Message to faculty and staff

July 24, 2006

To: The University Community

From: Peter Heath, Provost

With considerable sadness and regret, I announce that I, like so many others, am temporarily leaving the country. In the past days, AUB staff and faculty members have done a remarkable job of making the transition from normal life to crisis management. This transition is largely complete, although significant daily challenges will certainly continue to confront the university and the country. President Waterbury has appointed Vice President George Tomey to be Acting-President. I know that he, along with VP Cortas and the AUBMC leadership team and all other members of the AUB leadership team, will face the challenges of the coming days with ability and wisdom. President Waterbury remains in close daily contact with this team, as he has been these past days.

I wish reiterate my own profound gratitude to faculty, staff and students, and senior administrators for facing the trials of the past days with dedication, courage, and great energy. We all share a deep faith in the great value and importance of AUB. This faith will enable the university to overcome all future difficulties. Like so many others, I eagerly look forward to my family and me returning very soon to Lebanon and to AUB. May safety and peace quickly bless this Lebanon that we all love!