August 17, 2006

The past days have seen a welcome change in the terrible conflict that has descended upon Lebanon since July 12. We now are confident that we can complete our summer session by beginning August 28th and continuing for three weeks, and begin the new academic year on time, beginning September 27th. Some additional pieces of good news are that the first fuel oil tankers have been allowed to off load their cargo to EDL's power plants so that an immanent collapse of power generation has been averted for now, and that Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport may re-open by Wednesday, August 23rd.

Over these past weeks we have kept all essential services at AUB and especially at the hospital fully operational and fully staffed. We have temporarily housed over 700 of our essential personnel on campus or in near-by hotels. They have adapted to their new quarters and to their disrupted lives with patience and good will. Several of our faculty members, staff and students, including the AUB Red Cross Club, have extended help in various forms to the thousands of displaced persons in Beirut and beyond.

We have all had to improvise and make quick decisions in light of rapidly changing conditions. These decisions have not pleased everyone, and we have adjusted them as the crisis evolved. I would ask only that you look forward and give thanks that with your help AUB has come through in good shape and ready to resume its educational mission. For all of you who maintained essential services over these demanding weeks, I offer special thanks on behalf of AUB and its Trustees.

Sincerely,

John Waterbury

President