Making Excellence a Reality

Taking a bold step forward, AUB launched the Campaign for Excellence in November 2002. The goal is to raise $140 million by AUB’s 140th anniversary in the 2006-2007 academic year to ensure that the University’s educational role in Lebanon and the region will best serve the needs of incoming generations of students and define a new standard of excellence. The Campaign will require the continued participation of AUB’s contributors, friends, and alumni to help AUB succeed in meeting its educational mission. The following initiatives will be addressed in the Campaign.

Master Plan: Mapping the AUB Campus of the Future

Approved by the Board of Trustees in March 2002, the AUB Campus Master Plan presents a progressive framework to advance the University’s academic mission. By taking the most efficient, aesthetic, and visionary approach to upgrading classrooms and laboratory facilities, constructing new academic and residential buildings, providing the latest technology and equipment, all while preserving AUB’s renowned landscape, the Master Plan addresses the needs of students and faculty over the next 25 years. The first step of the Plan was put into action in October 2002 with the selection of an architectural firm to design the Charles W. Hostler Center, which promises to transform the lower campus and student life.

A Growing, International Student Body

The values of diversity and tolerance are key to the University’s educational mission and character. A large international student body comprised of young men and women from different cultural, economic, and social backgrounds enables AUB to be one of the great international educational institutions. In the 2002-2003 academic year, enrollments increased to 6,500 students – the University’s highest number to date – who are a patchwork of cultures and nationalities representing over 65 countries. In this academic year alone, among the many international students who enrolled were 84 Canadians, 47 Saudis, 221 Americans, 36 French, 22 Australians, 19 Brazilians, and 25 Kuwaitis. AUB is committed to seeing these numbers rise in the future through heightened international recruiting efforts and the amplified availability of financial aid.

Providing for Students in Need

As the cost of living and unemployment rise in Lebanon and throughout the world, the University has made need-based financial aid a top priority. AUB’s goal is to have all students with top academic credentials enroll without tuition costs being an impediment. In the 2002-2003 academic year, AUB awarded $6,721,312 to 1,819 students — 28% of the student body. AUB contributors, who are dedicated to increasing financial aid resources, raised $2,391,918 million in the 2001-2002 academic year through their support.

Ensuring A Lively Student Experience

From clubs to athletics, extra-curricular activities define the student experience – and AUB is committed to enhancing this aspect of University life. The renovation of West Hall, the traditional home of AUB’s many student programs, will be completed in the early 2003. Design will begin on the Charles W. Hostler Student Center, which is expected to greatly enhance athletics and recreational activities on campus. In the 2001-2002 academic year, AUB hired new directors of counseling, student activities and residential life. While improvements in student life are underway, AUB will continue to expand this dynamic and important area.

Encouraging Faculty and Student Research

The strength of a university lies within the research and teaching abilities of its faculty. AUB is committed to creating an academic environment that fosters cross-disciplinary research efforts by faculty. AUB will achieve this by providing financial support for faculty and improved library facilities and laboratories. Exciting developments have occurred in the areas of environmental science and sustainable development. In the social sciences, the Center for Behavioral Research explores aspects of post-war Lebanese society through symposia and research. Members of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture have formed the Energy Research Group, which focuses on finding non-conventional energy resources for the region. The Center for Advanced Mathematical Sciences continues to draw international experts to campus. To strengthen research efforts by faculty and graduate students in the sciences, the University created a new multi-million dollar Central Science Research Laboratory.

Community Connections

AUB is not an island unto itself. Since its founding in 1866, the University has provided service to Lebanon and the region. Today the Faculty of Medicine offers first-rate medical care and programs on cancer awareness, neurosciences, cardiology, and pediatric oncology. The Faculty of Health Sciences promotes AIDS and health awareness to the Lebanese public. The Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences provides farming and nutrition assistance to Lebanon’s rural communities. The School of Business and the Office of Regional and External Programs act as consultants throughout the Middle East on a wide range of economic and corporate endeavors. Being active in the growth of Lebanon and the region is fundamental to AUB’s mission – and the Campaign will strengthen future outreach initiatives.