to Canada where there were no bombs, Impact

The Refugees Crisis: the Challenge of Global Responsibility

In May, MainGate sat down with the Although I was taking a break, I didn’t border, leaving Lebanon very exposed. Filippo Grandi, the 12th United Nations want to sever ties with that region. And Lebanon is not only small and near but High Commissioner for Refugees and Lebanon had an additional element of has fragile institutions and a fragile a former Research Fellow at the Issam being in the midst of a refugee crisis. political balance. Whatever you plan Fares Institute for Public Policy and That to me was a factor. I thought it and do for Lebanon, that fragility International Affair (IFI). Grandi would be interesting to spend time in a remains a fact. Lebanon needs help to assumed the post of High country impacted severely by refugees, cope with this huge presence of people, Commissioner on January 1, 2016. not as one of the responders but as an and not just in a humanitarian way— observer. that’s provided—but with its How did you end up at IFI? institutions, in crucial sectors. In When I was Commissioner General of Did being at IFI inform your views education, for example, many schools the United Nations Relief and Works on refugees or policy in any way? are doing double shifts for Syrians and Agency (UNRWA), I interacted with AUB I was exposed to a quite experienced non-Syrians. Many refugee children are and IFI often. IFI started when I was at academic community. I was able to still out of school. The risk of UNRWA. They are very focused on the breathe in that atmosphere. I’ve spent destabilization is very big. Palestinian issue—that was my job. We all my life at the operational edge of did research initiatives together. It situations, without much time to take What donors decided to do at the created a bond, a personal bond with a step back, [and doing so] was London Conference is ve ry good.[1] They Rami Khouri and Karim Makdisi. When invaluable. I wish I could still be there. added a development dimension to the I left UNRWA, [IFI] came very naturally I had a research assistant and had aid for Lebanon, at least as long as the as a good place to be. I was very keen to access to the knowledge of these crisis is ongoing. This is great but it remain in the region. I needed a quiet academics and the University’s shouldn’t have taken five years. This environment conducive to reflecting, resources. The book I’m writing is a is a crisis of social, economic, and writing. I had contact with students, reflection on 30 years working with institutional development in Lebanon. did a couple of talks, but what gave me refugees. I couldn’t have done this book No matter how much money you put in, the most work was contributing a book sitting at home. Then, I had to go back the risk of institutional collapse will chapter on the UN in the Arab world to Europe to prepare to run for the remain. They pledged to put all children and on my experience with UNRWA. position I now occupy. in schools and, in so doing, to help the My own book is being finalized more Lebanese system build up to capacity slowly. Let’s talk about the refugee crisis and to encourage refugees to be self- in Lebanon. What’s going on? reliant and provide them with work When I agreed with IFI to become a The problems are many. Historical opportunities. This has been done with research fellow, I was coming out of relations between Syria and Lebanon success in Turkey and Jordan but is about nine years of work with UNWRA. are complicated. They share a long more difficult in Lebanon because of

[1] On February 4, 2016, the UK, Germany, Kuwait, Norway, and the United Nations co-hosted a conference on the Syrian crisis in London. Donors (UN member states) pledged $11 billion to help with Syrian refugees with a focus on strengthening institutions. 4746

the structure of the economy. I think possible. In Lebanon, it’s not possible. convention was created and signed in there will be [development] progress as The Lebanese government has been the 1950s in Geneva. The origin is very well. very clear, saying, the country is small, interesting. During the Cold War, [the populated, and delicate. They don’t convention was] conceived to help There’s a lot of discussion of refugees’ favor local integration, refused it for refugees fleeing persecution in the rights. What do states owe them? How Palestinians, and [th ey’re declining it] Sov iet Bloc countries. So Europe do you negotiate those rights with now for the Syrians in greater number. became an important asylum place states? They believe the best solution for and also where the doctrine on asylum The UNHCR is an organization with a Syrians is to return home. I think was developed. It became a pillar of very clear mandate based on a they’re right, but the Syrians can’t go refugee protection. Remember in 1956, convention and a series of related until the war is over. A third country hundreds of thousands fled the documents that stipulate that people might offer naturalization prospects Hungarian War and were taken in as who lose national protection—a that others don’t. We have launched refugees. The notion evolved, but protection from their own state that the proposal to resettle 10%, so far Europe remained a very significant everyo ne is entitled to—through war, we’ve got pledges for 200,000 plus. center of refugee protection. When persecution, human rights violation, or the European Union was created and whatever, should be helped. They move developed its own legislation, the rights from a national level of protection to an of refugees were very central in that. international one. The first element of “Europe is the place negotiation involves getting Country X This is first time, since the Balkans to open its borders and not deport. where the refugee war, that Europe faces a mass influx. Then we ask that people be given a fair convention was created Last year, we calculated that a million hearing. Some may not be refugees so and signed in Geneva. people reached Europe, even larger we don’t have a mandate over them. We than the amount during the Balkans must make sure that status of During the Cold War, war. This is a bit different too. They’re determination is done properly. [the convention was] coming from outside, and Europe concieved to help has been very destabilized by this, Very often countries that receive politically. That reaction became high refugees have few resources themselves, refugees fleeing profile, the fact that Europe was like Lebanon. There’s a prevailing view persecution in the reacting in a defensive way. That made that Europe takes all the refugees. We Soviet Bloc headlines. We’re worried because, of estimate that almost 90 percent are course, the European states set the taken by developing countries, often countries.” standards, so if they shift to more next to wars, themselves fragile. There restrictive asylum procedures, it’s are negotiations regarding the rights of not good for refugees worldwide. every refugee to work and education. Negotiation is done between donors If developing countries are taking So what do you make of Europe’s and the country. 90% of refugees, why is so much response so far? press coverage being given to the Their initial response was fairly good Then there’s the matter of finding a issue as it unfolds in Europe? because they said, Okay, people are long-term solution for their plight. Because all the press are in Europe. arriving, we need to strengthen the Solutions may be many, [including] Well, that’s a bit provocative, but you reception capacity at our external resettlement in a third country; know what I mean. It’s also because borders (Greece, Italy), admit those sometimes local integration is not Europe is the place where the refugee that are refugees, send back the others 48 Impact

