8
WINTER/SPRING 2022
“Teachers are our Greatest Asset”: Q&A with Don Selinger, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Many may wonder, how did a man with no previous ties to IC, or Lebanon, for that matter, become so invested in and passionate about the school? Since joining the board in 1993, the US-based Mr. Selinger has led IC through major periods of growth and development, and is the force behind the recently launched Teacher’s Solidarity Fund. He kindly spoke to us about his journey to IC, efforts since joining the board, and near term hopes for the school.
Q: How long have you been involved with IC? A: I joined the IC Board of Trustees as Treasurer in 1993. Q: How did you first hear about the school? Why did you decide to join the board? A: I first heard about IC in 1975 when traveling to Beirut, and often thereafter from Bill Turner who was and remains a friend and colleague. He has served on the Board since the mid-1970s and was chairman for over 30 years. I succeeded him as chair 5 years ago. I lived in Cairo from 1976- 1978 and in Bahrain from 1983 - 1991, where I met many IC graduates and learned more about the important and prominent educational role the school has played in Lebanon and the Middle East. It was an honor for me to be elected to the IC Board of Trustees. Q: Why are you passionate about supporting education in Lebanon? A: The high value of an American-style education and the success repeatedly demonstrated by IC, quickly generated my enthusiasm for this wonderful country. Q: What, in your opinion, makes IC such a renowned and unique institution? A: IC developed a unique culture that has been amazingly successful and has been handed down over the years since its founding in 1892. This culture is
