Spring 2013 - LAU Publications - Lebanese American University

If knowledge deepens the mind, travel broadens it.At LAU, the world is your classroom.A UNIVERSITY WITH GLOBAL REACHThe world is connected now more than ever before, and LAU is positioned to makethe most of it. We have exchange agreements with major universities in the UnitedStates, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Canada and Kuwait, as well asother institutions in Europe, North America and the Gulf countries. Visiting studentsand scholars from all over the world infuse our community with new perspectives.Our students regularly study abroad as part of exchange programs and internships,fulfilling course requirements for programs ranging from pharmacy to architectureand design. We have alumni chapters in over 30 countries, and our students haveexcelled in countless worldwide Model United Nations competitions. LAU enrollmentprovides access to top-notch facilities on two beautiful campuses in Lebanon, and apasspor t to a whole world of knowledge.www.lau.edu.lb

& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 20134FEATURESBrave New ClassroomTeacher versus machineTechnology has allowed for dramatic rethinking ofthe education process. From digital books to onlinecourses, the traditional classroom is being challenged.What is the role of teachers in the future of education?Mehrnoush Shafiei reports.81011161718CONTENTSCharles ElachiEarly Childhood CenterNew cafeteriaSOP partnership with Ministry of HealthSOP in Las VegasReligion and democracy conference1220Love 2.0The social dynamics of online datingin the Arab worldWith the mounting trendiness of niche online datingwebsites in the Arab world, the days when a traditionalkhatba was needed to concoct convenient romances andmarriages are long gone, though cyber anonymity doesn’tcome without a price. Muriel Kahwagi reports.Surfing for CharityEffective outreach in the information eraThe massive variety of the Internet has changed theshape of charity and philanthropy for good. BrookeGrasberger reports on the skills that NGOs and othergroups are learning to use the web and social mediaeffectively.1924262728293032333440444546474850Dr. Elie Badr moves to new heightsUMC-RH Dermatology centerThe President’s CircleTobacco and COPDSmart ClassroomsFaculty Op-EdLAU libraries & Cendrella HabreIWSAW websiteMacArthur grantFall theater productionCampus NotesNew Humanities programsWelcoming Jihad NjeimQ&A with Charbel FakhouryRand Ghayad & U.S. monetary policyAlumni profilesLAU facts & figures36Technology’s Dark SideThe dangers of surfing the ‘net525354Donate to educateLAU choirArassiaIn an age where all of our precious information is online,people must beware of more than burglars. BrookeGrasberger reports on hackers, web security, and how tostay safe online.55575860Faculty promotionsAlumni EventsAlumni NewsWhy I Give Backpage 1

LAU Magazine & Alumni BulletinVolume 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013Wherever You GoLAU Magazine is your platform to share photos and news aboutyourself, your family and your friends. We encourage you toupdate us on your professional and personal activities andachievements—from wherever you are!Help Tell Our HistoryWe welcome news from alumni, friends, supporters and current and formerfaculty and staff representing all the university’s current and former schoolsand colleges. Submit your stories and photos for inclusion in LAU’s onlineand print publications.Submit to:marcom@lau.edu.lb, orMarketing and Communications DepartmentLebanese American UniversityP.O. Box 13-5053/F24Chouran, Beirut 1102-2801, LebanonNew York OfficeLebanese American University211 East 46 th St.New York, NY 10017PresidentJoseph G. JabbraEditorial Advisory BoardPeggy Hanna, Assistant Vice President, MarComAbdallah Al Khal, Executive Director, AlumniRelationsEdward Shiner, Director, Alumni and SpecialProjectsManaging EditorPaige KollockAssociate EditorZeina AbdallahWritersLinda DahdahBrooke GrasbergerMuriel KahwagiNisreen KajDalila MahdawiMehrnoush ShafieiContributorsManwa GhanoumSana KouatlySabina Llewellyn-DaviesGhada MajedNayla Abou Merhi MoujaesEditorial AssistantsNour Abdel WahabRafael BabikianPalig HaroutiunianChrystel HobeikaAlan KeyrouzReem StetiehGraphic DesignerMarianne Amkieh SibliniPhotographersRichard BesharaNathalie DabaghiEmile GhazalBassam LahoudYehia MallaMehrnoush ShafieiLetters to the Editor“I wanted to congratulate you and your team for a stellar winter issue on athletics. It wasgratifying to see attention paid to the excellent work of our athletics directors and tothe achievements of our student athletes. I know LAU is committed to strengtheningathletics on both campuses and this issue will help get us there.”—Dr. Elise Salem, Vice President of Student Development & Enrollment Management at LAU“The LAU magazine did a great job highlighting the importance of sports in society.Often, athletic pursuits get relegated to the margins of academia, but this issuesucceeded in highlighting its central place within various disciplines of study; be itpsychiatry, medicine or economics.”—Maxime Chaya, Sportsman, Mountaineer and ExplorerLAU Magazine is published quarterly by theMarketing and Communications Department atLAU and is distributed free of charge to alumni,students, staff, faculty, friends and supportersworldwide.Direct comments can be sent to:marcom@lau.edu.lb.LAU Magazine & Alumni BulletinMarketing and Communications DepartmentLebanese American UniversityP.O. Box 13-5053/F24Chouran, Beirut 1102-2801 – LebanonTel. +961 1 786 456 ext 1940 /1917Fax. +961 1 786 470Connect with LAU through:Special ThanksLAU would like to extend a special thanks to Vice President forInformation Technology Camille Abou-Nasr and to AssociateDirector of Marketing and Communications Karina Rodriguezfor their help with this issue. Their valuable expertise provedindispensible to the magazine.New York Office211 East 46 th St.New York, NY 10017Tel. +1 212 870 2592Fax. +1 212 870 2762

From the President’s DeskDear friends,Whether it is serious and swift natural phenomena, or a singular idea that alters our world-view in an instant, thepace and frequency of change has seldom been greater than today. The advent of the Internet, social media, selfpublishingand open-source programming have brought with them the democratization of ideas and information,and profoundly transformed the way we live, work and learn. These instruments of change give us a novel abilityto rally individuals around a single idea, raise awareness around a noble cause, start a business from our livingrooms, or even find our soul mates.Yet the capacity to absorb these transformations for the betterment of society can only be realized by championingthe true essence of openness and equality.LAU has always been at the forefront of discovering how technology can propel us to greater heights. In thisacademic year, Lebanon native and former chair of the LAU Board of Trustees Charles Elachi again made us proudwhen his team at NASA saw the Mars Rover land on the red planet in search of new life and untold revelations.But while this newfangled era may usher in novel discoveries, it also foretells of old challenges and presents newobligations. An open arena of information constitutes a fresh stomping ground for subversive players. We muststrive to protect our online personas against those who seek to exploit them for personal or seditious acts.Our region’s age-old dictates are being contested by open discussions online, shaping the consciousness ofgenerations to come. The global economic and financial order is being meticulously examined in the West,and regulations are being updated and revised. People with newfound confidence are challenging social andpolitical constructs previously deemed taboo. Indeed, we are all coming to the same conclusion: that fosteringegalitarianism through the open exchange of ideas and information will result in a global society that is not onlymore prosperous, but also more just.The ethos of open access cannot, however, affect such change without being cultivated by institutions that notonly teach, but also embrace it as LAU does. The majority of our courses are now taught in smart classroomswhere the latest in cutting-edge teaching tools are utilized to make learning inclusive in addition to instructive.Our libraries offer more than 100,000 e-books and extensive online resources. Today LAU develops its curriculaand learning methods around the technology of tomorrow. Students emerge from this institution armed withthe know-how, the mindset and the critical reasoning to contribute to a world where information is increasinglyassociated with success. And for this to persist, it is imperative that LAU remain an open and free arena in whichtechnology and ideas evolve in unison—a responsibility we gladly accept and will continue to cultivate.This issue of LAU Magazine and Alumni Bulletin is a rallying cry to embrace open access in learning and in life.Because even if opening up means we must delve into the unknown, that is where untold knowledge resides, andwhere true progress is ultimately found.Joseph G. JabbraPresident& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 3

FEATUREBrave NewClassroomTeacher versus technologyBy Mehrnoush Shafieipage 4

Fourth-year LAU biology student SarahBaydoun is nervous. Her exam is threehours away, the electricity has goneout in her dorm room, and her laptopis dying. My teacher is running out ofbattery, she thinks frantically.As you may have guessed, this is not an allusion to an overworked,caffeine-depleted instructor; rather it is a harbinger ofwhat appears to be the new frontier of academia: technologydoing the work of teachers. Without a doubt, widespread accessto new, open-source technologies has created tectonic shifts ineducation.But could text messages really replace textbooks? Could iPadsreplace notepads? And most importantly, could technologyreplace teachers? Everyone remembers the fate of floppy disksand hard drives. Poof! They’ve all disappeared. Could this bethe fate of teachers too? The “traditional” classroom — whichconjures up images of students seated in an orderly fashion, facingan authoritative teacher who is positioned in front of a chalkboard— has admittedly survived for decades and is ubiquitous aroundthe world.Yet today, you find schools that have dramatically departedfrom this model, such as the Wellspring Learning Communityin Beirut. In a complete overhaul of the rigid structures of atraditional classroom, small groups of students sit in clusters whilean acutely observant teacher tiptoes around the class, listeningand occasionally interjecting to steer conversations in the rightdirection.At Wellspring there are neither textbooks nor loose sheets ofpaper; everything is online.This gives students the freedom to assume responsibilityfor their own learning and encourages them to be up-to-datewith contemporary issues, asking questions and conductingindependent research.Sara Sibai is an LAU graduate who, shortly after completing amaster’s degree at Oxford University in 2011, went on to becomea third-grade homeroom teacher at Wellspring. This year, sheis teaching seventh, eighth and ninth grade students. Withinmoments of being in Sibai’s orbit, it becomes clear that her downto-earthwarmth is integral to creating an inquisitive atmospherefor her students. “Today, more than ever,” she explains, “the roleof teachers is to ask the right questions, not necessarily to provideall the answers.”She is a passionate advocate of heuristic instruction, an ancientmethod made famous by Socrates that fosters independentlearning. Indeed, there is something of a Socratic hint to Sibai’sinsistence that teachers don’t have all the answers, evoking the >& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 5

FEATUREBrave New Classroomphilosopher’s famous adage, I don’t know, nor do I think I know.A cursory glance at Wellspring’s alternative school systemwould suggest a touch of bohème to the structure, though asit turns out, there is nothing cavalier about it. On the contrary,teachers there have the Herculean task of preparing focusedacademic lessons each day without the crutch of the traditionalemblems of education: textbooks, one-size-fits-all curriculumoutlines and rote memorization.“Education is no longer preparation for life, itbecomes life itself.”—Wellspring Learning CommunityWellspring’s philosophy is that education is no longerpreparation for life; it becomes life itself.Sibai’s concept and inquiry-driven lessons situate local topicsin a globalized context, and this sophisticated approach tolearning begins at quite a young age. “My role is to enhance andfacilitate children’s intrinsic curiosity by putting the right toolsin their hands,” she says. And the tools of choice are the latest intechnological advancement.A child of the 1990s, her own educational experience growingup was nothing like the environment she teaches in today, repletewith tablets, smartphones and apps. And though some teachersmay be afraid to relinquish their traditional role as the sourceof all information, a shift in power dynamics has beneficialconsequences for learning, according to Sibai.“With this shift in focus, technology becomes a tool; it confersa great deal of advantages, but it is only a tool to help us globalizeour outlook,” she says. “Having the ability to make connectionsacross subject areas, cultures and disciplines is what we try tocultivate among our students.”Though technology plays an integral role in a Wellspringclassroom, it is far removed from the distressing image of astudent hunched over a computer alone, consigned to the virtualworld.“We don’t learn in isolation; we can’t just sit alone in front ofa computer. We need to have interaction to be able to criticallyengage with technology.”Reine Azzi, instructor of English and moral reasoning at LAUBeirut, agrees wholeheartedly. “While access to these technologieshas challenged the traditional models of education, it is unlikelyto replace them,” she says.And the proof is in the pudding. Students flock to this dynamicprofessor, who is as keen about teaching as she is about connectingwith her students. It is that kind of nonconformist approach thatcompels students to wander into her office outside of class timejust to chat.Azzi has an uncanny ability to connect disparate topics,and indeed, watching her speak in casual conversation is likehaving a front-row seat to a TED talk. For the uninitiated, TEDis a nonprofit organization that began in 1984 devoted to “IdeasWorth Spreading” and bringing together people from the threeworlds of technology, entertainment and design. Through a seriesof 18-minute talks that are available online for free, people fromall over the world can share information. It is widely touted asopen-source knowledge at its best and Azzi has a special kinshippage 6

to this platform, as the curator of the TEDxLAU series, which isheld several times throughout the academic year.Though a few staunch traditionalists may raise their eyebrowsat such endeavors, suggesting that it may be the ‘easy’ way ofteaching, the reality is that integrating such technology into theclassroom requires much more effort than meets the eye. “Agreat deal of planning goes into selecting appropriate TED talksto screen in class. They have to be very relevant to the subject athand and have to complement the curriculum,” reveals Azzi.And while open-source technology is widely viewed as ademocratizing force, as it prevents the monopoly of knowledgeand instigates collaborative learning, Azzi warns that there needsto be a recognition of the technological shortcomings encounteredeven while making seemingly innocent computing choices.In other words, students need to learn how to skillfully navigatethe occasionally murky waters of online resources.“The problem with gathering information solely fromWikipedia, YouTube and Google is that some students blindlyadopt other people’s opinions without requisite critical thinking.We need teachers to help us harness these open-access toolsto further our understanding,” she insists. According to Azzi, auniversity education takes on even greater significance in a digitalworld as it helps to build a critical character. “Professors give youtools to characterize and evaluate what is worthy information andwhat is not.”“In this digital age we need students who know how tosynthesize information and to be critical and creative. Our priorityis to teach skills. We must teach a new type of technologicalliteracy, just like we learn keyboarding skills and programmingskills,” she says.In a world deafened by the roar of unreliable information,open-source technology does indeed have the potential to be apied piper of sorts — the convenience and accessibility of a sourcelike Wikipedia could perhaps lead budding scholars to their doom.“Technology is not a replacement; it is only as resource,”stresses Azzi.While technology may never replace professional educators,it has created access to education for many people. Indeed, theegalitarian hope to foster education that travels across bordersand socioeconomic lines is being realized at Stanford Universitythrough the establishment of massive open online courses(MOOCs).“In this digital age we need students who knowhow to synthesize information and to be criticaland creative. Our priority is to teach skills. Wemust teach a new type of technological literacy,just like we learn keyboarding skills andprogramming skills.”—Reine Azzi, instructor of English and moral reasoning at LAUBeirutCoursera, an online educational consortium founded byStanford University professors Dr. Daphne Koller and Dr. AndrewNg, was launched on April 18, 2012 with little fanfare, yet it stillmanaged to attract an astounding 300,000 registrants within days.According to their website, MOOCs will make it possible for anyoneto have access to a world-class education anywhere, anytime.“Technology is not a replacement, it’s onlya resource.”—Reine Azzi, instructor of English and moral reasoningat LAU Beirut“We envision a future where the top universities are educatingnot only thousands of students, but millions. Our technologyenables the best professors to teach tens or hundreds of thousandsof students,” Koller and Ng write.The fact that over a million students have logged on to thisplatform bears testament to the popularity of this trend andsharply raises the stakes of the teacher versus technology debate.All things considered, advocates of traditional educationshould fear not, as critical thinking will always trump artificialintelligence. “There is one arena where teachers will have theadvantage over machines, that is, in symbolic thinking,” Sibai saysof this decidedly human attribute.And this, it seems, is the Achilles heel of technology: It cannotwork in abstractions.Though technology is an embodiment of innovation, the actualdrivers of innovation are symbolic, abstract and creative thinkers.Pointing to a need to re-calibrate our definition of teachers, Sibaiinsists, “Teachers have a lot to offer. We need to expect them to domore. They are not robots.”Considering that open-source technology makes informationreadily accessible, those teachers who do little more than spoutout information may indeed be in danger of becoming obsoleteand replaced by technology.As famous science fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke suggests,“A teacher who can be replaced by a machine, should be.”But those who can’t, won’t.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 7