and distribute them throughout Europe. than anywhere in the world because areas may pose a security threat. Our The fatal flaw was that only a few diversity is so much a part of the message is that this is not that case: countries came forward; screening country’s texture. It is by far, by a mile those kinds of people don’t usually was unorganized; the flow was left and then some, the largest contributor follow the refugee channel. It’s unchecked and streamed to a few to refugee programs of all types. They important that we don’t politicize countries only. It was not regulated are also the largest resettlement country refugees. well. And then this provoked a reaction. in the world. I think that the current Each country went on its own, closing yearly figure is 85,000 per year. It seems What are your hopes for your tenure? borders and locking up individually. It’s tough for people on the move. They So we decided to discuss with Turkey. face hostility and are perceived as We say to Europe: “Once the dust threats to cultures, security, the settles, revisit your systems.” Sharing “Globalization isn’t economy. It’s important to get away the burden is very important. only about Internet or from that view. We have a moral and sometimes legal mandate to help them. So only a few countries came forward fast travel, it’s also Refugees have been gre at contributors and they received the bulk? about sharing in the to societies where they’ve fled. The UN They had agreed to a relocation scheme more complex will meet on this topic in September in the summer of 2015, but they didn’t and ask its members to agree on a really implement it. The flow continued challenges it brings, global compact, which is complex but unchecked: the people that arrived in including higher fundamentally says that refugees and Greece at the point and continued of human mobility and migrants are a global responsibility, their own volition to Germany, Austria, not just that of the Lebanon, Jordan, and Sweden. So these three countries the obligation to help and Kenya. Broadening this sense of became very big re cipients of refugees. those in need.” responsibility is really what I want to Public opinion, which had shown a promote during my tenure. great deal of solidarity last year, Globalization isn’t only about Internet changed. Unscrupulous politicians or fast travel, it’s also about sharing in manipulated this for electoral purposes. small compare d to Lebanon with 1.5 the more complex challenges it brings, We started seeing, at the beginning of million, but it adds up year after year. including higher human mobility and this year, borders closing. One country The US often moves to its territory the obligation to help those in need. does it, others follow. This damages people that are very vulnerable. It’s a goods, people, and the flow of goods life-saving mechanism for, say, single Another big part of what I do is go out into and out of the EU. refugee women, LGBT refugees, or and look for money. We projected, people with special needs. roughly, a $7 billion annual need in How’s the United States been doing? 2015, yet we raised only 50 and 55% of The United States is a country of We all know that, even in the US, that from donors. That’s just to sustain refugees and migrants. There has been, there’s been some tension around the the efforts of my organization, UNHCR. traditionally, a greater acceptance there refugee issue, that refugees from certain AUB Everywhere

Alumni lives in action, WAAAUB and chapter news, every day and extraordinary class notes, and unexpected revelations

Habib Hadad 50 Creating communities and driving change

StandingOUTstanding 52 Samer Kassem on life lessons and leadership

AUB Celebrates its Connection 53 A grand celebration at a site of historic significance to AUB to the United Nations

WAAAUB Around 54 Alumni mix and mingles: dinners, talks, outdoor outings, and the Globe the first ever alumni cookbook

Class Notes 56 The 60th anniversary of the first Class of Agriculture AUB Everywhere

“People put so much energy into asking the status quo for change but not into making change themselves.”

Alumni Profile Building Communities 5150

The year 2006 was a difficult one for Habib “We started with a media arm meant to raise An aptitude for numbers and a competitive Haddad (BE ’02). His home country, Lebanon, awareness by featuring stories of streak pushed Haddad into computer was being bombed, but he was far away, in entrepreneurs in the Mideast, to change the engineering at AUB during a time when Boston, Massachusetts. “I was going out of culture,” Haddad says. A recent headline on entrepreneurship wasn’t encouraged. “I my mind,” he says. And so he did what came Wamda’s website reads, “Lebanese drones presented ideas to my professors, but they naturally: he reached out to friends and tackling forest fires, NAR.” The article laughed at me,” he says. Still he credits those colleagues, secured pledges, and built a describes a Lebanese startup, Next same professors with instilling in him a fundraising network, Relief Lebanon. He then Automated Robots, that uses drones to discipline that later served him well. contacted the International Committee for the monitor forest fires from above. Then there’s Red Cross (ICRC) and asked them to earmark Wamda’s community arm, which promotes Haddad’s immediate post-graduation goal an account for Lebanon that would serve as events, like AngelHack’s 9th Global was to enter Hollywood on the technical side a repository for donations to the network. Hackathon Series in Gaza, and connects of graphics and design after he completed a “They only earmarked accounts for countries entrepreneurs with governments, mentors, master’s degree in engineering at the declared catastrophe zones, but I asked them and other companies. And, finally, Wamda University of Southern California’s Viterbi to make an exception,” he says. Research Lab produces academic papers on School of Engineering. But finding a job in trends in industry, such as “Digital Arabic Hollywood proved difficult, particularly for Haddad’s response to Israel’s bombardment Content - An Industry Brief.” an Arab post-9/11 when, as Department of of Lebanon isn’t unusual given his life’s Commerce reports show, discrimination was trajectory. Just before Relief Lebanon, he’d Wamda’s ambitions of growing on the rise. founded INLET (International Network of entrepreneurship culture in the region are Lebanese Entrepreneurs and Technologists), lofty, and it has already mentored and Undeterred and still focused on graphics, a non-profit that connects Lebanon’s tech- promoted thousands of entrepreneurs. Haddad reached out to MIT researchers oriented diaspora. And just after, in 2007, Haddad’s aspirations are even bigger: he involved in cutting-edge computer he and Imad Jureidini co-founded Yamli, a hopes to promote the introduction of Wamda- visualizations. “I used my friend’s password means of entering Arabic words into search like organizations into other parts of the to access MIT’s internal work and emailed engines that would recognize multiple developing world. He believes deeply in them,” he says. They invited him to join variations of a word (spelled out phonetically entrepreneurship as a means of self- MOK3, a 3D-image modeling software in Latin script) and match it to a single Arabic empowerment and, perhaps even more, company, which gave him a taste of the language entity. It remains widely used in self-empowerment as a concept. But he tech startup world and led to a job at ATI among Arabic-speaking Internet users and downplays the role of natural talent in Technologies, a semiconductor manufacturer, firms marketing Arabic content, with more achievement. “Even if [natural talent] does now part of tech giant AMD. But a general than four million words passing through it play a role in success, I still want to convince chafing against the strictures of a large daily. myself that it doesn’t,” he says. “If you focus bureaucracy led Habib to break away, and, on innate talents, you will sit on your butt in the span of a year, he created INLET, Relief Today, Haddad is the CEO of Wamda, a and wait until this gift fulfills itself, when Lebanon, and Yamli. multifaceted organization whose mission you actually need to work very hard.” is to create an ecosystem in the Middle East The Arab Spring came and Haddad found in which people like him can thrive: people Haddad grew up in Adonis, Lebanon, and himself in the middle of it. “My fellow who want to improve their surroundings attended French Catholic school. Though entrepreneurs decided to use their digital by creating networks and companies. An his father sat atop a rigid system as a general skills to help with protests,” he says. “I got ecosystem, a new word in the parlance of in the Lebanese Army, Haddad found excited to help and created a few online entrepreneurship, is the linking together himself unwilling to conform. “I was a platforms like Alive.in that helped Egyptians of societal features that entrepreneurs can troublemaker,” he says. “I did graffiti, sold tweet after the Internet asw shut down.” access; features including governments, bootleg movies.” And yet he excelled in Though ultimately disappointed by the schools, universities, banks, research centers, school, particularly in math, and exhibited movement’s outcome, Haddad was inspired and businesses. In the developed world, a precocious sense of maturity as a leader in by the energy it unleashed and determined to Haddad argues, especially in places like the Lebanese Scout Association. “I managed find a way to channel that energy. “I’ve been Silicon Valley, there exists an abundance 40 young scouts and discovered the power thinking about the science behind building of these connected resources. For instance, of distributed leadership and how flat communities,” he says. “All the literature out founders in Palo Alto can make use of hierarchies can be much stronger than there talks about building movements against Stanford University’s academic community or traditional top down ones,” he says. “It was something, not for something. People put so the municipal government’s Civic Technology something done by gut feeling and only a much energy into asking the status quo for Center. But in the Middle East, the resources decade later did I realize it was a leadership change but not into making change are fewer, a gap Wamda aims to fill. style popular in tech.” themselves. Entrepreneurship is one of the most effective tools for making change.” AUB Everywhere

StandingOUTstanding Samer Kassem (BBA ’96) A CEO’s winning formula: integrity + commitment + tolerance/support = leadership

Q. You’ve spoken about a hands-on what is inscribed on AUB’s entrance: vision and accountability approach “That they may have life, and have it to executive leadership. Should more abundantly.” Life is a gift and a CEOs be inspirational figures? r ight for everyone. We should use A. Let me start by saying that CEO is this gift to create abundance for • Founder and CEO of a position that is unrealistically ourselves and others. global operations of magnified by the media. In my a pharmaceutical experience, the team supporting the Q. Is executive leadership business with sales CEO is as important, and in some compromised by accommodation in more than 150 cases more important, than the CEO. countries. Known and adjustment? Or is that the key as the largest Inspiration is needed in our jobs to successful leadership? pharmaceutical and personal lives. I believe that, A. There are thousands of books about company in the if asked, an employee would build leadership and people have different Southern a building, whereas an inspired views and expectations on what goes Hemisphere, employee would build a more into good leadership. In my humble Aspen Global is headquartered beautiful building in less time opinion, leadership is relative and in Mauritius while enjoying the experience and not absolute, and it is derived from motivating others. Good CEOs are lessons that we learn from our daily • MBA, University of inspirational, whereas great CEOs life. As I personally grew up in Pittsburgh, 2003 create opportunities for others to be Lebanon during the civil war, • Professional inspirational as well. adversity taught me some lifelong certifications: CMA, lessons: CFM, and CBM Q. Values are the basis of vital change • When you live in a war zone where and development. What are your mortality is ever present, the • Feature d in problems you face are not that big. PharmaBoardroom values? Where did they come from? and Business A. My personal values are derived from You learn to put things into magazine, and my family and their teachings, perspective. presenter at particularly that a good human being • When you’re a student leaving BioAfrica is more important than a successful school at the end of the day and conferences or wealthy person. Integrity comes you have to make your way through very high up on my list followed by neighborhoods actively engaged in commitment and excellence. In deadly battle in order to get home, general people are highly observant you learn to take calculated risks. and perceptive; therefore they will be • When you are discriminated able to read into a leader’s values. against because of your religion or The winning formula is when you are nationality, you learn to create an aligned to your organization’ s values equal opportunity workplace where or you align your organization to discrimination is not tolerated. your values. My values were • When you grow up in an deepened and enriched by what I underprivileged environment, learned at AUB about acceptance you learn how to manage tight and tolerance. AUB does not resources. discriminate in selecting students, • When you live with a family of and you end up sitting in a seven in a small apartment, classroom with many who are you learn the true meaning of “different” than you. I believe in teamwork and negotiation. 5352

WAAAUB Events and Announcements

North America launches AUB’s 150th anniversary at the United Nations

Inspired by AUB’s President’s Club 2013 publication, AUB’s Contribution to the UN Charter, the official North American 150th anniversary launch took place at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room overlooking New York City’s East River on March 17. As the book noted, “There were more graduates of the American University of Beirut at the establishment of the United Nations than from any other institution.” Guests had the opportunity to learn more about the UN-AUB connection from “We are part of a community that has fought for the informational posters on display while independence of many Middle Eastern countries, and they mingled at salons recognizing three that continues to fight for individual rights and Reem Acra prominent AUB makers of history: fashion freedoms. AUB stands for these ideals.” designer Reem Acra (BBA ’82); tech Chairman Philip S. Khoury entrepreneur Habib Haddad (BEN ’02) [see Alumni Profile, page 50]; and social justice advocate Mary Robinson, AUB’s first Dean of Women (1959-69).

“The United Nations is the perfect place [for this event] given our impact, and our role as leaders, from Mary Robinson and the trustees to the students, making positive change Habib Haddad in the world. The United Nations is a symbol of our aspirational beliefs that we can look to our higher selves and make a difference. People come to AUB because they believe they can make the world a better “To win the battle for democracy and pluralism, for place. That describes the people who are among the justice and the rule of law, for human rights and signatories of the UN Charter of Human Rights. That accountability, and for citizenship and equality in our describes the physicians and nurses on our faculty and part of the world, we need to revive the spirit of the in our hospitals who have struggled and excelled Nahda. Given its rich legacy, AUB can and should play a under some of the most challenging circumstances leading role in this endeavor, and in preparing our and still produce world class research. That describes youth to become responsible and active citizens in our engineers and architects who built much of the their own country, and also true global citizens in a Middle East. It describes our Faculty of Agriculture and world that has be come the most interconnected and Food Sciences who have innovated in agrarian interdependent in human history.” specialties. And it describes our Faculty of A rts and HE Nawaf Salam, Ambassador of Lebanon Sciences, the beating heart of Arab liberal thought.” to the United Nations President Fadlo R. Khuri AUB Everywhere WAAAUB Around the Globe Visit the WAAAUB website at www.aub.edu.lb/alumni to find a chapter near you and to learn about upcoming events. WAAAUB’s newsletter Al Jame’a features coverage of WAAAUB chapter news across the globe. Visit: www.aub.edu.lb/alumni/newsandstories/

United States Houston Michigan

150th RECEPtION 150th DINNER La Colombe d’Or Al-Ameer Houston, TX Restaurant 28 April Canton, MI 22 April

New England Washington, DC

th 150th GALA 150 GALA Boston University Hill Center Trustee Ballroom Old Naval Hospital Boston, MA Washington, DC 19 March 15 March

Europe UK Middle East Dubai and Northern 150th GALA Emirates Jumeirah Carlton Tower 150th GALA London, UK Al Bustan Rotana 12 March Dubai 31 March

Qatar Professional Chapters Computer Sciences

150th GALA 13th Annual Reunion Al Gassar Green Oval Ballroom 24 May St. Regis Hotel Doha, Qatar 6 May 5554

Abundance in More Ways than One

AUB’s first ever Alumni Cookbook supports delicious food, good health, and AUB Student Scholarships!

