Computer Science Alumni Reunion

Computer Science graduates and faculty celebrate department's 5th anniversary

Students, graduates, and faculty of AUB's Department of Computer Science celebrated on June 25 the department's fifth anniversary during its annual Computer Science Alumni Reunion, in which two graduating computer science students with the highest average were recognized.

Wehbe Qardaji and Aya Haidar received gift vouchers at Virgin Mega Store. Qardaji, who will be joining the computer science program at Perdue University with a specialty in security and parallel programming, hopes to join computer science alumni reunions in later years. Professor Wadih Jureidini, on his part, urged all the attendees at the reunion to "network and stay in touch with their alma mater and fellow graduates."

Computer science as a field of study was introduced at AUB in the 1960s with the introduction of a course that taught FORTRAN programming. This was followed in the 1970s and early 1980s by other courses related to programming and system design, which became extremely popular. These courses, however, remained within the Department of Mathematics, and students interested in pursuing a recognized computer science degree had to do so abroad.

During most of the 15-year Lebanese civil war, the introduction and development of new programs at AUB understandably came to a virtual standstill. But there were exceptions, one of which was the establishment of the computer science program in 1986-1987.

By the late 1990s, the University's computer science program had progressed exceptionally well; and although other programs had developed in Lebanon by then and competition increased, AUB stood its ground by emphasizing quality and expanding the curriculum. The administration then began taking steps to establish a separate department in 2003, and it now offers both a BS and an MS in computer science.