Man on a MissionMan on a MissionCharles Elachi leads team to MarsBy Dalila MahdawiDr. Charles Elachi receives an honorarydoctorate in Humane Letters from LAU“Exploring Mars canteach us as much aboutour own planet as it canthe solar system.”—Dr. Charles Elachi, former head ofLAU Board of TrusteesDr. Charles Elachi was just ten years oldwhen he heard about Sputnik, the firstartificial Earth satellite launched into orbitby the Soviet Union in 1957.Listening to the news unfold on a radioat his home in the sleepy Bekaa villageof Riyak, the young Elachi was enraptured.Like so many others around the world thatevening, he gazed up at the twinkling starsand contemplated one of the most enduringof all questions: “What is out there?”The technology used to explore spacehas evolved dramatically in the decadessince Sputnik, but the thrill Elachi getsout of learning about the cosmos has notdiminished. “It is amazing to think aboutwhat we have accomplished in just onegeneration,” he marvels.Sputnik prompted a space race betweenCold War rivals the USSR and the U.S., andled to perhaps the quickest technologicaladvancements of all time. Only twelveyears later, the first humans walked onthe Moon. Fast-forward to present day, andhumans “have now visited all the planets”in one way or another, says Elachi.As director of NASA’s Jet PropulsionLaboratory in California, Elachi hasplayed a pioneering role in modern spaceexploration and is responsible for over45 flight missions and the developmentof instruments for Earth observation,remote sensing, planetary exploration andastrophysics.In 2011, Elachi led a team of 5,000in orchestrating the biggest NASA featsince Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Thegroundbreaking landing of the high-techrover, aptly named Curiosity, on Mars, waswatched live by 50 million people in theU.S. alone. A core component of NASA’s$2.5 billion Mars Exploration Program,Curiosity took nine months just to reachthe red planet. The stakes were high:Curiosity, which is the result of over adecade of planning and features the largestparachute ever built, had a zero margin oferror. Once the rover reached the top of theMartian atmosphere, it took seven minutesto land, enduring temperatures of 1,600degrees Celcius (2,912 Fahrenheit) andslowing down from 13,000 miles per hourpage 8

to zero. As it takes 14 minutes to transmitthe signal back to Nasa, Elachi’s team andonlookers worldwide spent seven minutesin nail-biting uncertainty, wonderingif the mission had been a success or aspectacular failure. “It’s called ‘the sevenminutes of terror,’” Elachi notes with asmile.A core reason behind the building ofCuriosity is to discover whether life on Marsever existed, or if it could in the future.About one quarter the size of our planet,Mars has volcanoes and polar ice caps that,like those on Earth, shrink and expandaccording to the seasons. The fourth planetfrom the sun, it has an atmosphere andtectonic activity, as well as geology thatclosely resembles that of Earth. In fact,the two planets share so many similaritiesthat if you put two photos of parts of themside by side, it would be difficult to discernwhich planet is which.“The key question we are trying to askwith Curiosity is why Mars does not havelife,” says Elachi. “By comparing the two,we can learn about ourselves. We can learnabout how life started on Earth and howlife evolved. How did the Earth form, howdid the solar system form, and why do wehave the diversity that we do in our solarsystem?”In recognition of his contributionsto science, LAU awarded Elachi anhonorary doctorate in November whenhe visited the Beirut campus to give apublic lecture on Curiosity’s mission. Theformer chairman of the Board of Trusteesaccepted the award and urged Lebanesestudents to follow their dreams. “One ofthe most fortunate things anybody can doin life is to pursue their passion. Anythingis possible if you pursue your passion.”The Lebanese state also decorated Elachiwith an honorary certificate during hisvisit, adding another accolade to a dizzyingconstellation of international awards andhonors.To those who might question thefeasibility of Lebanese graduates pursuingcareers in space, Elachi is quick to pointout that the foundations of contemporaryunderstanding about the universe reston ancient discoveries made by Arabs.“Exploration is nothing new for Lebanon,”he says. “It really started with thePhoenicians, who used the sky to locatethemselves. The Arab world has been amajor contributor to the science that wenow base our knowledge on. Many of thestars in the sky have Arabic names.”There is something very humbling aboutstaring into light years of space, stars andgalaxies, acknowledges Elachi. Viewed fromouter space, the Earth hovers like a tinyspeck of dust in an infinite cosmos. Elachirehashes the oft-cited words of anotherof science’s most erudite professors, Dr.Carl Sagan: “On it lives everyone you love,everyone you know, and everyone you haveever heard of. It’s the most cherished of allthe planets and we should take good careof it.”& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 9

New at LAUA Kick-Start onLife-Long LearningLAU opens Early Childhood CenterBy Nisreen KajNew at LAUIn keeping with its history as a pioneer ofearly childhood education, LAU will sooninaugurate a refashioned educationalfacility for children between the ages oftwo and four. The Early Childhood Center(ECC) exposes pupils to the joys of learningfrom an early age and starts them on apath of academic distinction.The ECC was originally established in the1950s as a nursery, providing educationalchildcare to Lebanese and expatriatefamilies. The premises and curriculumhave since undergone drastic changesto give youngsters the most stimulatingeducation possible at a pivotal time intheir cognitive development. “Researchhas shown that it is important for childrento be exposed to numerous thoughtprovokingactivities to identify what andhow they best learn,” says Dr. PhilippeFrossard, dean of the School of Arts andSciences.ECC is the only childhood center in theArab world within an academic institution,which puts its students at an advantage, headds. The center is “not merely an additionto the daycare already available in Beirut,but an optimal learning environmentwhere pupils interact with LAU studentsand faculty.” Located on the ground floorof Shannon Hall at the Beirut campus, theECC is open to children of LAU staff andfaculty, as well as community members.It provides a child-centered space“where lifetime learning begins,” saysECC Director Ghina Mounla. Children arecared for by specially trained teachers ina modern center equipped with smartboards and interactive touchscreens, anoutdoor playground, and an art atelier. “Weuse tailored educational techniques thatrespond to the different ways in which ourstudents learn,” she says. All furniture hasbeen imported from Europe and the U.S.,and all toys and materials are non-toxic.One of the ECC’s defining features isits emphasis on parent involvement. Twoobservation booths, which are camouflagedas mirrors and equipped with cameras andheadphones, allow up to five parents at atime to watch how their children interact.“The fact that you can observe your childmeans you get a personalized learningenvironment,” says Diala Ammache, anECC teacher who plans to enroll her owndaughter Lynn at the center. “For me thatparental involvement is very important.You can grasp what triggers your child’sattention, what distracts them, and seehow they grow.”The booths are also useful to the manyLAU students and faculty who conductresearch on education practices, says Dr.Garene Kaloustian, assistant professor inthe Department of Education. Studentsfrom her department will benefit fromplacements at the center, as studentteachers will accompany homeroomteachers in both of the ECC’s two classes,giving them first-hand experience withearly education settings. “Our idea of whatconstitutes early childhood educationdiffers quite a lot from the prevailingattitude in Lebanon,” says Kaloustian. “Ourstudent teachers will gain experience inteaching ethics, acquire effective teachingand learning strategies, and becomefamiliar with children’s social, cognitiveand emotional development.”Sawsan Khanafer, a graduate studentwho enrolled her daughter at the nurserywhen she was an undergraduate in the1990s, recalls how valuable it was to havea secure facility nearby. “I could drop herat the center, attend class and pick her upafter. Being on the campus of a reputableuniversity like LAU, in a place where strictinternational professional standards areupheld, meant I never had to worry aboutsafety, security or credibility.”“ Research has shown thatit is important for childrento be exposed to numerousthought-provoking activitiesto identify what and howthey best learn.”— Dr. Philippe Frossard, dean of Schoolof Arts and Sciencespage 10

New at LAUFood forThoughtLAU’s revampedcafeteria serves uphealthy choices inmodern settingBy Sabina Llewellyn-DaviesImprovements includean extension of the maindining area and thecreation of a cyberspacewhere students canconnect while munchingon snacks and coffee.New at LAUIt is often said that the quickestroute to someone’s heart is throughtheir stomach. Providing studentswith satiating cuisine in a friendlyenvironment is therefore perhaps justas important to universities as a soundeducation.What is more, cafeterias provide a safeand comfortable space for students tointeract, form friendships and exchangeideas.“Students usually use the cafeteria as aplace to socialize,” says Dr. Raed Mohsen,dean of students at the LAU Beirutcampus. “They meet between theirclasses to discuss course-related issues,projects, as well as personal matters.Some also come to watch their favoriteballgame or listen to music.”The foundation of the Beirut cafeteriadates back to the 1940s, and despitesome modernization in the 1990s, theuniversity last year decided the time hadcome for a complete overhaul.“There were not enough seats,and overall it was just too small forthe growing campus,” says GeorgesHamouche, assistant vice president forFacilities Management at LAU Beirut.Many students are thrilled with theidea of a new space, particularly as therainy season robs them of outdooroptions. “The cafeteria is important for usbecause we have no other place to meet,especially in winter or when the weatheris bad,” says Dima Abou Rjeilj, a secondyearCommunications student. “So weare eagerly anticipating the re-opening.”The doors to the renovated 200-seatcafeteria will open to the LAU communitythis spring. Improvements include anextension of the main dining area andthe creation of a cyberspace wherestudents can connect while munching onsnacks and coffee.“The new cafeteria will featurecomputer stations, fully equipped withcharging posts, and the lighting has beenenhanced with special equipment tomimic natural light,” notes Hamouche.Other renovations include a newkitchen with state-of-the-art equipment,as well as a spacious dining area, welllit and decorated in hues of blue andred. Large screens and projectors willcontinuously display LAU presentationsand programs, as providing a livelyambience for visitors was one of the keystrategies of the renovation.At the projected cost of $1 million,the new cafeteria is financed by theuniversity’s Capital Projects budget.Nabil Bedran, director of CapitalProjects for LAU Beirut, is quick to pointout that the cafeteria is not a commercialendeavor but rather a service to improvestudent life and well-being. “Of coursethe cafeteria expects to generate moresales as more people visit and eat there,”he says. “When we renovated the Bybloscafeteria in 2010, its sales doubled withina year.”For pharmacy student Karim Ramadan,it’s important to have a modern cafeteria,not just for “hanging out” but also tooffer nutritious meals.“I like to look after myself, so I wantfood options that are healthy,” he says.Making healthy choices available atreasonable prices will be a top priority.“The price rates of the food have beenclosely studied, and LAU’s HospitalityDepartment will conduct continuousreviews to ensure that the hygienestandards of the catering staff remainfirst-rate and that a wide variety ofdifferent dining selections are alwaysavailable,” adds Bedran.According to Nehmat Aoun, directorof Hospitality Services, options suchas organic ingredients and sustainablyfarmed produce are being considered forthe revised cafeteria menu.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 11

FEATURELove 2.0The social dynamics andrepercussions of online datingin the Arab worldBy Muriel Kahwagipage 12

Nary a soul sang the praises of love quitelike the ethereally romantic WilliamShakespeare did. With over 30 plays and100 sonnets in his repertoire, England’sfavorite lyrist and dramaturge rightfullyearned his reputation as literature’sunfailing patron of lovers, edifying thetimorous junkies of love on the art andetiquette of courtship, verse after verse.Statue of Eros, the Greek god of passionate love, at Piccadilly Circus, London“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,” cries Helena ofA Midsummer Night’s Dream, pained at her unrequited affectionfor Demetrius. “And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind,”she continues, a heartfelt plea from one of Shakespeare’s mostbeloved heroines — and a candid one.Love is (debatably) blind, but Cupid — ancient Rome’s godof affection and erotic love — is less so. Often portrayed as atroublemaking winged putto who concocts love schemes wherelove is least likely to burgeon, Cupid is a conception that takes onmany forms, not least among them is the khatba, 1950s Egypt’svery own, albeit markedly different, Cupid. Neither winged norarmed with a bow and a quiver of arrows, the khatba is a middleagedfemale matchmaker whose paid services are sought, as oftenas not, to find an eligible suitor for suburban families’ young sonsand daughters. With the rise of Web 2.0 and the inception andpopularization of online dating services, however, the khatbatradition is (understandably) verging on extinction.Conjuring up a world without social media is an inconceivablydifficult task today, but 60 years ago, the very concept of onlinedating was entirely unfathomable. In fact, online dating servicessprung up a mere 17 years ago, with websites like Friendfinder.com and Match.com gaining modest popularity in 1995. Butwhat was deemed quirky at best and unorthodox at worst in themid-1990s gained much warranted attention at the turn of themillennium, both socially and economically, with online datingservices generating close to one billion dollars in revenue in 2008in the United States alone.Though not as courtly or as romanticized as love in the timeof Shakespeare, online dating seems to be a crowd favorite, withover 40 percent of the single adult American population resortingto online dating services. Despite their relatively novel use in theArab world, online dating websites like Arablounge.com and Qiran.com are slowly but surely gaining popularity, sensibly justifyingthe piecemeal vanishing of the traditional khatba, whose servicescan now be leisurely sought online.>& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 13