As AUB celebrates its 150th anniversary, introductions, nutritional facts and Asma Ghannam (BS ’82) receives a the WAAAUB Philadelphia/Delaware healthy tips WAAAUB recognition Valley Alumni Chapter, in collaboration award for her work with a talented team of 45 AUB alumni – Beautiful artwork, illustrations, and as Project Leader of volunteers from around the world, photography by students, alumni, the Abundance project at a volunteer has published: faculty and friends appreciation reception on June 1 ABUNDANCE Mediterranean Cuisine - – Educational sections written by AUB in Mary Dodge Hall. Recipes by Alumni and Friends of the experts that include the benefits of a (L to R) Hiba Bitar (BEN ’99, MEM ’05), American University of Beirut Mediterranean diet, lifestyle tips, Samia Hazim (BS ’80), ingredient substitutions, and detailed Asma Ghannam, – 150+ Mediterranean recipes glossaries of food terms, herbs and WAAAUB President Wafa Saab (EMBA ’07), submitted by alumni and friends spices, and cooking terms and Heba El Shaar (BA worldwide techniques ’89), Carla Habib Mourad (BS ’91, MS – Traditional recipes and novel – Proceeds from net sales go towards ‘94), and Mayda Freije Makdessi. creations with photos, personalized AUB student scholarships! AUB Everywhere

Class Notes

Lebanon, 1999), and of The Druze Development Studies Organization and Their Faith in Tawhid (Syracuse where she headed the Communication University Press, 2006). Anis resides in and Development Committee, and a Syracuse, New York with his wife Nawal member of the Lions West End Club Saab, a mental health counselor. They where she served as president from 1950s have two sons: Omar, an attorney, and 1990-91. Now retired, she enjoys Kareem, a sports reporter. travelling, playing the piano, and walks [[email protected]] on “our lovely campus.” Leila and her husband Bassam have two children, Jamal and Sameer. [[email protected]] Nicolas Salha, PhD (BBA ’56, MBA ’57) “An AUB University education is the most education powerful weapon we have to change the world. We need to reimagine and prepares reinvent education for the 21st century. students to Technical prowess and ethical develop open sensitivity go hand-in-hand. An AUB The First Class of Agriculture th minds, open education prepares students to develop celebrates its 60 anniversary imaginations, Anis Obeid, (BA ’53, MD ’57) FACC, is open minds, open imaginations, and a Emeritus Clinical Professor of Medicine respect for the views of others. It is and a respect (Cardiology) at State University of New meant to make them think. Thank you, for the views York Upstate Medical University in and congratulations, and full success of others.” Syracuse, New York, and former Medical to you on all your endeavors! Director of Echocardiography at Crouse [[email protected]] Nicolas Salha, Hospital in Syracuse. Widely recognized PhD (BBA ’56, MBA ’57) for his groundbreaking work in echocardiography, Anis established the New York Heart Center in 1983 with Leila Ghandour Kaddoura, PhD Drs. Daniel Fuleihan (MD ’71) and (BA ’57, MA ’60, MA ’77) earned master’s Dennis Ehric. He has also been widely degrees in sociology and education with recognized for a lifetime of service to a minor in communications, and a PhD social and cultural institutions. The in education from St. Joseph University, recipient of several awards, including Beirut. After graduation, she joined the AUB Alumni Service Award (1993), Lebanese University where she taught in The Arab American Medical Association the Faculty of Communications, holding Award (1999), the distinguished service the position of director from 1978-81. award by the Onondaga County Medical During this time, Leila carried out field Society (2003), and the Interfaith Works research on the relationship between Nasri S. Kawar, PhD (BS ’56, MS ’59) Leadership Award on behalf of SAMED, mass media and the status of women, earned his doctorate in Agricultural and Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue, with a focus on the participation of Biological Chemistry from Pennsylvania (2013), Anis was also the Crouse Health women in the production of mass State University. He was a professor at Foundation Tribute Evening Honoree media. Other scholarly interests have AUB’s FAFS from 1963-86 and 1995-2007 in 2015. He is author of more than 50 included the relationship between and a crop protection expert with UN- articles in peer reviewed cardiology cultural orientation, social change, FAO in Jeddah from 1986-95. Currently journals, a textbook on and achievement among Lebanese, a professor emeritus living in echocardiography published by J.P. American, and Palestinian students. Pennsylvania, Nasri and a group of Lippincott in 1993, a book of poetry in Aside from academic activities, Leila active alumni established the WAAAUB Arabic entitled Sada al-Sinin (Dar Sader, was a member of the Lebanese Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Alumni 5756

Chapter in 2008 and served as its achievements in academia, the public president for two terms. The Chapter and private sectors, and international received the Outstanding Chapter award organizations. We went from “Farmers in 2014. Nasri was also active in the with Diplomas” to paving the way for WAAAUB Council and Board of generations of graduates to achieve in Directors and served as chair of the a field vital to human existence. Briefly, Committee for Chapters and the 11 of us continued graduate studies for Governance Committee. He is currently master’s degrees either at AUB or in the serving as the coordinator of the United States. Of these, seven earned organizing committee of the WAAAUB doctorates in various disciplines from North America Regional Summit that a number of US universities and six will be held in Philadelphia in October became faculty members at FAFS. 2016. In 2015, Nasri was the recipient That was a very good ratio for of the WAAAUB Distinguished Board advanced studies back in the 1960s. Member award. Today, seven of us live in Lebanon, six in the United States, three in Europe, Nasri writes about the first class of the and one in Jordan. On a sad note, we School of Agriculture: lost six of our classmates: Hailu Tefera When the School of Agriculture, as it and Sany Farajallah died under tragic was known then, was established in circumstances not long after graduation. 1952, 30 young men from a variety of Sami Labban passed away about 10 backgrounds and education levels, years ago. Early in 2014, Ma’n Karameh ranging from freshmen and sophomores and I lost our two dear friends and to pre-med seniors vied for a place in roommates from the Farm days: Raja Lebanon’s first university-level Tannous and George Jawharieh. Kamal agricultural sciences program. We Daouk passed away shortly afterwards. dubbed our class the “Légion Étrangère” It is unfortunate that Raja did not live or the French Foreign Legion because of to see his son-in-law, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, our diverse backgrounds. The following become the 16th President of AUB. year, several students dropped out and one or two joined the class; 23 made it through to graduation. Dean Samuel Edgecombe always considered us as the program’s pioneering first class and permanent “seniors.” At that time AUB Aref Abdul Baki published only School yearbooks. In the Nicolas Atallah first choolS of Agriculture yearbook we Samir Badawi wrote: “On June 25, 1956, 23 Agriculture Kamal Daouk graduates ascended the platform during Sany Farajallah the commencement exercises to receive Richard Freiji their degrees, the first of its kind Amin Ghurayeb awarded by AUB. From the first day Ghaleb Hemadeh these graduates started their Guy Jallad agricultural sciences education, they George Jawharieh enlisted in a life of pioneering. Through Bashar Jazairi difficult and uncomfortable periods, The George Jiha School of Agriculture saw these young Ma’n Karameh men withstand all hardships. Today, the Nasri Kawar 23 are out in the world. We shall hear Jack Khayyat from them for sure.” Haig Kopooshian Sami Labban Of the 23 graduates, one was Ethiopian, Sanharib Mankush while the rest were Lebanese, Emile Samara Palestinian, Jordanian or Syrian. During Ramiz Sadakah our student days, we became a close- Raja Izzat Tannous knit group especially when we lived, Hailu Tefera four in a room, at the University Farm Munther Wahbeh (AREC) for six months. After graduation, we stayed in contact with each other and celebrated several occasions together. Over 60 years there was much to celebrate, including the group’s AUB Everywhere

