Winter 2008 Vol. VI, No. 2

From the Editors

Despite continuing “political uncertainty”, a phrase we hear repeated far too often, AUB is thriving, expanding, and looking towards the future.

In December 2007, AUB celebrated the completion of the Campaign for Excellence, surpassing its $140 million goal by $30 million dollars. Its success is unprecedented in AUB history, and has set a new benchmark for higher education fundraising in the region. The campaign that more than 10,000 alumni and friends supported will impact every aspect of an AUB education for years to come. In “AUB Thanks You!” and “The Finest Site in All Beirut” we give you a sense of just how extensive the impact of the campaign is. But a trip back to campus (perhaps for reunion 2008?) may be the best way to appreciate it for yourself.

The success of the campaign goes part and parcel with the strong foundation built by President John Waterbury during his ten years at AUB. While he’ll hardly take any credit for himself, he did talk with MainGate about some of the achievements on campus that he is proudest of in “The Waterbury Years.” And since he is an avid photographer and outdoorsman, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feature some of his photography of this uniquely beautiful campus and country. You’ll find more of those photos in MainGate on-line.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful new year,
Ada H. Porter and Ibrahim Khoury
Coeditors, MainGate
maingate@aub.edu.lb