FEATURELove 2.0One of the many perks of the relocation of the khatba practiceto cyberspace is that the World Wide Web provides world-widepossibilities for Arab singles, who often find themselves unableto fraternize with the opposite sex due to stringent gendersegregation. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, under no circumstancesare unwed men and women allowed to socialize or even havea tête-à-tête without their parents’ consent. In conservativecommunities like these, the internet provides much needed relieffor Arab youth, giving them an open platform to not just pursueromantic relationships, but, equally importantly, to simply get toknow the other sex.True enough, partner-seeking possibilities online are endless.But curiously, the romantic partners that Arab youth have apenchant for on the web tend to have the same profiles as theones that would have been assigned to them by the khatba,rendering the presumed progressiveness of online dating in theArab world open to question.“In certain communities, social norms and expectations are sodeeply engraved in people’s subconscious that it is very difficultto break out of them, even on a modern and technologicallyadvanced medium like the Internet,” explains psychotherapist Dr.Hélène Issa, lecturer of psychology at LAU and assistant professorof psychology at the University of Balamand. “To put it simply,the Internet provides what real life cannot: a place for people tomeet. But more often than not, Arab youth are seeking exactlywhat they would otherwise be seeking in real life — which alsotends to coincide with what society expects them to seek.”“In a culture where only men are allowed toinitiate relationships, online dating empowersand frees women, as it frees them of the socialinhibitions associated with their initiation ofsuch relationships.”—Injy Galal, scholar, American University in CairoThus, the Internet is not necessarily paving the way formodernization per se; rather, it is helping certain conformistcommunities make a safe transition to neo-traditionalism, whichcould then debatably make way for modernization. Issa says ithelps to think of the Internet as “a country you’ve never been tobefore.” When some people travel, she explains, they completelyimmerse themselves in the country’s culture; they learn the locallanguage and explore the country through the eyes of the locals.Others prefer to find their own community in that new place.“When Lebanese people travel, for instance, they often try tolocate the Lebanese community in the country they’re visiting,and limit their social interactions to other Lebanese people,”she says. “When some people are in a new place, they havethe tendency to adhere to their own customs and stay in theircomfort zone.”In her research report entitled “Online Dating in Egypt,” InjyGalal, a scholar at the American University in Cairo, argues thatone positive of online dating is that it propagates further genderequality. In communities where sex segregation is exceptionallyrigid, online dating services give both men and women equalcorrespondence rights. “In a culture where only men are allowedto initiate relationships, online dating empowers women, as itfrees them of the social inhibitions associated with their initiationof such relationships,” she writes.Rakan Nimer, a computer engineering student at the AmericanUniversity of Beirut and co-founder of Et3arraf.com (Arabic for“Meet”), a private beta dating website targeted toward the GCCregion, says online dating services in the Arab world not onlyhave the potential to empower women, but also to favor them,however limitedly.“The ratio of men to women on online dating websites inthe Arab world is massive,” he says. “For every woman, there areseven or eight men, sometimes more.” In the end, notes Nimer,Arab women wind up having more choice on dating websitesthan they would in real life, but this also regretfully means theyare more prone to harassment and objectification. In order toencourage women to join dating websites and bring the mento-womenratio closer to 1:1, women are exempted from payingany subscription fees upon creating an account. Men, on theother hand, are charged with monthly fees that range from $25(Et3arraf.com) to $40 (Arablounge.com).“You’d be surprised at how much people are willing to payif it guarantees they will find the right partner,” notes Nimer,adding that paid online dating services provide the psychologicalreassurance that unserious users and fakers are weeded out. “Themore you pay, the better results you expect — and the betterresults you are likely to receive.”“You’d be surprised at how much people arewilling to pay if it guarantees they will findthe right partner.”—Rakan Nimer, co-founder of Et3arraf.compage 14

The “stranger-on-a-train” phenomenon makes it easier for us to disclose personal information about ourselves to people we don’t know and aren’t likely to see againIt goes without saying that one of the main appeals of onlinedating is anonymity, a feature often abused in the virtual realm.Doubtless, cyber anonymity is a double-edged sword. On the onehand, it can be completely liberating, and may encourage people todisclose information about themselves that they would otherwisebe too hesitant to divulge. In other words, notes Issa, “It can helpus to be more honest about ourselves.” To be sure, honesty is justas easy to achieve online as it is with a complete stranger youmeet on a train for the exact same reason: anonymity. Americanpsychologist and author Dr. Zick Rubin refers to this occurrenceas the “stranger-on-a-train” phenomenon, whereby it is easier forus to disclose personal information to people we don’t know andaren’t likely to see again.Dr. John Suler, professor of psychology at Rider University inthe U.S. state of New Jersey, expounds on this concept, explainingthe equivalence of the “stranger-on-a-train” phenomenonto interactions in cyberspace, an occurrence referred to byresearchers as the “disinhibition effect.” Suler writes that “whenpeople have the opportunity to separate their actions from theirreal world and identity, they feel less vulnerable about openingup. Whatever they say or do can’t be directly linked to the rest oftheir lives,” which, agrees Issa, is in part the reason that peopletend to open up to strangers online.But the downside of cyber anonymity, she warns, is lack ofaccountability, which makes it tremendously effortless to lie aboutoneself and create an online persona that is completely differentfrom one’s true identity. “You can be anyone online. It’s all aboutthe image you want to build for yourself,” says Issa. “It’s the perfectplatform for us to be who we always wished we could be, and tosearch for the people we always wished we could find in real life.”“In certain communities, social norms andexpectations are so deeply engraved in people’ssubconscious that it is very difficult to break outof them, even on a modern and technologicallyadvanced medium like the Internet.”—Dr. Hélène Issa, psychotherapist and lecturer at LAUOffline, explains Issa, our verbal and non-verbal communication— and people’s reaction to them — dictates much of what wechoose to divulge about ourselves. Furthermore, rejection in reallife engenders more prominent narcissistic injury — a graze onone’s self-esteem and self-worth — than does online rejection,hence the appeal of online openness.But while it is far more uncomplicated to falsify one’s imagein cyberspace, the physical remoteness accorded to people whouse online dating services makes it contrastingly easier to be trueto their heart. It is thus more tempting to relay one’s feelings inwriting than in the physical presence of one’s object of affection,but this emotional transparency comes at the price of thesporadic flaunting of one’s own image. As American author AnnaMarie Quindlen aptly puts it, “The age of technology has bothrevived the use of writing and provided ever more reasons forits spiritual solace. Emails are letters, after all, more lasting thanphone calls, even if many of them r 2 cursory 4 u.”& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013Design by Jessica-Maria Nassifpage 15

An Inside LookAn Inside LookPharmacy students begin rotations atMinistry of HealthBy Linda DahdahThe 2012 fall season was not kind tothe Lebanese pharmaceutical sector. Agovernmental crackdown on counterfeitdrug firms and the revocation of some 15fake pharmacy licenses shook the industryto its foundations.“The scandal raised serious concernsamong our students,” said Dr. Aline Saad,clinical assistant professor and pharmacypractice chair at LAU’s School of Pharmacy.“They asked all sorts of questions and wetried to answer them knowing that ourprogram already places a strong emphasison ethics.”That commitment to high standards wastaken a step further last December whenthe School of Pharmacy administrationsigned an experiential agreement with theLebanese Ministry of Public Health, givingstudents a unique opportunity to get aninside look at the pharmacy industry’sregulatory affairs.Now in effect, the agreement allowsSOP students — through a one-monthelective — access the ministry’s facilities,personnel and services within a speciallydesigned plan that rotates them throughseveral departments at the ministry and itsaffiliated centers.“This collaboration is a uniqueopportunity for our students as it draws onthe wealth of knowledge and experienceprovided by the ministry’s professionals,”says LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra.Minister of Health Dr. Ali Hassan Khalilexpressed his satisfaction towards a “firstof-its-kindcollaboration” adding, “It is partof the ministry’s strategy to provide youthwith the opportunity to gain new skills thatwill help them make a difference when theyare in the job market.”The recent pharmacy scandal was a starkreminder that pharmacists are involved inmany levels of the pharmaceutical business,from drug research and developmentto clinical trials, drug manufacturing,to regulation, promotion, distribution,surveillance and last but not least, patientmonitoring.“This initiative will allow our studentsa comprehensive vision of what theirprofession is about; to learn what theycannot be taught in the classrooms,” saysSOP Dean Dr. Pierre Zalloua. “This is whatwill make our students unique.”Dr. Imad Btaiche, associate dean foracademic affairs at SOP, helped conceivethe initiative, along with Dr. Lamis Karaoui,clinical assistant professor and director ofexperiential education, and Dr. Saad.Saad explains that collaboration with theministry actually started as far back as spring2012. “A lot of time was spent on developingthe syllabus to guarantee that students willget the best out of this experience whileproviding the ministry with valuable inputin return.” Indeed, students will be part ofofficial public health projects includingawareness campaigns.There is also a big part dedicated topatient care, says Btaiche. “Students willspend time at the National Aids Programand different dispensaries and will have thechance to counsel patients, educate them,and interact with physicians,” he says.“There are very few opportunities inregulatory affairs in general,” says Karaoui.“They usually partake in a residency or afellowship with industrial companies, sothis is an exceptional program, and we areproud to be the leaders in this area.”Minister of Public Health and LAUPresident shake on agreementLAU’s School of Pharmacy is a fullmember of the American Associationof Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).Currently, the Doctor of Pharmacyprogram at LAU is the only one outsidethe United States of America that isaccredited by the Accreditation Councilfor Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Theinitial accreditation review took placein 2002, when full accreditation wasgranted. Hence, Pharm.D. graduatesare eligible for licensure as pharmacistsin most U.S. states and provinces.page 16

A Winning PrescriptionA Winning PrescriptionPharmacy students earn third place inVegas competitionBy Paige KollockUniversity students in Las Vegas. It soundslike a dangerous formula, but these LAUSchool of Pharmacy majors were not inthe Entertainment Capital of the World togamble — although they did win big. Notat roulette or slot machines, but insteadtaking third place at the Clinical SkillsCompetition (CSC) for their treatment planof a psychiatry case.The annual competition gatherspharmacy students from AccreditationCouncil for Pharmacy Education-certifieduniversities and colleges around the world,but since LAU is the only qualified schooloutside the U.S., Pharm D. students MelissaEl Debs and Caroline Der Nigoghossianwere the only non-Americans to compete.“It intimidated us initially,” said ElDebs. “But we realized how good ourschool is after winning the first leg of thecompetition.”Organized by the American Society ofHealth System Pharmacists (ASHP), thecompetition tests pharmacy studentsin direct patient care by posing a mockscenario.“The patient had schizophrenia anddepression along with other comorbidcomplications, and he was resistant tomany drugs,” said El Debs. “So we had tofind the best treatment for this specific casewhile taking into account other problems,”namely that he didn’t have insurance, socost-effectiveness was a factor. And despiteextensive preparation, neither student hadever done a psychiatry rotation.In the span of two hours, they had toassess patient information and currenttherapy, identify and prioritize drugtherapy problems and treatment goals,and formulate a comprehensive patientcareplan, finally giving a ten-minute oraldefense of their plan to a panel of judges.“We work very well as a team, and wealways separate the tasks, so I managed theschizophrenia, and Melissa managed therest [depression and comorbid conditions],”said Der Nigoghossian.Though they won third place, the path toLas Vegas wasn’t a cakewalk. They first hadto succeed at the local level, besting theirclassmates in a school-wide competitionthat was held at LAU in October. Thestudents, both of whom recently completedsemester-long rotations at the MethodistHospital in Houston, Texas, were thentutored extensively.“We coached our students on a weeklybasis, providing them with practice cases,even touching on their communicationskills, like how they should presentthemselves, how they should smile,” said Dr.Lamis Karaoui, clinical assistant professorand director of Experiential Education. Thatattention to detail turned out a winningformula.“This reflects very highly on the qualityof education that our pharmacy studentsare receiving,” said School of PharmacyDean Dr. Pierre Zalloua. “The motivationand drive of Caroline and Melissa, and theefforts invested by faculty and preceptorsin preparing them, made all the difference.”Their rotations at Methodist Hospital alsoproved indispensible.“I think it was the best experience I’veever had in my professional life,” said DerNigoghossian. “I got to work with clinicalspecialists, did two transplant rotations, andlearned about the pharmacist’s role in amedical team. This type of experience willhelp us come back to Lebanon and instillsimilar models.”With graduation in June, they will havethe chance to put their skills to the real test.Until then, they can enjoy the recognitionthey are receiving in Lebanon and at LAUin particular.“The motivation, drive andoutstanding qualificationsof our students Carolineand Melissa, and thetime and efforts investedby school faculty andpreceptors in preparingthem, made all thedifference.”—Dr. Pierre Zalloua, dean of Schoolof Pharmacy& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 17

A Global ConversationA GlobalConversationThe pas de deuxof Religion andDemocracyBy Mehrnoush Shafiei“Today, more than at anyother time in the history ofthe Arab and Muslim worlds,there is a desperate need fora full understanding of theproper link between religionand democracy, betweenpolitics and faith, betweenthe state and God.”—Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra, LAU presidentThe conference was organized by the AdyanFoundation in partnership with LAU, theKonrad Adenauer foundation (AmmanOffice) and with the support of the Instituteof Missiology Missio and the Bank of Beirutand Arab Countries under the patronageof the President of the Republic of LebanonGeneral Michel Sleiman.Consider this: There are approximately4,200 known religions in the world, andabout 80 percent of the world’s populationsubscribes to some form of spiritual belief.It is no wonder, then, that the relationshipbetween religion and politics is a source ofongoing debate.Indeed, this was precisely the focus ofa two-day international conference onReligion and Democracy in Europe andthe Arab World, which took place in lateNovember at LAU Byblos and was attendedby dignitaries, faculty and students alike.The event drew 40 academics fromacross the Mideast and Europe, includingLebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, SaudiArabia, Jordan, Italy, UK, Germany,Scotland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,Greece, Turkey and Iran — an impressivemélange that made for a lively debate asparticipants offered contributions to theglobal conversation about religion anddemocracy.The conference opened with an addressby LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra,who reminded the audience of Alexis deTocqueville’s compelling assertion that“Despotism can govern without faith, butliberty cannot.”“Today, more than at any other timein the history of the Arab and Muslimworlds, there is a desperate need for a fullunderstanding of the proper link betweenreligion and democracy, between politicsand faith, between the state and God,”continued Jabbra.Dr. Fadi Daou, chairman and CEO ofAdyan Foundation, which partnered withLAU to organize the event, concurred:“Raising awareness on cultural and religiousdiversity and coexistence is of utmostimportance in these changing times.”Stressing that such arguments are nolonger theoretical but real, with highstakes and serious consequences for thefuture, Dr. Makram Ouaiss, chair of theDepartment of Social Sciences at LAU,brought the discussion into focus, kickingoff a vigorous debate on the complexitiesof the relationship between democracyand religion.Though many consider the banishmentof religion from politics to be the sine quanon of democracy, this assumption wasreadily challenged during the conference.“The questions raised in this event areimportant; we cannot take secularismfor granted,” said Manal Tayar, third-yearpolitical science student at LAU.Over the period of two days, no envelopewent un-pushed, as scholars tackledthemes like the concept of the civil statein the current Arab political and religiousdiscourse, as well as the redefinition ofreligion in the public sphere in both theMiddle East and Europe.“This is my first visit to Lebanon, andI was impressed by the welcoming andintellectually stimulating environmentprovided by LAU,” said Dr. Fatima Tofighi,an Iranian scholar from the University ofGlasgow in Scotland.“Seldom does the occasion arise whenacademic musings are so timely andnecessary, coming as people take to thestreets and engage in the same importantconversations that we are having,” sheadded.While the direction the region is headingin is still unknown, the current uncertaintypresents fertile ground for political change.Will the future Middle East see a peacefulaccommodation of democracy andreligion? Let’s pray it will.page 18

