Office of Communications, communications@aub.edu.lb
The American University of Beirut (AUB) was recognized on May 17, 2023 during the
2023 CASE Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference (APAC) in Melbourne, Australia. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) is the global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement professionals—in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—who share the goal of championing education to transform lives and society.
The university received prestigious Circle of Excellence Silver Awards in two categories: Videos: Fundraising and Stewardship (Short) for “AUB4Beirut: Gholam Heritage Cluster Rehabilitation ," a video on the rehabilitation of the Gholam Heritage Cluster in Beirut and how AUB is helping to rebuild communities and preserve endangered heritage, and Special Events: Online (Series) for “Battle of the AUB Alumni Chapters: North American Trivia Tournament," a fun and effective way for AUB to engage alumni in North America, remind them of the impactful history of the university, strengthen their connection with their alma mater in Lebanon, and raise urgently needed funds for student scholarships.
Circle of Excellence Awards “recognize exceptional achievement in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising, and marketing." Recipients are selected for “creative, inspiring projects that impact institutions and their communities—and transform lives around the globe."
Senior Vice President for Advancement and Business Development Imad B. Baalbaki, who is a member of the CASE Asia-Pacific Regional Council, received the awards on behalf of the university during the award luncheon on May 17, which was attended by more than 500 advancement professionals. “So many units at AUB collaborated in support of these initiatives including the Office of Advancement, the Office of Communications, the Office of Alumni Relations, and the Neighborhood Initiative," said Baalbaki. “These awards are a celebration of the tireless efforts of many AUB colleagues in the face of enormous challenges. I was so very proud to represent our great university at this important conference, which was also a wonderful opportunity to introduce more people to our university and our impactful academic and healthcare missions." Commenting on the awards, President Fadlo R. Khuri spoke about the importance of raising the university's profile on the global stage. “These prestigious awards are a powerful reminder of AUB's stature as a truly global university," he said.
The conference in Melbourne was also the occasion for the formal – and in-person – presentation by CASE CEO and President Sue Cunningham and chair of the CASE Board of Trustees Sergio Gonzalez of the 2020
CASE Asia-Pacific Distinguished Service Award to Baalbaki, an accolade that he was awarded virtually during the pandemic.