In addition to lush scenic views, AUB students can now enjoy a basketball court and a women’s lounge at the AUB’s Agricultural Research and Education Center (AREC) in the Beqa’a Valley, thanks to the President’s Club, an association of volunteers who aim to improve the quality of life of AUB students, which funded the renovations of the two facilities.

AREC is home to approximately 40 students throughout the spring and summer semesters.

It’s not just what happens in the classroom, but especially what happens outside of the classroom where professors and students can test their ideas, bounce ideas off each other, they can socialize, but can also take part in intellectual discussions on their own, and that is really what leads to true citizenship, leadership, and innovation in the real world,” said AUB President Peter Dorman, during the inauguration of the new facilities on October 31, 2011.

AREC’s 100 hectares of agricultural land, its research farm, agriculture science library, residential facilities, dormitories, classrooms, laboratories, and recreational and sports facilities, all promote the types of activities that lead to growth, according to President Dorman.

The multifunctional and interdisciplinary center is devoted to teaching the benefits of sustainable agriculture in arid lands and serves as a research station for AUB professors, graduates, and students. Local and regional farmers also benefit from the center.

Described as the godmother of AREC, FAFS Dean Nahla Hwalla said that the lounge and basketball court are “great” additions to the center.

Newly-elected club president Mona Khalaf told those attending that her association “is willing to help as much as it can,” in projects that will focus on AUB students.

The inauguration was also attended by AUB Vice President for Legal Affairs Peter May and by Associate Provost Nesreen Ghaddar.

The blue-grey women’s lounge, with its modern art, comfortable couches, and kitchenette was coordinated by Landscape Design Visiting Assistant Professor Yaser Abunnasr. He explained that the renovations were completed in-house by the AREC physical plant staff.

Established in 1981, the President's Club serves to provide the University with a contingency fund from membership fees, to be expended at the discretion of the Administrative Board of the Club, in consultation with and at the recommendation of the President, for improving student life and facilities on campus.