Leading Toward ExcellenceMechanically Sound,Structurally VisionaryDr. Elie Badr moves to new heights at LAUBy Brooke Grasberger“My entire career at LAU has been to buildimpactful, lasting structures,” says Dr. ElieBadr as he reflects on the years since 1994.After three successful years as interim deanof the School of Architecture and Design,his new title of assistant to the presidentand strategy officer for external projects andrelated entities is but another well-deservedstep in the evolution of his remarkabletenure at LAU.The span of Dr. Badr’s career both beforeand after LAU is clearly that of a man whodoes not fear change, and who is able tosee beyond risk. After receiving his master’sdegree in mechanical engineering from theUniversity of Tulsa in the United States,Badr moved back to Lebanon to lectureat the American University of Beirut,subsequently returning to the States in 1991to attain his Ph.D. at his alma mater. Back athome once again, his entrepreneurial spiritbloomed with his founding of a consultingcompany for mechanical design. Whenhired as an assistant professor at LAU in1994, he brought with him an unbridledsense of energy, expertise in the real-worldmarket, and a rare ability to work effectivelyin sectors outside of his vocation.In order to propel the university’s growth,he played a key role in developing thecurriculum for mechanical engineering,one that is still used today. In addition,along with former LAU provost Dr. AbdallahSfeir, Badr launched the mechanicalengineering program, now fully accreditedby the Accreditation Board for Engineeringand Technology (ABET).A classic team player, Badr is an expertat creating solid foundations for initiatives,laying the groundwork for success as hemoves forward with another challenge.“You may not always have the ability tosee a project through yourself from start tofinish, but at the end of the day, if you buildthe momentum, someone else can runand score the goal,” he says, underscoringthe humility and dedication with which heserves LAU.The accreditation of the architectureprogram, the initiation of the highlyanticipated fashion design program, andthe accreditation of the university bythe New England Association of Schoolsand Colleges (NEASC) are all majorachievements that bear the marks of Badr’sskilled stewardship. His new position placeshim at the forefront of a number of LAU’smost challenging and exciting projects, suchas the development of the academic arm ofthe New York campus and the expansion ofa new site in Downtown Beirut.“Dr. Badr’s commitment to and passionfor LAU have been exemplary; he hasserved the university in many capacitieswith impressive energy, competence, anddedication,” says LAU President Dr. JosephG. Jabbra.Badr’s unique position as both a pillar ofLAU and a sought-after consultant in theregion gives him remarkable insight intothe university’s status. When asked aboutthe university’s future, he says, “I see LAUclimbing in stature. I see it climbing inreputation. I see it emphasizing itself moreand more as a major force in the field ofhigher education.”With Dr. Badr’s continued guidance,LAU’s horizons seem bright indeed.“I see LAU climbing instature. I see it climbingin reputation. I see itemphasizing itself moreand more as a majorforce in the field of highereducation.”—Dr. Elie Badr, assistant to thepresident and strategy officer forexternal projects and related entities& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 19

FEATURESurfingfor CharityEffective outreach in theinformation eraBy Brooke Grasbergerpage 20

In a comfortable chair, settled on acushion with a cup of tea and my laptopin front of me, I can dig a well in Tanzania,fund panda habitats in China or helppurify drinking water in India — and thisisn’t even counting the vast amountsof online shopping, music videos, flashgames and news articles with which I candistract myself. Through the keys of ourcomputers, we can touch lives all acrossthe world, but the question is: what toreach for?With so many causes finding their way into one’s daily digitaldigest, even social sites like Facebook are beginning to workdonation into their code. Along with Starbucks gift cards andchocolate-dipped cake pops, Facebook’s “gifts feature” allowsusers to donate to a select group of charities.The amount of information facing an individual Internet useris massive, and an activist or charitable cause has to find a wayto distinguish itself, not just from other charities, but from theinfinite permutations of groups and organizations to which theInternet has given life.The growth of the Internet has caused groundbreakingchanges in the way charitable, activist and philanthropic causesoperate in the world — and in Lebanon. Jessica Dheere, formerLAU staff member and founding member of the Social MediaExchange, a group that, in their own words, “envisions an Arabworld empowered by access to information and the tools,knowledge and skills needed to leverage it,” has a keen eyefor the ways in which the Internet can advance the world ofgiving. To that end, she works to develop and deliver trainingon the strategic use of ICTs (Information and CommunicationsTechnologies), particularly digital and social media, to promotepublic participation in the governance of Arab societies throughadvocacy, citizen reporting and social networking.In Lebanon as in the rest of the world, the Internet has increasedthe reach and scope of many an organization. The widespreadavailability of ICTs, including Internet and social media, is helpingto make activism and non-governmental organization (NGO)operations in Lebanon more effective and wide-ranging.“Digital and social media have helped NGOs get theirmessages out more quickly and with smaller budgets,” explainsDheere. “It has made them much less dependent on traditionalmedia. It has also helped recruit new members to their causes,people they might not have found otherwise.”>& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 21

FEATURESurfing for CharityThough this all sounds quite positive, Internet technologiesalso come with their own unique challenges. As do-it-yourself asdigital and social media are, it can be laborious to learn all of thetools and how best to use them, and NGOs don’t often have thetime and resources to devote to deliberate learning and testing.The possible configurations of social media tools are infinite,making it even more essential for organizations to have clearlydefined goals.Gone are the days when one could start a charity with a broadbasedcause such as “for the children” or “for the poor.” With thespread of technology, a charitable or philanthropic organization’sgoal has to be targeted toward a specific population, in needof a specific service. For example, among the top uniquecauses on Twitter are “saving Peruvian pets” and “reversing theenvironmental crisis with green sports.” Lebanon currently facesadded challenges because, despite small improvements, it stilllags behind other countries in most Internet technologies, andits universities are only recently beginning to train graduates incomputer sciences at a level necessary to ride the cutting edge ofthe Internet’s wave.As part of her organization’s job is to educate NGOs innavigating this world of digits and data, Dheere is intimatelyfamiliar with the set of skills an organization should have in orderto capitalize on technology and maximize their exposure andoutreach online.“Communications officers and project officers need to havedigital production skills. They need to be able to use photo- andvideo-editing software for simple projects, and they need tounderstand how digital production and publications processeswork to be able to guide professionals on larger projects. It’s alsogreat if someone on your staff has some HTML and CSS ability,and remember your IT person isn’t necessarily a web person andvice versa,” she says.It is no longer possible for an NGO that wishes to succeed ineffecting change to go without a web expert. Once this expertiseis secured, an organization has to use him or her effectively.“If you’re clear on your goals with regard to social media andmake them SMART — specific, measurable, actionable, realisticand time-bound — you’re much more likely to have success,”explains Dheere, who recommends getting familiar with the toolsand what they can do before diving in.“Each tool has its specific core attributes, or implements.Generally speaking, Facebook is great for reaching extendedfamily and friend networks, while Twitter is less personal and sobetter at reaching people with similar interests. Get started, anddon’t expect immediate results. Test the waters with one channel.Don’t launch six channels at once.”LAU alumnus Yorgui Teyrouz is intimately familiar with thesuccessful synergy of the Internet and social media. His NGO,Donner Sang Compter, connects blood donors to medical sites inneed of donation. Formed in 2006, the group has come into focusas a leader in Internet-savvy, and its use of Twitter contributedto an outpouring of blood donations following the October 19,2012 bombing in Ashrafieh. “We have a Facebook page, a Twitteraccount, and our own website and blog,” says Teyrouz. “We seemost of our traffic through Facebook, but Twitter is best forinstant or emergency communication.”“ Communications officers and project officersneed to have digital production skills. Theyneed to be able to use photo- and video-editingsoftware for simple projects, and they needto understand how digital production andpublications processes work.”— Jessica Dheere, founding member of the Social Media ExchangeDonner Sang Compter updates their accounts frequently,and keeps distinct usages for each social media outlet. Mostimportantly, they have a realistic idea of how social media willenhance their operations. “Our online presence is used mainlyfor awareness. You don’t often get too many more attendeesto events, but it does help to make people aware of us andencourage them to donate.” Astute companies like these knowthat social media channels are an addition to, not the be-all endall,of organizational tools.Of course, there is more to championing causes online thanoutreach skills. Broader trends with regard to the Internet andthe world that affects it must be kept track of. Dheere says it isimportant to have someone around who understands the mobileweb. By all accounts, what we now know as the mobile web willsoon just be called the Web, as more and more people come touse smartphones rather than computers to go online.Social media trainings conducted by Lebanese NGO the Social Media Exchangepage 22

Finally, getting familiar with Internet and media policy, as wellas privacy issues, is important for any organization that aims tobecome more than a fleeting Facebook campaign. “These issuesand laws affect everyone, no matter what your NGO’s specificmission is. If your ability to communicate about your cause isrestricted because of poorly drafted or repressive legislation,your cause will suffer,” advises Dheere. Technical specificity is notenough on its own; NGOs and their staffs must be highly awareof the Internet’s constant evolution.Knowledge of these skills and technologies is critical for allorganizations, not just NGOs. LAU itself, with its formidablepresence in Lebanon and alumni in every corner of the globe,utilizes these very techniques to overcome the distance betweenitself and its constituents. Abdallah Al Khal, executive directorof the Alumni Relations Office, acknowledges the power of theInternet in keeping up with the school’s vast and growing alumninetwork.“ We have noticed an increase in the attendanceof our events and lectures. We send out an emailfar in advance, post the event on our Facebookpage and on the alumni site, and we get moreresponses directly from alumni.”— Abdallah Al Khal, executive director of the Alumni RelationsOffice“It definitely makes it faster and easier to connect,” he says.“For instance, we have noticed an increase in the attendance ofour events and lectures. We send out an email far in advance, postthe event on our Facebook page and on the alumni site, and weget more responses directly from alumni.” Like any organizationwith an effective web presence, LAU spreads its influence fartherthan would be possible without the Internet.The Internet not only connects alumni with the school, butwith each other. Al Khal reports that thanks to their Facebookand alumni pages, LAU graduates are now increasingly connectedwith each others’ lives and are therefore better able to assist eachother. “They tell each other about events, plan to go together,and exchange CVs in the context of their various businesses,” hesays. These networks, bonds streaming over thousands of miles,strengthen LAU’s sense of community and extend the university’sreach into life after graduation.Access to and use of Internet technologies does, however,do much more than increase visibility and donor base. Thisglobal network and exchange of information is actuallybuilding something valuable in Lebanon: a collective nationalconsciousness, making people more aware of events and issuesin their country. Examples include the outpouring of support andassistance for victims of the October Ashrafieh bombing, and thecreation of an anti-racism coalition after several racially chargedincidents at the Beirut airport.The wide world of the Internet presents an enormous amountof opportunity for organizations that seek to help people in avariety of ways. The necessity is, of course, to know the skillsneeded to chart true courses over this ocean of information,be it an NGO dedicated to increasing blood donations, or aninstitution such as LAU dedicated to providing a rich educationalexperience for young people worldwide.& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 23

UMC–RHMore ThanSkin DeepUMC-RH dermatology centeroffers cutting edge skintreatments and quality careBy Paige KollockWith University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital (UMC-RH)’s ongoingefforts to revamp and upgrade its facilities, the dermatologycenter will soon be expanded to become a center of excellence,incorporating state-of-the-art equipment to treat a variety of skindiseases, as well as a focus on aesthetics. The center has becomea reference in Lebanon for laser surgery and for treatment of skincomplications and vascular birthmarks.Dr. Zeina Tannous is Chief of Dermatology at UMC-RH and wetook the opportunity to ask her about the department’s excitinggrowth prospects. Tannous comes to the hospital from HarvardMedical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Board-certified indermatology and dermatopathology in the United States, sheremains a visiting associate professor at Harvard.Q: What areas of expertise does UMC-RH offer indermatology?We specialize in dermatopathology, a subspecialty that combinesboth dermatology and pathology. It focuses on the study ofcutaneous diseases at a microscopic level and encompassesanalyses of the potential causes of skin diseases at a cellular level.This practice allows for a more accurate and immediate diagnosis.Another area of expertise is what we call MOHS micrographicsurgery, a highly specialized and precise technique that removesskin cancer in stages, one tissue layer at a time. This way, we aregetting 99.9 percent cure rates versus other types of surgery thatblindly take the skin cancer out, resulting in an 85 to 90 percentcure rate. This method is quite advanced in the U.S., and we hopeto install this innovative technique in the Middle East, and morespecifically at UMC-RH.Our third specialty is lasers and cosmetics. There are up to 50types of lasers now that are used for different conditions, bothmedical and cosmetic and we provide services to improve theskin’s appearance and to treat various skin imperfections.Q: Can lasers be used for treatment of dermatologicconditions?Yes, and at UMC-RH we are launching a specialized centerfor treating birthmarks in general, which includes pigmentedbirthmarks like giant moles and red marks for children who areborn with them. They can be really devastating for the patients,the parents, and can be treated as early as one month of age withlasers.Q: The center performs a lot of cosmetic dermatology. Whyis it recommended to see a doctor for these procedures?These procedures can have serious side effects. For example,injecting a filler in the wrong place can cause obstruction of avessel, or necrosis (cell injury). Injecting Botox in the wrong placecan cause temporary facial asymmetry. If the administrator isnot properly trained, they will not know how to deal with suchcomplications. By law, a doctor has to disclose his or her training,whereas an amateur can exaggerate their experience, and useproducts that are cheaper and poor quality.In Lebanon and our region, the popularity of such cosmeticpractices has grown exponentially in the last few years, andunfortunately we are seeing many patients who received botchedtreatments. We do our best to rectify the work, but it is of utmostimportance to seek reliable medical expertise at the outset, evenfor these seemingly minor procedures.Q: What is the vision for the center?We are seeing more advanced cases of skin cancer, either becausedoctors could not diagnose it at the right time, or becausepatients have ignored it. One of our main objectives at UMC-RHis to establish a multidisciplinary clinic for skin cancer screeningthat would draw on all the areas of expertise offered at thehospital. If skin repair is required, plastic surgeons are at hand,page 24

or vascular surgeons if the condition involves complications withthe vessels, or pathologists for additional screening and diagnosisconfirmation. Patients would come from all over the Middle Eastto be seen by a medical team, thereby ensure early diagnosis, orbetter yet, prevention.Our second aim is to establish a partnership with HarvardUniversity Medical School to foster exchange of expertise. UMC-RH would host visiting doctors specialized in dealing with complexbirthmarks and our team would work side by side with them,advancing our collective knowledge.In the near future, there are plans to expand our medicalteam by including additional subspecialties, and welcoming LAUmedical residents.Q: What types of equipment does the center offer?We offer advanced lasers for a variety of skin conditions. TheVBeam Perfecta — a vascular laser used for treating red birthmarksin children, broken blood vessels, rosacea, spider veins, warts andsun damaged skin, among other conditions — is top of the lineand exclusive in Lebanon to UMC-RH. Our Fraxel Dual Laser isoptimal for the treatment of skin pigmentation, melasma, burnscars, acne scars, etc., and the Lightsheer Duet is the latest laser forhair removal, offering better results with less pain.We are embarking on clinical research to try new devices andnew treatments for rare conditions. At the end, we’re an academicinstitution and we need to contribute to science.centers offers an ideal setting for a dermatologist to treat complexcases.Q: What other aspects make the center unique?We pride ourselves upon our well-trained nurses, who give theupmost care to patients, along with friendly premises and a privatewaiting area to maintain anonymity.We are also planning to participate in national health awarenesscampaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health andrelevant medical societies. Educating patients and the public atlarge about the importance of screening and preventive measuresin skin care is at the core of our mission as an academic medicalinstitution. Because skin is the mirror of the body, many diseasesreflect on the skin first.Hemangioma on the right hand of an infant. Complete resolution after laser treatment.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013Q: How does being at a medical center like UMC-RH help inthe diagnosis and treatment?Establishing a dermatology center in an academic hospital puts usat a enormous advantage as we are able to draw upon the expertiseof a variety of medical professionals, coupled with state of the artfacilities and the latest technology. Sharing facilities with suchBeforeAfterpage 25

