| An urban university plays many roles in its city, in addition to educating generations of young people for productive and useful lives. Educational institutions are major employers, purchasers of goods and services, tax payers, housers, builders, and often providers of medical care.
For over 140 years the histories of AUB and Ras Beirut have been intertwined, each shaping the other through a web of economic and social relationships. AUB, as an international and multi-sectarian institution, has helped create the culture of Ras Beirut. It is no coincidence that the neighborhood became Beirut’s most diverse and cosmopolitan district, with unparalleled openness and creativity.
As a university AUB is first and foremost a producer of knowledge. During the academic year 2006-2007, AUB embarked on a new and exciting venture, our “Neighborhood Initiative.” Through the Initiative, AUB is exploring how its resources, particularly its intellectual resources, might be more directly applied for the public good in its own ‘back yard.’ How can AUB faculty and students draw on their academic disciplines for the benefit of society? We believe that this process will be mutually beneficial, reinvigorating Ras Beirut’s special character while enriching AUB’s academic mission.
Our priorities in research and outreach continue to be defined through extensive informal contacts with our neighbors. Details of Neighborhood Initiative activities may be found on this website.
If you would like to be involved in any of the activities, please contact us. And we welcome your comments!
Cynthia Myntti
Project Leader
Neighborhood Initiative
Office of the President
cmyntti@aub.edu.lb
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