138th Commencement

Graduates in the main commencement

AUB held its 138th commencement exercises on June 30, in which 1,499 students graduated from six faculties. For the second year in a row, the graduation ceremony took place in BIEL in downtown Beirut instead of at AUB's Green Field, which is currently closed because of construction work.

In his commencement address, President John Waterbury urged the graduates to use their experience and the knowledge acquired at AUB to make remarkable changes in the country and the region. "A year ago, in this very place," he said, "the world looked somewhat different. I cannot say that optimism was the order of the day, but a sense of possibility did prevail. A few weeks after commencement, the July war broke out. Physical destruction, the loss of human life, political stalemate, and economic stagnation followed… But do not lose hope. The accomplishments of our speaker today will tell you and all of us why not to lose hope."

The president was referring to the words of AUB Trustee Najib Mikati, the commencement keynote speaker, who expressed high hopes in AUB's graduates. "Education is a strong dream," Mikati declared, "and the incentive to turn this dream into reality. So let's dream of a country united in its rich diversity, stable in solid productivity, and prosperous with the entrepreneurial spirit and work opportunities. Let's work towards this goal… At the heart of all dreams is a tangible reality…."

Speaking for the new graduates, the vice president of the University Student and Faculty Council, Lama Andari, reiterated Mikati's words, saying, "With our degrees, not our guns, we will in the years to come together wipe the tears, working hard to alleviate fears. From the ashes of these turbulent times, the phoenix once again will rise in Lebanon."

The commencement program included three performances by the AUB Choir, who sang AUB's alma mater, marking the beginning and end of the ceremony.

The diplomas were distributed separately by each of the six faculties at different locations, either at BIEL or at AUB.

Despite the subdued feelings and concerns about the future, the graduating students were generally optimistic. Elie Jeara (BS), who will be continuing his studies at AUB's medical school, described his experience at AUB as a "lifetime experience not to be missed." Hamza Aboud (BBA) said it was all "very nice, not only at the educational level but also at the social level. I made a lot of friends." Imad El Zarwi, also a BBA graduate, said AUB provided him with the academic and applied experience and training to help him succeed in any future job. "With an AUB degree, I am not worried about not finding a job easily, and I am certainly not worried about succeeding in it."

The Penrose Awardees 2007

(The Penrose Award is a non-cash award made to the outstanding graduate of each faculty).

FAS:
English Literature: Michele Michel Kasdano
Biology: Saleh Mohamad Itani

OSB:
Marketing: Maya Mohamad Itani

FAFS:
Food Sciences and Management: Jean Michel Chemaly

FEA:
Civil Engineering : Gustave Alain Cordahi

FHS:
Medical Laboratory Technology: Khalil Hisham Abu Bakr Kreidieh

FM:
Nursing: Ali Ismail Naffaa
Doctor of Medicine: Maisa Nabil Feghali