MLT Alumni Honor Dr. Sami Ramia

MTL students surround Ramia (3rd from left)

One of the many merits of the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program at AUB is its small size, implying easier advising, smaller classes, and an exceptional relationship between students and their professors in the program. This relationship goes beyond classroom doors and syllabi to a more personal and intimate family-like relationship, illustrated in a huge Iftar ceremony and reunion on August 28 at the Holiday Inn-Dunes Verdun to honor Dr. Sami Ramia and mark his 10th anniversary as professor and coordinator of the MLT program at AUB—ten years of academic as well as personal contributions to ten different MLT generations.

All graduates of the MLT from the year 2000 till 2010, members of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PLM) Department at AUBMC, and members of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at AUB attended the large ceremony. When Dr. Ramia first arrived, thinking it was only an Iftar for the MLT program faculty members, he was amazed by the mass of people eagerly waiting to shake his hand, hug him, and congratulate him. After the very intimate reception, the attendees dined at sunset. Each class was seated at a table, each with a unique name related to the MLT program. After dinner, the Lebanese anthem was played to inaugurate the ceremony. The hosts of the show, Khalil Kreidieh and Ayat Haidar (MLT 2006) welcomed Dr. Ramia and the guests and presented a touching documentary prepared by Paul Sami Ramia and Rami Daya (MLT 2009), tracing Dr. Ramia’s life and achievements before he became the chair of the MLT program. Izzat Kreidieh, a second-year graphic design student, created the design and presentation.

After that, representatives of the 10 different MLT generations (classes of 2000 through 2010) delivered speeches about their experience in the program, as well as their memories of Dr. Ramia and their classmates. A group picture was also taken of each class. Paul Ramia, Dr. Ramia’s son, spoke on behalf of the family, and Grace Al Azar delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Ramia’s office neighbors at FHS. And last but not least, Roula Al Khatib, MLT instructor and adviser, spoke about Dr. Ramia in the name of the MLT Program.

At the end of the speeches, the hosts presented an honoring plaque and a guest book signed by all the guests. The plaque was carved with the following: “Dr. Sami Ramia, You have been the noble mentor for many generations. Your AUB students will always cherish your commitment, thoughtfulness, and compassion. Thank you for inspiring us . . . Your loving MLT students 2000 – 2010.”

Dr. Ramia then gave an impromptu speech; he started by passionately thanking all the attendees and wishing them “Ramadan Kareem.” He also thanked all his colleagues in the MLT program, and especially Roula Al Khatib for her relentless contributions o the program. He added, “Ramadan has always been generous with me . . . But this year Ramadan is exceptionally generous!” He concluded his speech by saying, “Don’t forget AUB.” Finally, Dr. Ramia and his colleagues cut a huge cake made especially for the occasion.