UMC–RHProud and CommittedThe President’s Circle extends a hand at UMC-RHand beyondBy Paige KollockOn Christmas Eve, while many peoplewere dashing around town for last-minuteholiday gifts, a group of nine dedicatedSamaritans were strolling the halls ofUniversity Medical Center – Rizk Hospital(UMC-RH), doling out chocolates to sickor recovering patients, along with someholiday cheer.They are the official UMC-RH volunteergroup and they’ve become an indispensiblearm of the hospital, counted on for bothfinancial and moral support. The group isan initiative of the LAU President’s Circle,a discrete but pivotal unit of the universitycommitted to supporting the different areasof excellence at LAU as well as furtheringthe education of deserving students inLebanon. While these two groups operateindependently, they share a common trait:an admiration and respect for LAU.“The President’s Circle is a group ofvolunteers dedicated to promoting LAU inany way we can, outside of academics,” saysDr. Layla Nimah, chair of the group. “Weraise funds for a wide range of projects inthe public interest that are not budgetedfor by the university. Since the hospital isan important component of LAU, we saidlet’s do something to help the hospital,”and hence, the UMC-RH volunteer groupwas born.Some UMC-RH volunteers are LAUgraduates and have a vested interest ingiving back to the alma matter that gavethem a lifelong education. Others areparents of students, and still others simplybelieve in the mission of LAU. Whetherhousewives or high-powered professionals,they’ve come together to join hands for acommon goal: to promote the excellence ofLAU.With the opening of a small gift shop,staffed six days a week by volunteers, thegroup generates proceeds, which along withother funds from the President’s Circle,go to assisting needy patients. When notmanning the shop, volunteers spend timecomforting patients, a practice that forsome hits close to home. Hala Finj is avolunteer and the mother of LAU graduateAhmad Finj, who died in 2003 from arare bone disease. Finj says her son spentpage 26the best days of his life at LAU and thatvolunteering is her own way of giving back.“The patients tell me they love thatthere’s someone asking after their healthand making sure they’re comfortable,”says Sister Mona, acting head nurse atthe hospital. Often, she says, the sick feelmore at ease opening up to a non-familymember.“The extra care we can give really helps,and the least we can do as volunteers isvisiting the patients, making sure theyare comfortable,” says volunteer RoulaHussami, who graduated from LAU when itwas Beirut University College.But the Circle’s role is much larger. It isalso involved in community activities andin January held a debate about the ethics ofgenetic testing, bringing in four prominentexperts in the health field to lend theirexpertise. Among their other plans isproviding support for educational spaces oncampus.Nehmat Kanaan has been a membersince 2010 and has a fond attachment toLAU.“When I started my studies, I was 13years old, so I grew up in this university andI’m so attached to it. When I graduated Iwas 17, and it opened so many doors forme,” says the former psychology major, whowent on to become the director general ofthe Ministry of Social Affairs in the 1980s.“I can’t think of a finer group of womento act as ambassadors to our beloveduniversity and to further enhance ourengagement with the community,” saysLAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra.“I can’t think of a finergroup of women to act asambassadors to our beloveduniversity and to furtherenhance our engagementwith the community.”—Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra, LAU presidentVolunteers with Sister Mona, acting head nurse at UMC-RH

Grasping for AirUnder-diagnosed, life-threatening lung diseaseproves rampant in LebanonBy Paige Kollock“We have the highest ratesof smoking in the area.We are the champions ofsmoking, and not only that,we’re heavy smokers andwe’re mixed smokers.”—Dr. Marie Louise Coussa-Koniski,head of the Respiratory Disease Divisionat UMC-RH and associate professor ofmedicine at LAUIf you live in Lebanon and are over 40,you are at serious risk of getting chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anirreversible impairment of lung functionthat robs an individual of the ability tobreathe properly.In the first-ever regional research onCOPD, called the BREATHE Study, Dr. MarieLouise Coussa-Koniski and her colleaguesfound that more than 13 million peoplein the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regionsuffer from the disease due to cigarettesmoking. And Coussa-Koniski, associateprofessor of medicine at LAU and headof the Respiratory Diseases Division atUniversity Medical Center-Rizk Hospital,calls that figure “conservative.”While the prevalence of COPD in theregion is 3.6 percent, in Lebanon it’s 5.3percent.“We are the second most prevalentcountry after Syria,” says the pulmonologist.The explanation for this is simple: “Wehave the highest rates of smoking in thearea. We are the champions of smoking,and not only that, we’re heavy smokers andwe’re mixed smokers,” meaning tobaccoand shisha.Often misdiagnosed by physicians asasthma, symptoms of the disease includechronic coughing, excessive mucus andbreathlessness. While the major cause isindeed cigarette smoking, other risk factorsinclude shisha smoking and pollution,especially from the bio-mass fuels thatare often used for cooking and heating inLebanon.Over the course of a year, researcherssurveyed more than 60,000 individuals in11 countries by telephone, and found thatawareness of the disease and its treatmentwere shockingly low.“There’s no real translation for COPD inArabic, so we had to find a technical wordbecause all the patients are told they have‘a kind of asthma, or allergy.’ They were notaware that they have COPD.”Lack of awareness about what may seema rather benign disease, but which is in factvery serious if left untreated, is ubiquitous.“Patients arrive at severe rates withoutbeing diagnosed or treated,” a problemthat stems from lack of knowledge amongpatients and even medical professionals.“The longer you leave it untreated, themore complications you will have, and [thegreater the] risk of fatal endpoints.”Contrary to many common diseasesin the world today that are decreasingin frequency, the prevalence of COPDis rising, according to the World HealthOrganization. They predict it will becomethe third-leading cause of death worldwideby 2030.And the economic burden is staggering:A total of 1,000 consultations, 190emergency visits and 175 hospitalizationsper hour are attributable to COPD acrossthe 11 MEA countries. Moreover, a third ofCOPD patients are obliged to stop working.While the disease can’t be cured, it canbe treated.On a national level, Coussa-Koniski saysa number of preventive measures can bedone to combat this dangerous disease,starting with tobacco control, includingnot just smoking bans, but also raising theprice of cigarettes to deter smoking andenforcing quality controls on the tobaccothat is sold in Lebanon.For now, along with her colleagues, sheis trying to spread the word through themedical community and in universitysettings like LAU.“We are lucky to have different means ofcommunication inside LAU. So let’s startwith our community, and this will help usengage advocates for this problem.”& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 27

The Future is NowThe Future is NowSmart classrooms synthesize technology and teachingBy Brooke GrasbergerNicol Hall 209 seems like a normalclassroom in most respects: neat rowsof desks and chairs under fluorescentlights, facing a whiteboard. The stunningexception to this traditional layout is thelectern. Instead of a traditional woodenpodium, it is a gleaming black and whiteplastic structure, like something that’sbeen beamed in from a science-fictionmovie.Though the lectern appears to bethe only modern piece of technology inthe room, the fact is, the whole class isdesigned specially to reflect a new attitudetoward technology in the academicsphere. It is one of LAU’s 63 such “smartclassrooms” — 30 on the Beirut campusand 33 in Byblos. Camille Abou-Nasr,assistant vice president for InformationTechnology, explains the necessity of suchavant-garde classrooms. “IT in highereducation has evolved to a point whereit is practically the core of teaching andlearning,” he says, underscoring thisgeneration’s aptitude for technologicaldevelopments.Hamid Saliba, director of IT Networks,Telecom and Multimedia, explains someof the positive changes brought by theimplementation of smart classrooms.“From the lectern, the professor cancontrol the lighting in the room, connectto the projector through a laptop or iPad,and initiate a video conference withdistant colleagues or experts.”In 2011, for example, LAU studentsengaged in a videoconference with theirpeers at the American University in Cairo(AUC) on democratic transitions in themidst of the Egyptian uprising. Organizedby Dr. Imad Salamey, associate professorof Political Science and InternationalAffairs at LAU Beirut, and Dr. MohamadFahmy Menza, lecturer at AUC, studentsheld a live discussion at a pivotal momentin political history, demonstrating howsuch features can revolutionize learning.Another feature of smart classroomsis the clicker system, whereby professorscan administer quizzes or ask questionsusing an instant feedback system. Armedwith white plastic devices that operatelike remote controls, students canchoose answers to questions displayedthrough the projector with the click of abutton, rendering lessons both fun andinteractive.“The smart classrooms help extendLAU’s reach, too,” Saliba says, as hedemonstrates the videoconferencingabilities that enable professors to recordtheir lectures for students to watch later,or from abroad.Many of the classrooms weretransformed under the auspices of a grantfrom American Schools and HospitalsAbroad (ASHA), awarded to LAU in 2007.The grant, in the amount of $500,000,provided the university with the impetusto begin upgrading its facilities, includinga solid foundation of smart classrooms.Now in its third phase, LAU is utilizing itsown budget to finance the remainder ofthe classrooms. At this point, “LAU is theleader in smart classrooms technology inLebanon,” Saliba reports.At a class in the School of Business,students give presentations to theirpeers using an enhanced lecternsimilar in purpose if not shape to theone in Nicol Hall. Dr. Hussein Ismail,professor of Management Studies,watches the presentations carefully. “Thesmart classrooms make lectures moreinteresting for my students because I caninclude a wide variety of media,” he says.“The sky is the limit.”By allowing for a greater degree ofstudent participation and professorialoutreach, LAU is increasing the scope ofits education and leading the nation intechnological sagacity.“IT in higher education hasevolved to a point whereit is practically the core ofteaching and learning.”—Camille Abou-Nasr, assistant vicepresident for Information Technologyat LAUpage 28

Op-EdThe Phone is Too MuchWith UsBy Dr. George Sadaka“In modern philosophy andscience, the word technologyinvokes the use of machinesto make human liveseasier. But does technologymake our lives better? Andshould there be a binaryrelationship between“easier” and “better”?”—Dr. George SadakaWe can hardly define and configure strongacademic parameters of education ina postmodern world if not in tandemwith technology. But by the same token,technology can either help transfigurehuman life in serviceable domains, or itcan remain a figurative concept and aword that carries more promises than realaction. If not leading to a technologicaltransfiguration that helps humans conquertime, distance and other confines ofphysics, the use of technology in educationcan sometimes be an impediment.In modern philosophy and science,the word technology invokes the use ofmachines to make human lives easier. Butdoes technology make our lives better?And should there be a binary relationshipbetween “easier” and “better”?There ought to be some wider awarenessof what qualifies and what does not qualifyas technology in education. Calculators arevery helpful and important in education, inwork and life generally. By this token, cansmartphones be located in the same slotas calculators? Can both be used openlyduring an exam?A smartphone in my pocket is the worldin my pocket. It is a constantly updatedlibrary, a store of my information, an albumof my pictures and a stockpile of everythingI need for important activities in my life.This is certainly what life was not in thepast few decades. Likewise, education inthe very near past was certainly not whatit is now.In our society, the mobile phone haspractically become a bodily organ that ispresent wherever its owner is present: inclass, on campus, off campus, in bed, in thecar, in holy places, on the road, with friends,in the bathroom, etc. As a teacher, I havefound it increasingly difficult to separatestudents from their mobiles. Duringclass time, I often feel more attention isbeing paid to mobile screens than to theinstructor, the textbook, the board andtheir colleagues. Using the very same toolthat opens up the world to them, somestudents isolate themselves and enter avirtual world.When students continue to use theirsmartphones in class despite constantwarnings from faculty, they actually abusetechnology. Though I have repeatedlytried to discourage this behavior, nothingseems to work. When I lecture, I cannotact as a policeman, judge, lecturer andschoolmaster simultaneously. I literally findmyself helpless as to what to do with suchstudents, as we lack a university policy thatprohibits the use of mobiles in class. Rulesare instead made by individual instructors.LAU has done very well in creating asmoke-free campus. While smartphoneshave undoubtedly improved our accessto information, the recognition of LAUclassrooms as mobile-free would be yetanother noteworthy achievement.In 1806, the Romantic poet WilliamWordsworth lamented the gradual“worlding” of human purposes andinterests in his poem “The World is TooMuch with Us.” Over 200 years later, we finda need to decry the gradual mobilization ofa mobile-oriented university culture.Dr. George Sadaka is a lecturer of Englishliterature and cultural studies at LAU’sSchool of Arts and Sciences.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 29

LAU New LibrariesIt’s Not JustAbout BooksAnymoreLAU libraries evolveas dynamic centersfor online resourcesand social activityBy Sabina Llewellyn-DaviesLAU’s library system is a nexusof technological improvement.Libraries on both campusesare now capable of placingan astonishing collection ofbooks, journals and scholarlyworks at the fingertips of thecommunity.The days of sifting through dog-earedindex cards to find a book are over. Astechnology permeates every aspect ofdaily life, libraries are just one of theplaces finding themselves having tokeep up with the times. Informationtechnology is changing not only the wayuniversity libraries function, but also theways individuals use them.The central component of any libraryused to be its books, but as the writtenword evolves into the digital word,there is now an even greater need tocreate technologically advanced libraryspaces that are socially and intellectuallyconducive.Communication and interaction arevital to LAU libraries, says UniversityLibrarian Cendrella Habre. “Technologyis a popular tool these days, so in orderto move with the times we have spentconsiderable time developing accessibleonline resources.”Indeed, LAU’s library system is anexus of technological improvement.Through partnerships with internationalorganizations such as the OnlineComputer Library Center (OCLC), librarieson both campuses are now capableof placing an astonishing collectionof books, journals and scholarly worksat the fingertips of the community.Approximately 529,000 books havebeen cataloged at the Beirut and Bybloscampuses, and more than 100,000e-books have been added, mainly in theScience, Technology and Medicine (STM)section.“Students and faculty in those fieldsprefer an e-book because they are moreup-to-date,” says Habre. “When it comesto humanities, the end user prefers aprint book. They want to see the actualpictures and they typically have to readthe entire book, whereas those in the STMdisciplines are often looking to extract apiece of information.”page 30