wife Raja Al-Adham have three Region (area approximately 33 thousand children—two of whom graduated from km2 and population around 8 million). Butler University and one from Notre [[email protected]] Dame in the United States—and nine [www.asfurengineering.com] grandchildren. [[email protected]] 1960s Nabil Daouk (BA ’67, MD ’71) writes, Helga Seeden (BA ’63, MA ’67) has “At present, I am the chairman of the taught archaeology in the Department ear, nose, and throat department at the Eyad Melhem (BS ’62, MA ’67) works of History and Archaeology since 1970. Specialized Medical Center Hospital in with the Makassed Association in In 1963 she earned her BA summa cum Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All through my Beirut as a member at the Educational laude; in 1967 she earned a master’s career in surgery, I have to admit that Research and Development Center. He degree in archaeology; and in 1970, she the training I had at AUB initially, and also translates books from English to received a PhD from London University at AUH later was instrumental in “To AUB, Arabic. His latest translation is Book of Institute of Archaeology. developing my skills. The program at AUBMC, and all the Pearl (2012). [[email protected]] the medical school was very hard and stressful. This is thanks to our famous the staff, professors that used to pound us (short I stand today of beating us) in the daily rounds. To in gratitude, Hani Jumean (BS ’63, MD ’67) worked Massoud Jalii (BS ’64, MS ’67) worked mention a few: Dr. Philip Sahyoun, respectfully full as chief of Hematology/Oncology at for IBM until his retirement in 1998. He Dr. Fouad Sabra, Dr. Hassan Idriss, of thanks.” King Hussein Medical Center in Amman, has lived in Iran, France, Denmark, Dr. Samir Hajj, Dr. Samir Najjar, Jordan. He moved to the United States Belgium, Japan, Mauritius, and Dr. Edmond Shwayri, Dr. Vasken Derkaloustian, Dr. Salah Salman, Nabil Daouk in 1992 to join the Medical College of Luxembourg. Currently he resides in (BA ’67, MD ’71) Wisconsin and then set up a private Pakistan. He would be happy to hear Dr. Ibrahim Dagher, Dr. Latifeh practice in Oklahoma until he retired from former classmates. Ghandour, and all the others. To AUB, in June 2012. His wife Ferial is a retired [[email protected]] AUBMC, and all the staff, I stand today pediatric oncologist; his son Rami is in gratitude, respectfully full of thanks.” an engineer; and his daughter Rawan [[email protected]] is a rheumatologist married to Dr. Elie Haddad, whose father, Dr Raja Haddad, Arpine Konyalian Grenier (BS ’65, was Hani’s classmate at AUB. Hani MS ’67) is an independent research currently lives in Miami, Florida. scholar and poet. She has authored four collections of poetry: St. Gregory’s Daughter; Whores from Samarkand; Part, Part, Euphrates; and The Sabih Kukhun (BS ’63) With his Concession Stand: Exaptation at the pharmacy degree, Sabih joined Middle Margins. Her poetry and translations East Pharmaceutical Industries have appeared in numerous (Mephico) in Jamhour, Lebanon, as a publications including Columbia production manager before embarking Poetry Review, The Iowa Review, and on a long and highly successful career anthologies by Two Ravens Press and at Bristol-Myers (now Bristol-Myers Eyecorner Press (forthcoming). Grenier Squibb). Starting out as a sales lives and writes in Los Angeles. Her representative, Sabih was posted in piece “Suchness Flashing By, What Andraos (André) Skaff (BEN ’67) increasingly more senior level positions Noise” can be read online. A civil engineering graduate, André in Kuwait, Lebanon, Greece, Belgium, [[email protected]] has been teaching at the Faculty of and Egypt before retiring as senior Engineering at the University of Ottawa, director of Regulatory Affairs and Canada, since 1976. AUB celebrated its Business Development for the Middle 100th anniversary in 1966 during the East, East Africa, Turkey, and Iran. final year of André’s studies. Twenty-five During his stay in Belgium, Sabih Hani Asfur (BS ’67, MS ’69) Since 1992, years ago, he and many other alumni served as chairman for the Middle East Hani has lived with his wife Julie in Fort established the AUB alumni chapter in Regulatory Affairs Committee for four Erie, Ontario, Canada. He is a licensed Ottawa which is still going strong. André years. He was awarded Bristol-Myers’ professional engineer in Ontario and is married to his “lovely wife Renée and highest employee recognition award in works in Canada and overseas, we have three adorable children: 1987. In 1998, Sabih took an early consulting on water resources and Marianne, George, and Sandra.” retirement and went back to his home municipal engineering. Hani just [[email protected]] country of Jordan where he established completed a project as the team leader Al-Sahl Drugstore which grew into Al- on integrated urban water management Sahl Trading Establishment. He and his in Kenya for the Nairobi Metropolitan 5958

organizations are focused on social and philanthropic works ranging from education, healthcare, and direct charity as well as special social events and welfare projects. Nicolas’s corporate offices and showrooms are located in 1970s Mkalles, Beirut, Lebanon.

