Summer 2009 Vol. VII, No. 4

From the Editors

We ushered in the summer of 2009 with an inauguration followed by a commencement, both powerful traditions at AUB. This got us thinking about how customs—both formal and informal—define the AUB culture. For this issue, we have highlighted from the long list of AUB traditions three with special significance: presidential inaugurations, student protest/governance and community service. All trace their proud heritage to the founding of the University and have evolved to occupy new roles in the life of AUB today. We also asked students to tell us what AUB tradition means to them. You’ll find evidence of other AUB traditions throughout the issue, from the Honorary Degree ceremony and past and present Penrose Scholars to a newer tradition, reunion.

As we readied this issue for the printer, we finished our last MainGate as co-editors. After 16 years at AUB, Ibrahim is retiring in October 2009. We’ve worked together every day for five years, despite the distance of over 5,500 miles between our two offices. We’ll miss him at MainGate, but we know that friendship is another strong tradition at AUB.

Ada H. Porter and Ibrahim Khoury
Coeditors, MainGate
maingate@aub.edu.lb

tra·di·tion \tr_-_di-sh_n\

Etymology: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition. See TREASON.

1: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) ...

3: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions