In 1921, AUB decided to admit women students to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and to its graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. This extraordinary and courageous step would provide tens of thousands of women in Lebanon and the region with a unique experience. It charted a courageous path, contributing to a shift in gender relations and providing young women of our region with the possibility to imagine a different future.
This historic milestone is being commemorated by a year-long celebration: AUB’s Coed Centennial, which is led by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and involves all AUB faculties, athletic teams, libraries, and student clubs through a series of events, panels, exhibits, and discussions, focusing on women.
This is a chance to reflect on the transformation of our university, from its beginning as an all-male institution, to the establishment of a nursing school in 1905 to train women to work at the hospital, to the institution it is today – one that is committed to providing meaningful participation and opportunities for women across the Global South and where more than half of all students are women. It will also be an opportunity to raise awareness of the enormous challenges that women in education continue to face.
If you have an idea for an initiative, project, or event to help celebrate AUB's Coed Centennial, or for more information about this year-long celebration, please contact email the Office of Communications.