1975 Class Fuad S. Saba (BBA ’76) is a tax partner Correspondent in the FGMK accounting firm in Chicago, Samir Traboulsi where he provides international tax and Ghada Hijj awi-Qaddumi, PhD (BA ’69, transfer pricing services to middle MA ’75) In addition to her AUB degrees market clients. He and his wife of 38 Samir Traboulsi, PhD (BEN ’73, MEN in economics and Arabic literature, years, Mary, live in a western suburb ’75, MBA ’80) Samir is serving as the Ghada holds a BFA from the Lebanese of Chicago. [[email protected]] Class Correspondent for the Class of American University and a doctorate 1975. Last April he was a speaker on in the History of Islamic Art and business ethics at the National Architecture from Harvard University. Environmental Balancing Bureau Before retirement, she served as director Hasmig Tchaparian (DIPLM ’76, Annual National Meeting in of the Department of Research and BSN ’07, MSN ’16) lives in Beirut and Albuquerque, Texas. Chairman and Cultural Studies at the National Council works at AUBMC as a nurse shift general manager of Thermotrade SAL, for Culture, Arts, and Letters in Kuwait administrator. [[email protected]] Dr. Traboulsi is an ASHRAE Fellow, a (2001). She was curator of Dar al-Athar CIBSE Fellow, and NEBB Certified. He is al-Islamiyya (1983-90) and then Deputy a senior lecturer at AUB’s FEA, at Notre Director for Cultural Affairs in the Dame University, and at the Professional Department of Antiquities and Beshara Fawaz (BBA ’77) works as a Training Center of the Order of Museums at the Kuwait National business development manager for Engineers and Architects in Beirut Museum (1996-99). Currently, she is the Medgulf Insurance Company in Jeddah, and Tripoli. president of the World Crafts Council- Saudi Arabia. [[email protected]] Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR), elected in October 2012 by the WWC-APR’s Regional Assembly for the present term Elias M. Absi (BS ’75) Elias received (2013-16). Thomas Khoury (BS ’77, MD ’82) is his MS in chemical engineering from in private practice in endovascular University of Ottawa, Canada. Having thoracic and surgical oncology in held senior positions with major Southern Ohio, where he has been since companies such as Nortel, Gennum completing his training. He and his wife (now Semtech), and SMART Cheryl have three children in college: Technologies, he founded EMA Thomas, John, and Caroline. Thomas consultants, specializing in engineering visits Lebanon annually and keeps up and project management work. Elias has with class reunions and friends a long record of service to WAAAUB; as at AUBMC. the treasurer of the Ottawa Chapter from 2007-11, and as president of the chapter from 2011-15. During his term of service term, the Ottawa Chapter won the 2012 Abdallah Rassy, R.Ph. (BS ’77, MD ’79) Outstanding WAAAUB Chapter award. With his master’s degree in food Elias and his wife Carol Sfeir Absi have Nicolas Tueini (BA ’75) is the founder technology and nutrition, Abdallah two children Marissa and Michael of a group of large regional companies pursued a pharmacy degree at the Antonio, who are both students at the including Omatra, founded in 1979 with University of Houston, Texas. He has University of Ottawa. the support of Fiat Group, Iveco, and the had his own business since 1993, Italian truck company, Sace. Operations providing pharmacy services to high cover assembly as well as direct supply acuity care patients. Abdallah would of Iveco and Astra trucks, Cifa cement love to hear from old friends. mixers, pumps and batching plants, [[email protected]] Pirelli tires, and many other top Italian brands. In 2011, Nicolas founded the “Al Khayriyat Jean Tueny” and in 2012 the “Tajamouh Aaelat Beirut.” Both AUB Everywhere

Father Boulos (Marwan) Wehbe (BBA Janan Sarkis, (BBA ’87, MPH ’93) is ’77, MA ’81) writes, “I entered AUB in director of International Programs, 1974, to graduate from it in 1981 with an Office of International Medicine “AUB has MA in Middle East Studies. Not only Programs, in the School of Medicine and impacted me – were those years among the best of my Health Sciences at George Washington some professors, life but they were days spent in a haven University in Washington, DC. amidst the chaos of war. I am now an campus, library Orthodox priest serving the St. Michael and cultural life. Church in Mazraa, Beirut, and a I call on the professor at Notre Dame University. Serge Tchopourian, (BEN ’87) is students in it to AUB has impacted me – some presently the owner and manager of optimally benefit professors, campus, library and cultural Mekaconsul, Sarl, which specializes life. I call on the students in it to Zena Ali Ahmad (BS ’85, MS ’87) writes, in the distribution of Motul motor oil from what it has optimally benefit from what it has to “I graduated with a master’s degree in lubricants. He is still fond of sports to offer.” offer. My love to its family – past and Rural Development in 1988, and since and regularly hits the AUB track. present.” [[email protected]] then have been working in international [[email protected]] Father Boulos organizations on development issues. I (Marwan) Wehbe am now the Country Director for the (BBA ’77, MA ’81) United Nations Development Programme in Jordan. If someone asked me, I would say my fondest memories were of my time at AUB, in spite of the fact that it was one of the worse periods for the country. It was a lot of fun! 1990s 1980s Thank you AUB… and may you graduate more and more generations!” [[email protected]] Adnan el-Hajj Hassan, (BS ’90) writes, “As we read about the events, activities, 1980 Class and achievements reported in MainGate Correspondent magazine, we appreciate even more the Rihab Ouri values and educational experience we Ahmed Zaki Nafiz, PhD (BA ’86) After received at AUB. As a member of the receiving his BA in political studies, FAFS class of 1990, I will always think Rihab Ouri (BBA ’80) heard from May Ahmed returned to his home country, of the AUB campus as home. An Allous Shammas (BBA ’80). May the Maldives, and joined the civil international university, AUB helps to writes: “Upon graduation, I worked in service. He holds an MA and a PhD in further civic pride and participation, the claims department of Arabia journalism from University of humanitarian values, and developments “An Insurance Company in Beirut. In 1981, Canterbury, New Zealand, and he is in technology and education. As international I moved to Kuwait and worked as a currently a senior lecturer in journalism graduates taking these values out into university, AUB procurement assistant at International at the Maldives National University. the world, MainGate and the WAAAUB helps to further Contractors Group. In 1984, I finished [[email protected]] and AUB alumni are a vital link for us. I a professional Purchasing and Supply know I speak for my fellow classmates civic pride and certification in London, England, where in sending best wishes and regards to participation, I took a job in an investment company Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, the new AUB humanitarian and got married in 1988. I started getting Fadlallah Habr, MD (BS ’87) currently president, and to the WAAAUB and AUB values, and involved in fundraising events lives in Rhode Island. He is an associate alumni leadership for their continuous developments in in my boys’ schools in London. From professor of medicine at Brown contact with the AUB alumni all over 2003-13, I served as chairman of University, a full-time faculty the world.” technology and fundraising at Amar International gastroenterologist, and the director of education.” Charitable Foundation in London. I therapeutic endoscopy at University am now collating family recipes as I Medicine Foundation, Inc. Fadlallah is Adnan el-Hajj Hassan work on writing a cookbook.” married to Ghada Bourjeily, and they (BS ’90) have two children, Christopher Omar Momtaz, (former student, 1991– and Naya. 93) spent two years studying mechanical engineering at AUB before Hani Chamas (BS ’81, BS ’82, MPH ’83, transferring to Beirut Arab University MD ’87) is a consultant ophthalmologist Walid Rafeh, (DIPLM ’87) worked in where he earned his degree in civil in Hamra, Beirut. Beirut until 1995, then in Saudi Arabia engineering in 1997. In 1998, he earned [[email protected]] for 13 years. He is now the Imaging an MBA from Ecole Supérieure des Applications Manager at AUBMC. Affaires in Beirut, and in 2005, he obtained a master’s in diplomacy and strategic negotiations from Paris-Sud 6160