Cendrella HabreLAU University LibrarianLAU libraries are also providing iPadsand e-book readers such as the Kindlefor in-library use. “This is an initiativewe’re particularly proud of,” says HoueidaKammourié Charara, InfoCommonslibrarian at LAU. “We are the only onescirculating e-book readers among ourstudents, and of course we also lendlaptops.”Should a student need help findinga source while away from the librarypremises, Kammourié Charara says theonline reference service is a helpful tool.Located on the library web page, it offers areal-time chat service with librarians.“I used to spend hours in the librariesconsulting the journals, but now most ofthe references I need are available online.If there’s something I can’t track down, Ijust email the library staff and they findit for me,” says Dr. Rima Bahous, chair ofthe Education Department in the Schoolof Arts and Sciences.This emphasis on digital accessibility iscoupled with an aggressively expandingcorpus of printed material, includingrenowned special collections on women’sstudies, Islamic art and architecture, andeducation.If the method of gathering informationhas changed, so too has the approachto studying. Whereas university librarieswere once silent buildings where studentspored over dusty books, there is now amuch greater emphasis on interactivelearning and group study. The RiyadNassar Library in Beirut provides threegroup study rooms that students canreserve in advance. The Byblos Library,currently under renovation, will offer two.“We want the students to feel welcomein the libraries,” says Habre, who, along withher team members, has made an effortto designate “quiet” and “healthy noise”floors to meet different learning needs.To accommodate changes in designand technology, the Byblos campuswill soon be home to an entirely newlibrary. The Gibran Library — planned toaccommodate over 500 students at anygiven time — is expected to open itsdoors during the 2014-15 academic year.Engaging the community is also keyto the library team’s mission. Throughorganized activities such as open housedays, where library staff go out oncampus and interact with students, theyshow all that the facilities have to offer.Other events include book exchanges,book signings and international librarianconferences.Since her appointment as UniversityLibrarian in October 2012, CendrellaHabre has overseen the extensiveoperations of the Riyad Nassar, Byblosand School of Medicine libraries.Habre holds an Executive M.B.A. fromLAU, a Master of Library Science fromthe Pratt Institute, New York and a B.S.from the Lebanese University. Afterserving as automation librarian at theAmerican University of Beirut for fiveyears, Habre joined LAU as systemlibrarian in 1998, and was promotedto director of Riyad Nassar Library in2009. “In all of her positions at LAU,Ms. Habre has always been dedicatedto providing the best service to ourlibrary patrons,” says LAU PresidentDr. Joseph G. Jabbra. “She has alwaysdone it with exemplary competence,burning passion and inspiring joy.”Under Habre’s leadership, thelibraries have undergone majordevelopments. She has led effortsto turn LAU libraries into premiseswithout walls by engaging the LAUcommunity and local residentsthrough a number of novel outreachactivities.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 31

IWSAWA New AddressIWSAW’s website gets a faceliftBy Muriel KahwagiThanks to IWSAW’s cyberneticrevamp, every single issueof Al Raida will be availableonline — from its very firstedition published in November1976 until today — indeliblymemorializing over 30 years ofscholarly excellence.For the fifth time since its digital inceptionin the mid-1990s, the website for theInstitute for Women’s Studies in the ArabWorld (IWSAW) is bravely undertakinginnovative, comprehensive structuralchanges, which will culminate in thelaunching of an ingenious new site in thecoming months.“The old website simply did not doIWSAW’s hard work and achievementsjustice,” admits Dr. Dima Dabbous-Sensenig,assistant professor of communication anddirector of IWSAW. “The new one will giveus the exposure, credibility and visibility weboth need and deserve.”Indeed, the newfangled web page clearlydisplays the institute’s events — bothpast and upcoming — and includes entirenew sections on its academic programs,development projects and publications,not least among them is Al Raida, IWSAW’sbiannual, peer-reviewed interdisciplinaryjournal, established in 1976.Thanks to IWSAW’s cybernetic revamp,every single issue of Al Raida will beavailable online — from its very firstedition published in November 1976 untiltoday — indelibly memorializing over 30years of scholarly excellence.“Most of our publications will beavailable online, not just Al Raida,” explainsAnita Nassar, assistant director of IWSAW.“This includes the institute’s latest title,‘The Guide for Working in Women’sPrisons in Lebanon.’ With time, we hope tohave all our publications digitized.”“Our main objective was to make crucialinformation available and easier to find,”says Karina Rodriguez, webmaster andassociate director of the Marketing andCommunications Department (MarCom).“We redesigned and restructured thewebsite accordingly.”The website’s remodeled interfacewas designed taking the end-users inconsideration. “How do we make all thisinformation easier to find? How do wemake it more appealing? Answeringthese questions were some of our biggestchallenges,” stresses Dabbous-Sensenig.Doubtless, enhancing user-friendlinessand improving the visual aspect of thewebsite were some of the main objectiveswhen IWSAW’s new virtual address wasbeing conceived. Soon to be out of thechrysalis, the new homepage will makeit easier for readers to stay up-to-datewith the institute’s latest developments,and the website’s pastel color palette andspacious design promise to provide visualand cognitive relief from the old site’scramped look.In an effort to capacitate the thrivingscholars and activists behind IWSAW,MarCom plans to train the departmenton the technicalities of web managementas well as the art of journalistic and newswriting, in order for the institute to take fullcharge of the website’s content once it’slaunched.“Our main purpose has always beento reveal the true depth and scope of theinstitute’s projects and undertakings,”says Nassar. “With the new website, we canfinally achieve this goal.”page 32

All the World’s a StageAll the World’s a StageBringing the Arab world’s Shakespeareto U.S. and Lebanese audiencesBy Dalila Mahdawi and Nisreen KajHonor killing, dictatorship, homosexualityand changing gender roles in the Arabworld — these are just some of the divisivetopics addressed by a play that LAUProfessor Dr. Nada Saab will help bring tolife, thanks to a $50,000 grant awarded bythe MacArthur Foundation.Saab, assistant professor of ArabicStudies and coordinator of the HumanitiesDepartment’s Comparative LiteratureProgram, received the funding as partof a shared grant with Robert Myers,professor of English and creative writingat the American University of Beirut(AUB) and the Silk Road Rising Theater inChicago. The two will translate and adaptthe play Touqous Al-Isharat wal-Tahawulat(Metamorphosis: Rituals and Signs ofTransformations) by acclaimed Syrianplaywright Saadallah Wannus. It will thenbe performed in English for the first timefor audiences in Beirut and Chicago.“Wannus’ play is easily one of themasterpieces of modern Arabic literature,”says Saab. “We are very happy to receivesuch a prestigious and competitive prizethat will allow a new generation of theatergoersto discover a brilliant playwright.”Generally acknowledged as one of theArab world’s most important playwrights,Wannus was a well-known personality inArab theater until his death in 1997. YetTouqous Al-Isharat wal-Tahawulat, writtenjust three years before Wannus died, hasrarely been performed in the region. Thefew productions that have been stagedfaced censorship for the play’s explicitexamination of such taboo subjects assexuality, abuse, and political and religioushypocrisy. Loosely based on a historicalstory from 19 th century Damascus, TouqousAl-Isharat wal-Tahawulat is about an upperclasswoman’s journey from being thewife of a religious leader to becomingan admired prostitute. Ultimately, it isa timeless story about infidelity, publicscandal, imprisonment, divorce and love.Had Shakespeare been an Arab, he maywell have written something like it.The play, a French version of whichdebuts at the Comédie Française laterthis year, “is an appropriate fit in an era ofglobalization and in the midst of the ArabSpring,” says Dr. Philippe Frossard, deanof the School of Arts and Sciences. Withcharacters who strive for transformativechange and who criticize authoritarianrule, the play easily evokes the politicaland social tumult currently reverberatingacross the Arab world.“The grant will give Lebanon and Arabculture the best possible exposure in theU.S. and the wider world,” says Frossard.Saab, meanwhile, hopes the performances“contribute to furthering dialogue betweenthe Arab and American publics.”Performances will be staged at LAU thisyear using actors from both AUB and LAU.A number of panel discussions about theplay will also be held at AUB and at the SilkRoad Rising Theater. The grant essentiallyallows for “a mini-Wannus festival,” saysSaab.Chair of the Department of HumanitiesDr. Vahid Behmardi sees the endowmentas a proud testament to what can beachieved through academic partnership.“The grant is an important opportunityto increase cooperation and interactionbetween Lebanon’s two major Americanuniversities.”Wannus’ play will be the third timeSaab and Myers have joined forces. Theprofessors previously translated andadapted Hamam Baghdadi (BaghdadiBath) by the Iraqi playwright Jawad AlAssadi, and Al Diktator (The Dictator) byLebanese playwright Issam Mahfouz.The collaboration doesn’t end there.Saab and Myers have also penned an articleabout the play, “Sufism and Shakespeare:The Poetics of Personal and PoliticalTransformation in Saadallah Wannous’Touqous Al-Isharat wal-Tahawulat,” willappear in a special issue of the TheaterResearch International Journal publishedby Cambridge University Press in thespring.“ Wannus’ play is easily oneof the masterpieces ofmodern Arabic literature.We are very happy toreceive such a prestigiousand competitive prize thatwill allow a new generationof theater-goers to discovera brilliant playwright.”— Dr. Nada Saab, assistant professorof Arabic studies and coordinatorof the humanities department’sComparative Literature Program& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 33

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Fall Theatre ProductionPlay it out of tune!Theatre production puts new twiston old storylineBy Linda Dahdah“Considering our regionalcontext, to have actors ofthese origins — with theirrespective accents — playsuch roles, put the playinto perspective.”—Lina Khoury, stage director andtheater instructor at LAUThe Department of Communication Artsproduces two major theatre productionsyearly, one in the fall and one in thespring, as part of the “Theatre inPerformance” course. The plays involveLAU students and faculty members,graduates, professionals from thecommunity, and students from differentuniversities and institutes in Lebanon.What are you doing here?” asks Layla.“They put me here,” replies her cellmate,who goes by the same name.Mathhab, adapted and directed byLAU stage director and theater instructorLina Khoury, is based on the 1977 TomStoppard play Every Good Boy DeservesFavour about two men who share a cellin a Russian psychiatric hospital. Oneis a Soviet dissident who will only bereleased if he admits that his defamatorystatements against the regime are aproduct of his mental illness; the other isa genuine mental patient who passes histime conducting an imaginary orchestra.Music forms an essential part of the show,and the score was originally composedby Andre Prévin, head of the LondonSymphony Orchestra at the time.“Since tyranny and oppression areeverywhere under different names,Mathhab can actually be taking place inany country,” says Khoury.In Khoury’s adaptation, the main actorsare two female students. The dissident isSyrian, the patient, Palestinian.“Considering our regional context, tohave actors of these origins — with theirrespective accents — play such roles,was important, and put the play intoperspective,” says the director.Indeed, Syrian student actor SyrineDardari’s poignant call for the respectof basic freedoms continues to resonatehours after the play is over. Armed withcourage and determination, Layla theprisoner does not yield, even to herdaughter’s supplications to give in andcome back home.When berated about her mentaldisorders by the hospital and nationalsecurity-mandated physician, Laylathe dissident cries out, “I don’t havedisorders, I have opinions.” To which thedoctor replies, “Precisely. Your opinionsare your disorders!”For Dardari, a second-year communicationarts student, the experience was lifechanging.“When I heard about the playI immediately auditioned and told Linathat I wanted the role, that I needed it.”She says she is proud to be part of whatshe calls a “revolutionary play.” “It is atribute to my people, to my country.”While the original title, Every Good BoyDeserves Favour, derives from the popularmnemonic used by music students toremember the notes on the lines of thetreble clef, Mathhab in Arabic has twomeanings: “refrain” in music terminology,but also “sect,” alluding to the fact thatoppression is not only the weapon oftyrannical regimes.The director’s choice of two femaleprisoners is a clear denunciation ofgender inequalities in patriarchal andsectarian societies. “Social tyranny canbe worse than political oppression,” saysKhoury.Although the themes tackled are heavyand eerily bitter, a sense of parody in theplay keeps the audience on the edge oflaughter.The orchestra, led by professionalcomposer Oussama el Khatib and mainlycomposed of students, also plays a criticalrole, using music to set a lighter or heaviertone at different parts in the production.Layla the mental patient, superblyperformed by Mira Saidawi, makes herpoint from the very beginning. “There is alittle music in every one of us, and he whosays the contrary is a tyrant.”She might just be the sanest of all.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 35

FEATURESpiders inthe WebThe dangers of surfing the ‘netBy Brooke Grasbergerpage 36

With the spread of technology has alwayscome a strain of techno-fear. Fromthe 19 th century’s factory-destroyingLuddites to the self-aware machines ofthe Matrix, doubts about technologyhave traditionally accompanied itsadvancements. In our digital age, thefocus of fears is the Internet, the massiveweb that invisibly envelops our world.Though Internet use is widespread andgrowing, with more than one billionpeople online, most users only scratchthe surface of the World Wide Web.We interface through Twitter, Facebook and Google, but beneaththese household names lurk myriad sites unreachable byconventional search engines. The deep web and the dark web,terms that conjure the mystery of the ocean’s unexploredtrenches, are for the most part hidden from the public eye. The“deep web” refers to sites that are not indexed through searchengines and that must be accessed through specific methods. Itencompasses a collection of data that is much larger than theso-called “surface Internet.” The “dark web,” on the other hand,refers to sites that for a variety of reasons have been left outsideof the Internet’s infrastructure, some perhaps providing cover forcriminal activity, others drifting like derelicts through currents ofinformation. These areas of the Internet are, for the most part,beyond the ken of ordinary users, visited and discussed primarilyby people knowledgeable in the highly specific and technical fieldof computer science, or by law enforcement.While the deep and dark webs may sound nefarious, the realthreat for most users of the Internet is the cybernetic expertsknown as hackers.While the term “hacker” may conjure up a shadowy figurewith criminal intent, the fact is that there are different kinds ofhackers, and not all of them are working for personal or illegalgain. The worldwide hacking community can be divided into threebasic categories: white hats, grey hats, and black hats, the colorsrepresenting their place along the moral spectrum. White hats arehackers who use their expertise to improve web security, oftenworking alongside governments or corporations to probe theirarmor and seal up its chinks. Sometimes they start out as blackhats, but after getting caught, turn their talents to good. Black hatsare straightforwardly criminal, using their expertise to gain illegalaccess to information for whatever purpose they desire. The thirdcategory of hackers, as their designation suggests, is much moreambiguous in character. Grey hats often act in dubiously legalways, but their intent and end goals are not necessarily criminal. >& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 37

