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From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Dear Friends:
This was an especially poignant year for everyone involved with AUB. The University reaffirmed its mission of providing an education that promotes tolerance and diversity, encourages critical thinking, and creates a greater understanding between cultures. The adoption of a 20-year Master Plan this spring will ensure that the AUB campus and facilities keep pace with our cutting-edge academic programs. Intellectual life prospered with symposiums and lectures that encouraged rigorous debate as well as concerts and exhibitions for personal reflection. Faculty members and students increased in both number and caliber. Undoubtedly, AUB exemplified all the possibilities that education affords in a time of international uncertainty.
Looking outside the walls of the University, I see that the significant regional role of AUB is even more apparent. Our degrees are in high demand by both potential students and employers. AUB graduates who have long been instrumental in shaping international and domestic policy continue to do so. AUB expertly provides outreach to Lebanon’s neighboring countries on projects ranging from business to education through its Office of Regional External Programs. The AUB Medical Center remains the top choice throughout the Middle East for the finest healthcare. Increasing numbers of American and European students eager to learn about the Arab world enroll in our Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies program. Alumni and friends, highly aware of the University’s accomplishments and importance following the distressing events of last year, raised their level of support despite a weary economy.
However, the price of excellence and growth is costly. Therefore, the University has launched the Campaign for Excellence to carry out its plan for the future and for the ensured success of AUB. The time is right for such an initiative, which is a vote of confidence in the future of the institution as well as in Lebanon and the region. Coinciding with AUB’s 140th anniversary in 2006-07, the University will raise $140 million to fund academic programs, facilities, faculty research, medicine, student life, and financial aid. The campaign’s success is dependant on the continued support of our friends and alumni. Your participation will make this vision – and promise - of AUB a reality.
The needs of the University are great, but so is the promise of AUB. As you reflect on the role AUB has played in the region and in your own personal life, I hope that you will join us once again in ensuring that the next generation of AUB graduates benefits from the finest education possible. There has never been a better and more important time to be a part of AUB.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Debs
Chairman, Board of Trustees
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