University and Université La Sagesse. Rana Ashkar, PhD (MS ’07) writes, After five years working as products and “I am currently a Shull Fellow at Oak services manager for Cellis (FTML) in Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Lebanon, Omar moved to Saudi Arabia Leveraging on this prestigious where he worked as a telecom fellowship and the bountiful resources consultant. He still resides in Riyadh, available at ORNL, I am developing a where he is a consulting manager for 2000s science program to investigate IDC Saudi Arabia. curvature-mediated membrane [[email protected]] phenomena in topologically nanostructured biomimetic lipid membranes. These studies are crucial for understanding critical cell- membrane functions such as signal Nadim Nassar, PhD (BEN ’91, MEM ’93) transduction, cell trafficking, and host- With degrees in civil engineering and pathogen interactions.” engineering management, Nadim [www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/rana-ashkar] “I owe this pursued a career in project management career and family and controls in the construction success to my industry. In 2002, he joined SNC-Lavalin beloved wife and where he was appointed Vice President Shadia Farouque (BA ’07) has been of Operations for SNC-Lavalin Arabia in living in Colombo, Sri Lanka, since April parents as well 2012. In 2005, Nadim earned his Nadine Zantout (BA ’01, MAFE ’03) 2008. She writes, “I taught French at as to AUB and my doctorate in construction engineering and friends gathered last February at L’ Alliance Française de Colombo, and business school and management from the University of the home of Rami Tabbarah (BS ’00, I currently do volunteer work at the professors for Alberta. He has also completed the MD ’04) in Washington, DC: Women’s Research and Action Forum, believing in me executive program in general L to R: Ayman Al Harakeh, MD (BS helping to rebuild the lives of women management from MIT’s Sloan School of ’94), Lynn Saghir, Nadine Zantout, following the 2004 tsunami and the and supporting Management. Nadim would be glad to Dana Baba (BS, TD ’09), Rami end of the Sri Lankan civil war in 2009. my continued reconnect with AUB friends and hear Tabbarah, Abeer Tabbarah (BS ’04, I graduated in February 2007 with a education and their latest news. He and his wife Aline MD ’08), and Bassel Hassouna (MD degree in English literature. Although I life goals.” Nader, a Notre Dame University ’08) [[email protected]] live so far away from Lebanon, I hope to marketing graduate, live in Bahrain and revisit AUB’s beautiful campus one day. Rawhi Al-Khatib have two children, Ray and Naya LONG LIVE AUB! (BBA ’97) Katrina. [[email protected]] [[email protected]]

Rawhi Al-Khatib, (BBA ’97) writes, “I am a 1997 BBA graduate, married to fashion and beauty consultant Zina Snobar with two beautiful kids: Hatem and Masa. I earned my MBA from Lancaster University in 2012 and have worked with many multinational companies such as Motorola, Spinneys, and Philip Morris. Today I am the general manager of Arabian Ethicals, a pharmaceutical company in the UAE. I owe this career and family success to my beloved wife and parents as well as to AUB and my business school professors for believing in me and supporting my continued education and life goals.” [[email protected]] Congratulations to AUB’s newly minted grads! In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Bernard Kalfayan (BA ’34, MD ’39) was born Kalfayan then moved to The College of Alumni in 1915 and passed away on January 22, four Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia days prior to his 101 birthday, in Marco University as assistant professor of pathology Island, Florida. An accomplished pianist, he and served as a pathologist at Roosevelt was active in plays and musicals held at West Hospital in New York. In 1960, he accepted a Hall during his student days at AUB. After position as Director of Laboratories at the completing his internship and residency in Gunderson Clinic in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, pathology at AUBMC, he accepted a position where he spent the remainder of his career. as assistant professor at Cornell University He is survived by his wife Anne, son John, Bernard Kalfayan Medical College in New York and as associate and four grandchildren. (BA ’34, MD ’39) attending pathologist at New York Hospital.

A pioneer in the construction industry, philanthropy. He and his family have made Fahmi Karagulla (BA ’41) passed away on significant contributions to AUB, including to December 22, 2015, at the age of 95. His the Mohammad Attalla Center for Ethics; to company was responsible for the endowed and current student scholarships; construction, reconstruction or renovation of and to numerous FEA initiatives and many iconic buildings on the AUB campus, facilities. The FEA Dean’s Wing was including the first medical center, Nicely Hall, dedicated in his name in 2009. Karagulla is Jafet Library, College Hall, and the Charles survived by two children, Karim (a former Hostler Student Center. Karagulla devoted AUB student) an d Zeina Souhaid (BBA ’84, Fahmi Karagulla much of his remarkable energy and focus to MBA ’86), and four grandchildren. (BA ’41)

Haig A. Khatchadourian, PhD (BA ’48, Albuquerque. His numerous honors and MA ’50) was born in 1925 in Old City, awards include Outstanding Educators of Jerusalem, Palestine, and died on February 16, America Award, Outstanding Intellectuals of in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received his the 20th Century, and Outstanding Academics doctorate in philosophy at Duke University. A of the 21st Century. A member of Learned world renowned philosopher, Khatchadourian Societies, Khatchadourian published was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at numerous books and articles, and presented University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He papers at international conferences Notices for In Memoriam taught at AUB (1948-49, 1956-67), Melkonian throughout his long career. He also published may be sent to Educational Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus, three books of poetry, one play and more than [email protected] Haigazian College, University of Southern 16 philosophical books. Preceded in death by Haig A. Khatchadourian California, and University of his wife of 61 years Arpiné (Nee Yaghlian), PhD (BA ’48, MA ’50) Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1967-68, 1969-94). Khatchadourian is survived by his children He was a visiting professor at University of Abie (Sue), Vicken, and Sonia, and two Hawaii-Manoa and a distinguished visiting grandchildren. professor, University of New Mexico- 6362

Angele (Hasserjian) Bahuth (DIPL ’55) in the United States Army Medical Corps, Alumni was born on February 14, 1934 and passed the couple moved to Lo s Angeles where away on December 27, 2015. She spent her Dr. Bahuth established his surgical office childhood in Aleppo, Syria, where she and “Angie” was an integral part of building attended the Aleppo College for Girls. A his practice. Asked by Dr. Malcolm Kerr and musical prodigy, Bahuth gave piano lessons Dr. Zohrab Kaprielian to help establish an while still in her teens. She earned her AUB alumni chapter in Southern California nursing degree with honors at AUB where she in 1970, Angie threw her heart and soul into served as president of the Nursing Student the project, and quickly built a large, Association while continuing her musical tight-knit community. Over the next 35 years, studies with Professor Arnita, and where she arranged numerous receptions, galas, she met and married Dr. Joseph J. Bahuth and fundraising events—many held at the Angele (Hasserjian) Bahuth (MD ’54). The couple moved to the United Bahuth residence, which became a home (DIPL ’55) States where he completed his surgical away from home for AUB presidents and training at Northwestern University’s School faculty. Bahuth is survived by her husband of Medicine, and where she earned a Joe; four daughters, Elaine, Tina, Anita and bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked as a Mimi; and seven grandchildren. surgical nurse. Following two years of service

