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“I believe in the continuous relationship and collaboration between LAU and civil society,” said Alami, before adding “I am proud and honored to be a graduate of this prestigious educational institution.” The Achievement Award was granted to Ahmad Farroukh (BS ’83/MBA ’90), who is currently group chief operating executive and vice president of the West and Central Africa region at MTN Group Limited. Farroukh is also the founder and owner of Starbow, a regional airline focused on the West African market. Praising LAU’s history and notable achievements, Farroukh extended his gratitude to the university’s teachings, attributing his successful career to his years at LAU. On July 12 and 13, both campuses hosted all-class reunions. This year, the classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007 were presented with jubilee pins for, respectively, their 5th to 50th graduation anniversaries. The following days, alumni enjoyed a brunch organized at LAU Beirut and an excursion to the northern city of Douma before the LAU Alumni Association Board honored the 50th Anniversary Graduates at the President’s residence on July 16. In the presence of chapter representatives in Lebanon and around the world, an LAU Alumni Association Board meeting was called to order by its president Leila Saleeby Dagher the next day. The meeting discussed issues related to the welfare of the alumni, and encouraged more participation from the community.
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& ALUMNI BULLETIN
The LAU Alumni Relations Office hosted over 800 graduates, family members and friends from around the world to the 2012 annual reunions and homecoming events that took place from July 11-15. The week of gathering and celebration kicked off with the Alumni Dinner at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut. “Our Alumni Chapters all over the world play a vital role in strengthening the ties between the alumni and their alma mater,” said LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra at the dinner, adding that the university is taking bold steps toward providing the community with the future it deserves. That night, two prominent LAU alumni, Lamis Alami and Ahmad Farroukh, were presented with special awards. Earlier this year, alumni around the world were asked to nominate individuals from among their fellow alumni who have accomplished noteworthy achievements in their respective fields for these awards. The selection committee, consisting of representatives from the Alumni Relations Office, the Alumni Association Board, Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) and Academic Affairs, then selected the award recipients. The Recognition Award was presented to Lamis Alami (BCW, ’64), an exceptional alumna who dedicated her life to teaching, particularly Palestinian refugee women. Alami has also worked at various NGOs and human rights organizations, and is currently the Minister of Education and Higher Education in the Palestinian Authority.
VOLUME 14 | issue nº 3 | Fall 2012
Homecoming 2012 and class reunions gather hundreds of LAU alumni and friends