FEATURESpiders in the WebSometimes they publicly post pieces of secure information todemonstrate a company’s weaknesses, or they may replacecontent on a particular site, not to ruin it, but to spread a message.Regardless of their type, hackers have only recently become partof the public discourse in Lebanon, where the slow and unstableInternet connection has long acted as a preventative measure. Thischanged in the spring of 2012, when several successful attacks on16 Lebanese government websites took place. Hackers supplantedthe sites’ home pages with anti-governmental messages.Samah Rifai, web and account manager in LAU’s Marketing andCommunications Department, was working as a web administratorproviding hosting services to some of the government sites thatwere attacked. “The official response was very slow at first,” shesays, because “the concerned entities were not aware of thepotential dangers that hackers represent.”This dearth of knowledge about hackers is due in great part tothe fact that Lebanon’s hacker community is nearly nonexistent.Before the government attacks, the Lebanese Yellow Pages werehacked by a group called the MadHackerZ, who might be definedas grey-hat hackers as they act not for personal gain, but to“inspire the Lebanese people to seize their rights as citizens.” Thetitular leader of the group, who goes by the name of Mad Hacker,is a young man who keeps his identity secret and communicatesonly through email. He says that Lebanon’s lack of skilled hackersis due to the fact that “everything about technology in Lebanonis very weak,” and people are disinterested. “They believe the field[of Internet and related technologies] is mysterious and useless,”he says. Even the attacks on government sites were not conductedsolely by Lebanese hackers but with assistance from others aroundthe world, according to Rifai. “It was a large-scale, premeditatedattack, from local and international hackers,” including theinfamous worldwide network of hackers known as Anonymous.Lebanon’s current weaknesses in Internet security will changein the future, though, explains Mad Hacker. “Constantly evolvingtechnology will advance the world of piracy in Lebanon, even ifit’s delayed,” meaning, as technology becomes more sophisticatedin Lebanon, so too will the efforts of those trying to breach itsbarriers.The minimal threat currently represented by hackers isparalleled by the lack of web security in Lebanon. Dr. AzzamMourad, assistant professor of computer science at LAU, explainsthe deficits the country faces. “When people create websites, theydon’t think about upgrades. They create the site and then leaveit the way it is, even though this makes them more and morevulnerable as time goes on.”“Constantly evolving technology will advancethe world of piracy in Lebanon, even if it’sdelayed.”—Mad Hacker, Head of MadHackerZ groupInternet technologies are growing and changing at incrediblerates, and organizations must realize that their online spaces arenot built on rock-solid foundations but on the shifting sands oftransformative technology. Additionally, says Mourad, websites areoften created without the assistance of Internet security experts.“Many websites don’t have professional firms set up their security,but instead leave the task to amateurs.” Companies that do takea heavy interest in their security often host their websites incountries where web services are more established and secure. Asfor the companies that decide to hire amateurs or forgo securityupgrades, Rifai says that they have chosen to do so for a verysimple reason: security is expensive. It’s much easier and moreeconomical for sites to have cheap security, and since not muchis known about hackers in the public sphere, site proprietors arelargely unaware of the threat.page 38

While the terms “deep web” and “dark web”may sound nefarious, the real threat for mostusers of the Internet is the cybernetic expertsknown as hackers.For security to increase to a level where consumers andbusinesses can trust online interactions, it must be conducted in amore unified manner, says Mourad. “Businesses and governmentsshould use one company to provide risk analysis, not get theirassessments from a variety of companies or from amateurs.”Scattered and out-of-date systems provide a tempting target notjust for those like Mad Hacker, who want to get out a message orstart a movement, but for straightforwardly black-hat hackers whoare after money or valuable personal data.Weak security is part of the reason online shopping is nearlynonexistent in Lebanon. The party on the other end of thetransaction is more likely to be a scam artist than not, and withthe weakness of net security there is no real way to feel safe.“That’s why I personally never use online shopping,” admitsMourad. The country as a whole should learn from the Lebanesebanking system, he says, “which is even more secure than bankingin the United States or France.” Their philosophy, and the reasonthat they are so trustworthy, can be summed up by the fact that inLebanon, banks ask for proven customers before extending theirtrust.Though the possibility of a growing number of hackers inLebanon may seem frightening at first, users should take comfortin the fact that it is indicative of a corresponding rise in websecurity. After her experience with the government hacks, Rifaiacknowledges that awareness of the importance of web securityis slowly growing. As technology spreads further across the world,Lebanon will be caught in the rising tide of Internet use andunderstanding.For young and skilled hackers like Mad Hacker, Lebanon’scurrent incompetence with Internet technologies represents amissed opportunity to stay and work legitimately in the country. Itmay seem counterintuitive that a country should encourage suchpeople to stay, but many hackers end up working for corporations.Today’s hackers will often become tomorrow’s securityprofessionals, shoring up the foundations of secure websites andgreater online presence for Lebanon. Mad Hacker says he hopesto find a suitable opportunity and appropriate work in Lebanon,but is skeptical of his chances, because “Lebanon does not havetoo much of an interest in this discipline.” He believes that heand other hackers have the potential to contribute a great dealto their country if it would encourage the study of Internet andcommunications technologies.“When people create websites, they don’t thinkabout upgrades. They create the site and thenleave it the way it is, even though this makesthem more and more vulnerable as time goes on.”—Dr. Azzam Mourad, assistant professor of computer science at LAUEven if it is not immediate, web technology will becomeincreasingly relevant in the world and in Lebanon, with all ofthe risks and advantages that accompany it. This change willin turn necessitate a greater level of Internet literacy on behalfof individuals, says Mourad, who has a few tips on protectinginformation and identity. The most important thing is to alwaysbe aware of your online transactions, as hackers and scammerswill try to solicit information in ways that seem legitimate. Usersshould make sure their website URLs are exact, change passwordsoften, never download content from unknown publishers, andnever give out personal information in response to emails or onpublic sites such as Facebook. Finally, much like Beirut’s ironcladbanks, only place trust in sites and institutions that have provenworthy of it.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 39

Campus NotesCampusEdited by Linda DahdahNoTesFor more details about these LAU activities,visit the news section of www.lau.edu.lb.AlumniLectures and workshopsA fruitful link-upIn December, the School of Engineering (SOE), in collaboration with the AlumniRelations Office and the LAU Alumni Association–SOE Chapter, orchestrated a paneldiscussion tackling employment and career opportunities for engineering studentsin the local and global marketplace. Five prominent LAU alumni — Joe Hawa,Rana Zeitouny, Chadi Nehme, Carine Baroudi Barakat, and Christian Manoukian— moderated the discussion, shared their own experience in the job market, andaddressed engineering students’ questions and concerns regarding the Lebanese jobmarket. Director of Alumni Relations Abdallah El Khal called the event a success andhopes it will foster closer ties among students and between alumni.Rich nation, poor nationOn January 16, LAU hosted a presentation by distinguished Harvard University professorDr. James Robinson, co-author of the recent book Why Nations Fail: The Origins ofPower, Prosperity and Poverty. “The inequality we see in the world is not predestined— it is simply a result of weak institutions,” Robinson explained to a room brimmingwith students and faculty members. Putting aside sweeping generalizations, Robinsonexplained that incentives are key to generating sustainable and sound institutions thatreward innovation and promote creative thinking. The presentation was followed by alively question-and-answer session whereby Robinson was prompted to offer somethingof a political forecast of the Arab Spring.Raising psychological awarenessIn early November, Dr. Brigitte Khoury, clinical psychiatrist at the American Universityof Beirut’s Faculty of Medicine, shared the findings of a comprehensive study sheconducted about Arab youth and sexuality with the LAU community. The PsychologyDepartment, host of the event, also organized another lecture, “Treating AnxietyDisorders and Depression Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” that drew students,faculty and staff from a variety of schools and departments. The lecturer, renownedclinical psychologist Dr. Aimee Karam, focused on the latest developments inCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).John J. Fernandes at LAUIn December, LAU Beirut welcomed John J. Fernandes, president and chief executiveofficer of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), aprominent global accrediting agency based in the U.S. His five-day visit was aimed atintroducing Fernandes to the university. It kicked off with a lively discussion attendedby deans and senior administrators of top business schools in Lebanon and the region.The event centered on the importance of accreditation in today’s interconnected,globalized world, as Fernandes offered valuable insights drawn from his countlessyears of experience in the field.page 40

Sleuth reportingIn partnership with UNESCO–Beirut, the Department of Communication Arts hosteda national workshop on investigative journalism. The three-day event took place inNovember and brought together 17 senior journalism students from LAU and otherLebanese universities. Participants were thrilled to discover the concept of investigativereporting, revealing a gap between the reality of journalism and the academic curriculaoffered in Lebanon and the region. The workshop was also an opportunity for LAU toannounce the launch of a course in investigative journalism, slated to begin in fall 2013.The telecom languageLAU engineering students, faculty and staff gathered at LAU Byblos on December12 to attend a lecture conducted by Dr. Nizar Dalloul, chair of Comium Group, onsocial media and telecom. The event was hosted by the Department of Electricaland Computer Engineering and consisted of an exposition of trends in computerengineering communication. After opening the floor for questions, Dalloul challengedstudents by announcing that his company is willing to sponsor the development oftelecom software or an application.InstitutesMary Turner Lane AwardThe Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW) marked a watershed onNovember 8 when it held its very first Mary Turner Lane Award ceremony, announcingwinners in a competition for best original paper in the field of gender and women’sstudies. Winners were selected in two categories: creative/journalistic and researchfocusedessays. The award in the latter category went to Patil Yessayan, Sawsan Khanaferand Marie Murray whose publication focused on the role of women in Lebanese politics.Leanne Abou Hassan was the awardee for best personal essay for her paper examiningthe sociological position of women in the Arab world.Spreading a culture of respectLAU’s Institute for Women Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW), in collaboration withRestart Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture, launched its firstseries of trainings for law enforcement personnel in Lebanon. The project’s goal is tofoster a culture of respect for human rights within the Lebanese detention system, withspecial emphasis on the needs and rights of women inmates. The training programwill cover international treaties, human rights standards, and rights of prisoners anddetainees. Capacity Building for Law Enforcement Personnel in Lebanon is funded bythe Open Society Institute-International Women’s Program.Dynamics of diasporaIn January, the Institute for Migration Studies (IMS) hosted a workshop to unveilthe preliminary findings of its research project, “Home politics abroad: the role ofthe Lebanese diaspora in conflict, peace building and democratic development.”The ambitious undertaking spanned three years and included more than 300 indepthinterviews with various political, religious and civil society leaders in Lebanon,Australia, Canada and the United States. Its presentation took place in the presenceof dignitaries, policymakers and the LAU community. The project is funded by theCanadian International Research Development Centre (IDRC).& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 41

Campus NotesAwareness CampaignsJoining hands against diabetesAround 40 LAU students and faculty visited the Shatila refugee camp on November 17to raise awareness about diabetes. Volunteers from the Schools of Medicine, Nursingand Pharmacy, along with the help of nutrition majors, spent over a month organizingthe event, which included customized consultations, awareness sessions on healthyeating habits, advice on how to prevent or contain diabetes, and blood glucose testing.Back on campus, the Nutrition program, together with the Nutrition Club, School ofMedicine, and Medical Students Association, orchestrated a series of activities to raiseawareness of the risk factors associated with the disease.Civic EngagementGreen arts – SDEMOn November 14, the Beirut campus vibrated with curiosity and creativity as itcelebrated National Environment Day in front of the Safadi Fine Arts Building. TheAssociation for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) set up a booth toeducate people about the advantages of recycling old cell phones, as they contain gold,aluminum, copper, plastic and other raw materials that can be recycled and turned intouseful items. Meanwhile, students rolled up their sleeves and put brush to paint tocreate nature-themed works of art.Career guidanceA career in the worksHosted by the Career Guidance Office, Dr. Khaled Itani, general manager of theLebanese Association for Advanced Sciences, presented a lecture entitled “CareerGuidance to the Job Market” on the Byblos campus on November 14. The presentationaddressed the challenges of job-hunting upon graduation, as well as the shift in needsand demands of the local job market. Itani called on the participants to be prudentwhen choosing a career path, and to identify their own strengths and weaknessesbefore starting their search. “You can’t succeed if you’re not passionate about whatyou do,” he said.Future prospects – SOEMore than 100 School of Engineering students had the opportunity to meet withLebanese Minister of Industry Vrej Sabounjian as he addressed their concerns aboutthe local and global marketplace, giving them both cordial and vocational guidance.The Q&A session was hosted by the Department of Industrial and MechanicalEngineering on October 31 at LAU Byblos. “The best advice I can give you is tocapitalize on your academic knowledge and work experience,” said Sabounjian.Internship Fair WeekIn December, LAU hosted its annual Internship Fair Week. The event showcased 16companies in Byblos and 13 in Beirut. Each company stayed on campus for twohours, making presentations and introducing students to their working culture andethos. While interacting and exchanging business cards, some organizations took theopportunity to conduct interviews on site.page 42

SportsEuroValencia tournamentLAU’s inaugural participation in EuroValencia 2012 turned out to be a victorious one.LAU student Kim Saidi came first in the tennis tournament and Mohamed Rifai placedthird in the table tennis tournament. The inter-university sports competition aims tocreate a platform for improving relations between students from different countriesand cultures. University students from Bulgaria, Romania, Switzerland, Serbia, Italy,Croatia, Spain and Lebanon converged at EuroValencia from November 22-25, bringingdiversity and fervid athletic talent to Spain’s third largest metropolis.LiteratureRomanian embassy donates books to RNLThe Romanian embassy in Lebanon made a generous book donation to LAU’s RiyadNassar Library on December 4, 2012. Ambassador Daniel Tanase visited the universityto formally present approximately 20 books in both English and Romanian. “Ourpolicy is to donate books to the most important libraries in Lebanon,” said Tanase.“As one of the most prominent universities in the region, LAU is a symbol of theLebanese higher education system.” Among the books donated by the embassy are“When Angels Sing: Poems and Prose” by Magda Isanos, “Modern Architecture andthe Totalitarian Project: A Romanian Case Study” by Augustin Iaon, and several textson sculpture, politics and history.Arts and TheaterAn artistic revolutionIn October, the Department of Graphic Design at LAU Beirut invited internationallyrenowned author and computer media specialist Dr. Lev Manovich to speak aboutthe cultural and artistic implications of the new wave of digital media. Manovichexplained how he navigates collections of user-generated content containingmillions of images, and thus is able to recognize patterns in cultural data that werenot previously possible. The audience was particularly impressed by the sight of apixalized abstract composition, which when enlarged on a projector, revealed millionsof Manga (Japanese comics) illustrations.Beirut days of IbsenAs part of the “Orient the Day, Beirut in the Work of Ibsen” series, the Departmentof Communication Arts hosted a seminar and workshop on the work of renownedNorwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen that took place at LAU Beirut on January 11-12.Regional and international theater practitioners and academics were invited to reflecton the contemporary relevance of one of Europe’s most prominent playwrights,best known for his scathing criticism of social norms. A lively round-table discussionconcluded the seminar. It focused on the difficulties of functioning in an institutionalenvironment that remains largely hostile to theater, and the challenge of procuringreliable sources of funding.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 43

Academic LeapsLiteraryPursuitsOld and newprograms showsynergy to be trueBy Muriel Kahwagi“We don’t simply plan tograduate translators; wewant to graduate thinkersand culturally versatileindividuals who can usetheir linguistic nimblenessin any work environment.”—Dr. Nuwar Mawlawi Diab, programcoordinator, B.A. in TranslationInspired souls and starry-eyed free spiritswith a flair for literature and linguisticswill be elated to find a welcoming homeat LAU this coming fall, as the university’sDepartment of Humanities inauguratestwo new programs: a B.A. in Translationand a B.A. in Arabic Literature.“With the rise of globalization, thedemand for translators across various fields— from business and law to literature —has witnessed unparalleled growth overthe past decade, especially in the region,”says Dr. Nuwar Mawlawi Diab, coordinatorof the B.A. in Translation program. “Weaim to instruct our students on both thetheoretical and vocational aspects of thefield of translation studies, and equip themwith the needed skills to fit seamlessly intothe workforce.”This three-year program is one of thefew in Lebanon to be taught almostentirely in English. While translation fromand into Arabic will be the backbone ofthe program, it will also offer an emphasisin French, setting it apart from othertranslation degrees in the country.“We don’t simply plan to graduatetranslators; we want to graduate thinkersand culturally versatile individuals who canuse their linguistic nimbleness in any workenvironment,” notes Diab.Dr. Latif Zeitouni, coordinator of theB.A. in Arabic Literature program, echoesDiab. “Globalization has made it not onlypossible, but also favorable, for those whohave a knack for Arab literature to thrive intoday’s marketplace,” he says. “It’s not justabout literature per se; it’s about fostering ahealthier understanding of multiculturalismand the concept of polygonal identity.”The program’s flexibility and broadscope will allow students to tackle a widerange of subject matters — from classicalliterature and literary theory to postmodernismand globalization — whilegiving them the possibility to specialize inan area of their choice.At the same time, the program’sinterdisciplinary approach makes it astepping stone for students wishing topursue a career in teaching, journalism andthe media — or obtain a master’s degreein a range of fields, including history,anthropology and comparative literature,the latter of which is also offered at LAU.Though far from being new, the M.A.in Comparative Literature at LAU is thefirst and only program of its kind inLebanon to explore literature and othercultural productions across national,ethnic and linguistic boundaries. Foundedin 2003, the module draws buddingscholars from a potpourri of disciplines,and schools them in the critical study oftexts in four languages: Arabic, French,English and Persian. The program’s highlyindividualized curriculum offers studentsthorough linguistic and cultural training,and equips them with a broad, interculturalknowledge of literary genre, period andtheme.“If there’s one thing the field ofcomparative literature aims to prove, it’sthat the human condition is universal,”says Dr. Vahid Behmardi, chair of theDepartment of Humanities. “All humanbeings experience the same emotions— love, anger, hate, sympathy. The onlydifference lies in our expression of theseemotions, and that is one of the manywonderful aspects of human naturethat comparative literature allows us toexplore.”page 44