John Peter Spagnolo, DPhil (BA ’57, MA ’62) Simon Fraser University. He will be was born in 1934 in Palestine and died on remembered as an accomplished scholar March 21. He earned his doctorate at Oxford, whose youthful sense of humor, gentlemanly studying Franco-Ottoman history under Albert manner, and resplendent smile captivated Hourani at St. Antony’s College. Spagnolo family, friends, and colleagues alike. Spagnolo taught at AUB in the mid-1960s before settling is survived by his wife of more than 50 years in British Columbia, Canada, where he began Penelope Straugheir (Penny), daughters John Peter Spagnolo a 33-year career in the History department of Rebecca and Tabitha, and a granddaughter. DPhil (BA ’57, MA ’62)

Zaha Mohammad Hadid, DBE (former male-dominated field of architecture, Hadid student 1968-69; DHL 2006) was born in was a bold visionary, whose immense Baghdad, Iraq in 1950, and died unexpectedly intelligence, creativity, and personality at the age of 65 following a bout of bronchitis conspired to make her a true force of nature. and a sudden heart attack at a hospital in She taught at the Architectural Association; in Miami, Florida on March 31. Hadid studied the mid-1980s at the Harvard Graduate School mathematics at AUB before launching her of Design, where she held the Kenzo Tange architectural career at the Architectural Professorship; and in the 1990s, at the Association in London. She designed AUB’s University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of iconic Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy Architecture, where she held the Sullivan and International Affairs (detail,opposite ) on Chair professorship. Hadid was the first Zaha Mohammad Hadid the Green Oval, which was inaugurated in woman to win the Pritzker Prize, DBE (former student May, 2014. Widely regarded as a trailblazing architecture’s Nobel, and she was the first, 1968-69; DHL 2006) genius, Hadid created startling designs and an on her own, to be awarded the Royal Institute entirely new aesthetic that conveyed formal of British Architects Gold Medal, Britain’s top fluidity, mobility, and freedom. A role model architectural award. She leaves an astonishing and inspiration for generations of young legacy of futuristic, transformative, and architects, particularly women who watched controversial architectural structures and in awe as she broke gender barriers in the designs around the globe. In Memoriam

Alumni Statesman, journalist, lawyer, professor, Arab League’s ambassador to the United intellectual, and formidable advocate on States and the United Nations. He and his behalf of Arab nations and Palestinian rights, second wife, the late Hala Salam Maksoud, Clovis Maksoud (BA ’48) passed away in the niece of late Lebanese Prime Minister Washington, DC on May 15, at the age of 89. Saeb Salam, were central figures in the Born in the Bristow, Oklahoma to Lebanese American-Arab Anti-Discrimination parents, Maksoud moved to Lebanon to study Committee for over three decades. During his political science and economics at AUB. academic career as professor of international He later earned a law degree at George relations and the director of the Center for the Washington University in Washington, DC, Global South at the American University in and completed a postgraduate degree at Washington DC, Maksoud authored several Oxford University. While in Lebanon, books and articles on the Middle East, Clovis Maksoud Maksoud helped shape contemporary Palestine, and the Global South. In 2014, (BA ’48) Lebanese politics. He served as ambassador he published a memoir. He is survived by to India and South-East Asia for the League a daughter Lisette Mondello from his first of Arab States from 1961-66. He then spent marriage to the former Rosemary Curry, and over a decade as senior editor at the Egyptian a grandson. Al-Ahram newspaper and then as chief editor at Lebanon’s Al-Nahar Weekly before For more on Clovis Maksoud, please see the next issue of returning to diplomacy in 1979 to serve as the MainGate, which will cover the years 1966-2016.

Eva Hakim Dragatsi, mother of Alexander (MD ’30). Until the onset of the civil war in the Friends Dragatsi (BA ’83 MPH ’85) and of Adelina mid-1970s and before moving to Brummana and John, passed away on January 29, in and then to Canada, Eva and the family Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She is resided on Artois street in Ras Beirut and predeceased by her husband, former Associate spent memorable time on the AUB campus. Clinical Professor Gregoire A. Dragatsi

Eva Hakim Dragatsi

Notices for In Memoriam Anthony (Tony) Bing passed away on March His work yielded breakthroughs in seemingly may be sent to 20, 2015, at the age of 79, in Swannanoa, North intractable conflicts, including the Cold War, [email protected] Carolina. A brilliant Shakespearean scholar, the Balkan crisis, both Iraq wars, and the an inspiring educator, and an indefatigable Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Bing was named peace activist, Bing taught Cultural Studies at Peace Educator of the Year in 1992 by the Peace AUB from 1967-69. His experience in Lebanon Studies Association, and was recognized in helped plant the seeds for a life dedicated to 1993 by Northern Ireland for his work to end creating nonviolent conflict resolution in the hostilities and reconstruct civil society. world’s most troubled areas. He was a Predeceased by a mere three months by his graduate of Haverford College (BA), Oxford wife of 57 years June Woodward, Bing is Anthony (Tony) Bing University (BA, MA), and University of survived by his brother Steve; three daughters Michigan (MA, PhD), and also taught at Jennifer, Rebecca and Alison, all of whom are Kenyon College in Ohio, Warren Wilson furthering his legacy through their own College in North Carolina, and Earlham remarkable work; and a granddaughter, College in Indiana, where he co-founded and Hanaan, a 2015 graduate of Haverford College. chaired the Peace and Global Studies Program. 64 65

One Hundred and Fifty

In light of its 150th anniversary, AUB has published a beautiful volume celebrating its illustrious history. The book considers the University from the perspective of its founders, researchers, scientists, students, and celebrated alumni and sets their experiences against the backdrop of changing local and geopolitical dynamics. What comes through is a remarkably complete and detailed picture of AUB, drawing on primary source documents, like early reports from the Syrian Protestant College’s Board of Managers, and photos of Ras Beirut that span the century. By tracing the University’s history in so detailed a fashion, we can also fill in gaps in the region’s history, such as AUB’s role in providing technical assistance to Gulf farmers in the 1950s and Constantine Zurayk’s role in the spread of Arab nationalism. The book tells the stories behind the University’s large and indelible mark on the lives of so many great leaders and thinkers.

For more information or to purchase, contact AUB Press at: www.aub.edu.lb/aubpress/Pages/index.aspx Return Address

American University of Beirut 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza 8th Floor New York, NY 10017-2303

Collect all three 150th editions for a full map of Beirut featuring streets named after figures from AUB’s history.

Map Section 2/3