American University of Beirut

Celebrating Excellence and Empowering Future Leaders at FAFS 2023 Graduation and Awards Reception

​The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) took great pride in honoring the remarkable achievements of the 2023 graduating class and the distinguished awardees during the Awards and Graduation Reception. The event took place on June 5th, in the presence of esteemed guests, including donors, AUB Adminis​tration members, FAFS faculty and staff, and the families of our talented students.

With graduates from different programs at FAFS – including Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science and Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Landscape Architecture, Interim Dean Ammar Olabi took the opportunity to address the newest batch of future leaders. He encouraged them to embark on their new journey with enthusiasm, motivation, and an open mind, recognizing their unique position to tackle the pressing challenges facing our planet today. “As graduates of our faculty, you are uniquely positioned to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet these days". Our planet is struggling with food security, climate change, sustainable agriculture, as well as health. Our graduates are poised to confront these issues head-on, armed with the valuable tools acquired during their years as students at FAFS.


The event featured an inspiring keynote speech by Dr. Kamel Abdallah, the Managing Director and CEO of Canal Sugar Company. Dr. Abdallah addressed the graduating class emphasizing their incredible fortune as graduates of the field of food and agriculture; “you are the luckiest graduates on this campus". ​He highlighted the significant investments in food security and related industries in the Middle East. Dr. Abdallah ​underlined the high-tech nature of the food and agriculture sector, emphasizing that FAFS graduates possess skill sets worth millions of dollars. ​

The convergence of technology, innovation, and the needs of rural communities and farmers pave the way for FAFS graduates to shape our world and make an unparalleled impact on our global population. FAFS takes immense pride in the hard work and dedication demonstrated by its graduating class, and the faculty remains committed to providing exceptional higher education, fostering a global community, and instilling a passion for agriculture, landscape, and food technology.

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On a final note, we extend heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees who showcased outstanding achievements. Their exceptional hard work and successes serve as an inspiration to all, as they embark on their next chapter.


Click here to ​watch the 2023 Graduation and Awards Reception. 


List of Awardees:

Penrose Award: 

Riwa Baalbaki, BS in Nutrition and Dietetics - Coordinated Program

Dean Thomas Sutherland Prize for Undergraduate Excellence: 

Riwa Baalbaki, BS in Nutrition and Dietetics - Coordinated Program

Dean Edgecombe Memorial Prize: 

Rena Halawi Ghosn, BS in Agriculture

Kashadurian Award: 

Bahaa Eddin Rahal, BS in Agriculture

The Joanna Haidar Award: 

Alissar Aboul Hosn, BS in Agriculture

The Dr. Musa Najib Nimah Endowed Award for Academic Excellence: 

​Rena Halawi Ghosn, BS in Agriculture

The Nehme Moujaess Endowed Award in Landscape Architecture: 

Karim Harb, BS in Landscape Architecture

The Dean Nuhad Dagher FAFS Graduate Student Award: 

Bouchra El Masry, MS in Animal Science

Abdul Hadi Debs Endowment Award for Academic Excellence: 

Lara Sujud, MS in Irrigation

The Dean Thomas Sutherland Prize for Graduate Excellence: 

Rouba Ballout, MS in Food Safety

Sleiman-Fischer Award: Maissa Eid, BS in Landscape Architecture

Nahla Hwalla Award in Nutrition and Dietetics: 

Jana Dergham, BS in Nutrition and Dietetics - Coordinated Program

Rabi and Samia Mohtar Award: 

Hasan Hussaini, BS in Agriculture

The Aiman Suleiman Student Development Fund Award: 

Chifaa El Masri El Chaarani, BS in Agriculture

The Aiman Suleiman Student Development Fund Award: 

Bahaa Eddin Rahal, BS in Agriculture

The Ali Nehme Nesr Student Award: 

Farah Kameleddine, MS in Plant Science

WAAAUB - Abu Dhabi Chapter Student Endowed Award: 

Thea Chahine, Nutrition and Dietetics III student​

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