SCC honors Haykal

By Zeina El-Halabi ---

A warm and emotional reception was held on May 15 to honor Abdul-Salam Haykal, president of the Syrian Cultural Club, in the presence of many family members, friends, and supporting faculty and administrators. Haykal, president of the club since 1997, is now leaving AUB but will be remembered in the hearts of many who knew him. Strong applause filled Ada Dodge Hall as Haykal entered the room, greeting his friends and family. Following a welcoming word, a brief film was shown as a gift and surprise to the honored guest. The clips, showing funny and memorable moments with friends throughout the film as well as some messages from staff and students emotionally stirred Haykal, even provoking tears. Sana Murad said that she considered him her son; Dr. Hilal Khashan spoke about his good heart and polite manners, and Mr. Ibrahim Khoury described him as an active and ideal student who was responsible in his work and was able to unite many Syrian students across campus through organized activities. Dr. Farid El-Khazen and Captain Saadallah Shalak wished Haykal a bright and successful future, hoping that he would return to AUB some day. In a further tribute, President Waterbury presented Abdul-Salam with the AUB shield of honor, portraying the importance of Haykal's contributions and achievements. Mr. Mohammed Haykal, Abdul-Salam's father, then gave an emotional speech to the audience, expressing his pride in his son on this occasion. "What we saw today is a treasure that cannot be measured . . . Nothing can express the happiness that this honoring reception has brought," said Mohammed Haykal. On a final note, Haykal added, "I was wrong to have worried about him." He thanked Abdul-Salam's friends and supporters who had helped Abdul-Salam reach his current position. President Waterbury gave a brief speech, recalling times with Abdul-Salam (the president has made three visits to the Syrian Cultural Club), and thanked Mohammed Haykal for his great words. Emotions overwhelmed Abdul-Salam as he faced his audience and began to speak. "The club was another life . . . . I learned a great deal, and AUB had a tremendous impact on me," said Haykal, thanking everyone for all their love and support, stressing that his memories of AUB will always be cherished and remembered. Moreover, Haykal thanked the president for appearing in Damascus for the revival of the Syrian branch of the AUB Alumni Club. Many students signed Haykal's picture and memory book at the end of the reception, expressing their personal gratitude and best wishes for the departing president. As President Waterbury said at the reception, "I'd like to think of AUB as a large family that you enter young but you never leave."