Welcome home
Homecoming 2012 and class reunions gather hundreds of LAU alumni and friends.
LAU Alumni Relations Office hosted over 800 LAU 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 celebration and gathering kicked off with the Alumni Dinner that was organized at the Phoenicia InterContinental 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.
Alumni Relations Office Director Abdallah Al-Khal seized the opportunity to thank committee members of alumni chapters for their hard work and commitment to LAU.
That night, two prominent LAU alumni, Lamis Alami and Ahmad Farroukh, were presented with special awards.
Alumni around the world were asked to nominate fellow alumni who have accomplished noteworthy achievements in their respective fields for these awards, earlier this year. Then, an Alumni Relations Office committee selected the candidates.
The Recognition Award went to Lamis Alami (BCW, ’64), an exceptional alumna who dedicated her life to teaching, Palestinian refugee women in particular. 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.
“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 (B.S.’83/M.B.A.’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 their 5th to 50th graduation anniversaries.
The following days, alumni enjoyed the annual President’s Forum 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 aimed to discuss issues related to the welfare of the alumni, and encourage more participation from the community.
LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra, Abdallah Al-Khal, director of Alumni Relations Office and Leila Saleeby Dagher, president of the Alumni Association Board, present Ahmad Farroukh with the Achievement Award during the alumni dinner on July 11.
Lamis Alami presented with the Recognition Award.
LAU alumni, officials and staff celebrate getting together.
At the Byblos Reunion on July 12, alumni share old memories and network to the sound of music.
On July 13, participants at the Beirut Reunion get together before the 14th Theater Festival performance starts.
On July 14, alumni enjoy an all-class homecoming President’s Forum Brunch organized at LAU-Beirut.
After a week of celebration and networking, the last day of the alumni events was spent resting and exploring with old and new friends during a July 15 day trip to Douma, North Lebanon.
On July 16, the LAU Alumni Association Board honored the 50th anniversary graduates at Jabbra’s residence and presented them with 50th anniversary medals.
The LAU Alumni Association Board meeting was held on July 17 in the presence of representatives of chapters in Lebanon and around the world.