Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Office of Advancement, advancement@aub.edu.lb
More than 680 members from the Class of 2024 joined the ranks of generations of graduating students who have made a contribution to the Fingerprints Endowed Scholarship Fund. This unique student-led initiative was established in 2002 in partnership with the University Student Faculty Committee (USFC), which has generously voted to contribute over $80,000 to the endowment this year. The program also benefits each year from a matching donation from an AUB trustee. In 2024 Trustee Emeritus Hisham Jaroudi (BArch '66) will generously match the gifts made by the graduating class.
“As student representatives, it is our duty to invest part of our available funds to allow students to live the AUB dream. Fingerprints has become an established tradition of philanthropy by students, for students, and we are happy to support it every year," said Nader Zalaquett, USFC vice president.
Another member of the USFC committee, Larissa Ismail (BA Psychology '24), added, “The Fingerprints initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for students to make a significant difference, change lives, and open doors. Being a part of this year's USFC and working closely on this initiative has been an honor and extremely rewarding. It also brings me great joy to be doing this as a member of the graduating Class of 2024, following in the footsteps of the classes before us."
The Fingerprints Endowed Scholarship Fund, which is now valued at over $2.6 million, has so far provided more than 400 scholarships worth more than $1 million to AUB students like Christina El Ahmadieh and Omar Al Jamal. When asked about the impact that Fingerprints support has had on their education, Christina had this to say, "As a medical student, I'm profoundly grateful for the scholarship provided by my peers. Their support has not only eased the financial burden of my education but also empowered me to focus wholeheartedly on becoming the best physician I can be. It's crucial that the fund keeps growing to ensure future generations of aspiring doctors receive the same invaluable opportunity to pursue their dreams without hindrance." Omar, who is a business student, agreed by saying, "The support of my fellow students enabled me to receive my dream education. With your help we can keep this incredible legacy going. Thank you Fingerprints!" The critical support received from thousands of graduates over the last 22 years has been life changing to many students, like Christina and Omar, especially during these exceptionally difficult times for Lebanon and the region.
Each year, members of the student body volunteer to support the efforts launched by the USFC and help raise awareness and critical funds for Fingerprints. One such student is industrial engineering major Mohamad Ali Nachar. "My efforts towards the Fingerprints initiative were driven by the fact that it is us, students, helping each other pursue an education in times when a helping hand is much needed. A seemingly small donation can make all the difference for someone relying on the collective efforts of fellow students, all dedicated to leaving an impact on the institution where they have spent the last 3-4 years of their lives," said Mohamad Ali. This sentiment was echoed by Aya Akhras (BA Health Communication '24), “As a student ambassador for Fingerprints in 2024, I feel blessed to be part of this remarkable student-led initiative and to have played a part in its impactful mission. My experience at AUB was unforgettable, providing me with opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I believe that many other students deserve this same chance, and that is why I am joining other members of the Class of 2024 and making a donation. May Fingerprints continue to grow and thrive, touching more lives and creating more opportunities for deserving students."
Thanks to the generous philanthropy of AUB students, the Fingerprints program will indeed flourish, and continue to transform lives.