It is a distinct honor to welcome you to the AUB web site as president of the University.  Although I was elected to this office only in March 2008, the University has been a towering presence in my life for as long as I can remember, as multiple generations of my family have been involved with AUB going back to Daniel Bliss, my great-great-grandfather and the University’s founder.  In addition, Beirut, the AUB campus, and the Lebanese countryside hold many fond memories from my childhood.

Despite the challenges that lie before us, I have confidence in AUB’s future and believe strongly in its mission “to provide excellence in education, to participate in the advancement of knowledge through research, and to serve the peoples of the Middle East and beyond.”  These goals have inspired generations of men and women at AUB in their lifelong endeavors, as so amply demonstrated by the University’s illustrious alumni, who have pursued careers in diplomacy, business, education, science, medicine, and in cultural spheres throughout the region and the world.

The enormous growth and stability that AUB has achieved in recent years is a lasting legacy of the inspired leadership of my predecessor, Dr. John Waterbury.  I look forward to working with AUB students, faculty, and staff to build on the many accomplishments of his presidency, which have transformed the University as Lebanon has emerged from years of civil strife and have made AUB a stronger and more dynamic institution.

I invite you to explore AUB’s web site.  I am confident that as you do, you too will discover what a very special place this University is – and has been for more than 140 years.

Peter  F. Dorman