Passing the TorchWelcoming Jihad NjeimAssistant Vice President for Human Resources“ Teaching and relaying myexperience to LAU students hasbeen a very fulfilling journey.”— Jihad Njeim, assistant vice presidentfor Human ResourcesJihad Njeim was recently appointed assistant vice president for human resources atLAU. In his new position, he aims to assist the university’s administration in creating anoutstanding workplace, as well as identifying opportunities to recruit, develop and retainhuman resource staff.Njeim holds a B.A. from the American University of Beirut and an M.B.A. with aspecialization in human resources development and management information systemsfrom Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He lived in the U.S. for eight years, and his careerand subsequent string of successes in H.R. began there at a retail company called OverlandOutfitters.Upon his return to the Middle East, Njeim headed and structured the H.R. departmentsin many leading institutions, including BBAC Bank in Lebanon and Qatar National Bankin Doha. In addition, he has extensive expertise in the fields of communications andhospitality services, having worked at global companies such Hard Rock Café Middle Eastand Bank of Beirut.On the academic level, Njeim has taught graduate and undergraduate human resourcesand management courses at LAU for the past 15 years and at Université Saint Joseph forthe past five years.“Teaching and relaying my experience to LAU students has been a very fulfilling journey,”he says. He has also conducted several workshops and training courses for private andpublic institutions. He says he looks forward to using his considerable expertise to “betterserve the LAU community.”Turning the PageActing managing editor Paige Kollock joins MarCom teamThe Marketing and Communications Department (MarCom) recently welcomedActing Managing Editor Paige Kollock. She comes to LAU from a career in journalism,where she’s worked as a reporter, producer, videographer and editor for a variety ofnews outlets, including Bloomberg, Reuters, Fox News, PBS, CBS, Voice of America,USA Today, France24 and others. Kollock also has a strong print background, havingspent time as a writer for the website NOWLebanon.com.Over the years, her assignments have taken her to Turkey to cover Pope BenedictXVI’s historic visit, to Cuba to cover hunger strikes at the U.S. army detention centerof Guantanamo Bay, and to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she interviewedCongolese displaced by clashes between rebel groups.Kollock received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, where she majoredin creative non-fiction writing. She later got her M.A. from New York Universityin journalism. An advocate of continuing education, she has also taken coursesthroughout her professional life in writing, psychology, Spanish and Arabic. In her freetime, she enjoys hiking with her Husky Taj, playing squash and practicing yoga.In her new role, she will spearhead production of the LAU Magazine & AlumniBulletin, including developing story concepts, writing articles and editing content.“Paige has been such a delightful addition to the team,” says Muriel Kahwagi,content developer at MarCom. “Her radiant energy has definitely helped us stay onour toes.”& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 45

A Man of VisionA Manof VisionCharbel Fakhouryand the new waveof transcontinentalcommunicationBy Muriel KahwagiAs Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Services for Microsoft Middle East and Africa,LAU alumnus Charbel Fakhoury is responsible for some of the most vibrant and diversedivisions of one of the world’s leading multinational software corporations.He is at the helm of Microsoft’s regional headquarters and business operations thatfocus on socioeconomic priorities in the Middle East-Africa region, and he has beenapplauded for fostering a culture of leadership and diversity.Fakhoury graduated from LAU (then Beirut University College) with a B.S. in ComputerScience in 1990, a time when only a handful of universities in the region offered the major.After working at various local and regional Information Technology (IT) companies,including Sun Microsystems, Fakhoury joined Microsoft in 1998 as the businessdevelopment manager for the Levant region. He was later promoted to subsidiary generalmanager of the eastern Mediterranean countries, where he successfully reached out togovernments, customers, partners and IT professionals, ultimately shaping and developingtheir knowledge-based economies.Fakhoury’s understanding of the power of IT in the Middle East has been instrumentalin training the region’s youth to connect with different parts of the world. He hassupported programs such as Women in IT (WIT), in addition to several other educationalinitiatives, helping to bridge the gender gap and equipping the next generation with theskills to thrive in today’s market.Under his leadership, Microsoft Gulf was voted “The Best Subsidiary” twice in threeyears. Fakhoury is currently a board member of the American Lebanese Chamber ofCommerce and a member of the American Business Council in the UAE.Q&AWhat made you choose this career path?I have been curious and passionate about technology for as long as I can remember.In the late 1980s, Bill Gates’ technological breakthrough made headlines and I was allagog about the world of IT. Computer science was the field where my passion and visionintersected; BUC was where that junction materialized. The culture and values it stood forbecame instilled in my very own psyche. It was simply the right place to be.How did your time at LAU help you become who you are today?LAU opened the door for me to study computers and software, to work with professorswho contributed to my academic repertoire, and who also shaped my social skills. Theuniversity has been a major part of my life.What do you believe is the impact of technology on today’s labor force?Technology, in my opinion, is helping to complete tasks that can be performed bymachines, so that people can focus on high-value positions. In a sense, it is replacing somejobs, but it’s also creating other directorship, leadership or communication positions thatwould otherwise have not been available today if it weren’t for technology. Let’s not forgetthat a machine can never replace human affection; a doctor can save his patient’s lifeusing ultra-modern devices, but his words of comfort are of incalculable worth.Where do you see the future of IT?We have reached a time where Internet penetration is experiencing exponential growth.Cutting-edge technology is now available to millions of people, setting the stage for awhole new wave of transcontinental communication, commerce and learning, and this isonly the beginning. But we cannot truly speak of the “future of IT” without making thistechnology available to the whole world first. Our biggest challenge is to bring this knowhowto areas that do not have access to it. Only then can we envision IT’s heartfelt future.page 46

The Cost of JoblessnessThe Cost of JoblessnessLAU graduate publishes influentialresearch on U.S. unemployment trendsBy Paige KollockAccording to RandGhayad’s research, in theU.S., individuals who havebeen unemployed for sixmonths or longer have anear-impossible chanceof getting back into thelabor force.For 27-year-old LAU graduate RandGhayad, his expertise in the U.S.unemployment system was, in part, bornof his own experience. “I was still studyingbusiness at Boston University when therecession started. By the time I graduatedfrom my M.B.A. program, it was very hardto get a job,” he said. So he, like manyothers since the U.S. recession started in2007, decided to go back to school.With scholarship offers from severalschools for Ph.D. programs, Ghayadlanded at Northeastern University inBoston to study applied economics. Itwas there, under the tutelage of highprofileeconomists such as WilliamDickens, a former adviser to U.S.President Bill Clinton, that he hatchedhis groundbreaking research on U.S.unemployment and labor forces.Among the most notable of his findingsis that in the U.S., individuals who havebeen unemployed for six months orlonger have a near-impossible chance ofgetting back into the labor force.In a policy brief by Ghayad and Dickensfor the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston,which has been cited by economists,policy makers, think tanks and leadingpapers like the New York Times, thescholars argued that those who had beenout of work for six months or more werenot benefiting from a recent bout ofincreased hiring.Usually, Ghayad explains, whenfirms post new openings, you’d expectthe jobless rate to go down, “so therelationship between openings andunemployment should be negative.” Butaround September 2009, this relationshipbroke down.“We started seeing more vacanciesopening up while unemploymentcontinued to increase, so the inverserelationship of what you’d expect. A lotof people thought this was due to a skillsmismatch, but through our research werealized that no, there isn’t what’s called a‘structural problem,’ because as vacanciesincreased, the short-term unemployedwere getting hired.”There are several possible reasons whyemployers steer clear of the long-termunemployed. One is that companiesmay believe these individuals have losttheir skills, having been out of the laborforce so long. Another theory is that thelong-term unemployed, who benefit frommonthly unemployment checks from thefederal and state governments, may beless motived to find a job, or more choosyin their search.Regardless of the reasons, a solutionmust be found, Ghayad says, or this groupwill become a long-term drag on theeconomy.“The increase in the number of longtermunemployed is unprecedented, andthis is very bad for the economy becauseif we don’t get them back to work, they’regoing to leave the labor force and theywill never be able to get hired.”The ongoing debate about how to tackleU.S. unemployment — which now standsat 7.8% — is sharply divided along partylines, with Republicans mainly attributingthe problem to a structural mismatch,while Democrats argue that the federalgovernment should spend more money inthe form of stimulus to create jobs.Ghayad, who spent a summer teachingMacroeconomics at LAU in 2011, iscontinuing his research and hopes to geta position at the Federal Reserve Bankof Boston, where he’s currently a visitingscholar. He welcomes future visits to LAUand to Lebanon.& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 47

Top of the ClassTop ofthe ClassSAMIR ABU SAMRAAREF BOUALWANSAMIR ABU SAMRAM.S. Computer Science ‘91AREF BOUALWANB.A. Computer Science ‘95As one of the first graduates of LAU’smaster’s program in Computer Science,Samir Abu Samra has always beenat the forefront of the industry. Aftergraduation, he founded his own companywith two colleagues from LAU and laterbegan working at DigiPen Corporation,a computer simulation and animationcompany in Washington State that bothworks with computer simulations andtrains students in the field. He is nowChief Technology Officer of the company,which is affiliated with the university,DigiPen Institute of Technology.Through DigiPen, Abu Samra hadthe chance to partner with a range ofcompanies such as Nintendo, Microsoftand Boeing. “It’s a place that allows youto dream and fulfill your dreams,” hesays. His commitment to teaching othersthe discipline that he loves parallels hismemories of LAU, where he encountered“great teachers who were passionate andprofessional,” and whom he still keeps intouch with today.For LAU alumnus Aref Boualwan, theexchange of knowledge and ideas hefirst encountered at LAU has continuedthroughout his career. As a managerat the international firm ConsolidatedContractors Company (CCC), he’sworked on projects as impressive as theDubai Mall and as immense as the gaspipeline from the Caspian Sea to theMediterranean.He is always seeking to change andimprove innovation, a philosophy thathe imparts to his young son. “IT is veryimportant when it comes to construction,”and Boualwan uses his IT expertise tomake construction projects more efficientand less costly. In fact, he has signed anagreement with LAU to do research anddevelopment for some of CCC’s latestprojects.Aref is also a speaker at manyInnovation events such as “ESCWAInnovation and Commercialization forEconomic Development”, Google events,etc., and he is working with LinkedInCEO Jeff Weiner on how to bring socialrecruitment to the Arab world and theMiddle East.page 48

MARWAN AD-DAOUDNADA SBAITITAREK AYASSMARWAN AD-DAOUDB.S. Computer Science ’84 andM.B.A. ’90NADA SBAITIB.S. in Business Computers ‘84TAREK AYASSB.S. Computer Science ’93 M.S.Business Management ‘95Marwan Ad-Daoud, who is Head ofe-Marketing and Digital Channels at theSaudi British Bank, graduated from LAUin 1984. He worked as a programmerbefore returning to LAU for his mastersin Business Management, and afterwardsbegan working at the bank.Ad-Daoud is not only managed theirwebsites but has also worked on aninitiative to raise the awareness of SABBstaff and families about climate changeand how to preserve the environment.Ad-Daoud has always been one to reachbeyond the scope of his study. As anundergraduate at LAU, he joined theLebanese Red Cross, which he has beeninvolved with ever since.He says that LAU’s stature andeducation “paved the way” for him toembark upon his current career.After Nada Sbaiti’s graduation fromLAU, she began working in computerprogramming, starting two successfulventures that led her eventually to theposition of Website Services Managerat the American University of Beirut.Though her expertise is focused incomputers, she says that at LAU she tookclasses outside the scope of her majorwhich “sparked my interested and addeda rich dimension to my character.”She also credits LAU’s liberal artseducation with helping her “develop thecapacity for innovation, free thinkingand better judgment.” Its effect onher life is evidenced by her success inbusiness and in parenthood, as she hasbeen able to move freely from workingto motherhood and back again.Tarek Ayass has worked across theMiddle East and North Africa in variouscompanies promoting IT since hisgraduation in 1995.He developed both his technical andbusiness acumen at LAU, majoring firstin Computer Science, then attaining hismaster’s in Business Management. Sincethen, he’s worked for Computer NetworkSystems, Sun Microsystems, and nowGeneral Electric. LAU, he says, “gave methe passport to qualify for IT businessroles offered by big multinationals likeGE.” Though GE is where he works now,he has returned to his alma mater inspirit through his role in the developmentof the information systems at the recentlyacquired UMC-RH.He says he is “always grateful to LAUfor who and what I am today.”& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 49

LAU Tech FactsLAU Tech Facts8TBdata backupfor LAU server27,000mailboxesfor students,faculty members,staff and alumni118MBinternetbandwidth2,700PCs, laptopsprinters,scannerssupported by IT11,000wireless devicesthat access LAU’swireless networkper month895publiccomputers2,000support callsIT helpdeskreceives per month7,500 30,000active networkconnectionsSMS sentper month at peak timepage 50

2,000 19telecom devicesmeeting roomsequipped withvideo conferenceequipment96classroomsequipped withsmart technology529,302 121,553print volumeselectronic books58,230electronicjournalsat LAU libraries at LAU libraries at LAU libraries10,244mediamaterial725,413hits to the librarywebsite last yearhttp://libraries.lau.edu.lb/4,000libraries aroundthe world thatLAU can now shareresources with& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 51

The Domino EffectThe Domino EffectGrowing future leaders one dollar at a timeBy Mehrnoush ShafieiThe weeklong fundraisingactivity aimed to supportaccess to education and waspart of a larger drive, theDonate to Educate Campaign.“Making a change” and “creating abetter tomorrow” are lofty, albeit wornoutphrases. Yet the LAU-Middle EastPartnership Initiative’s Tomorrow’s Leadersprogram (MEPI-TL) is devoting considerableresources toward developing future leadersto do just that.The program offers financialassistance in the form of scholarshipsto students from across the Arab world.Candidates recruited for the programmust demonstrate exemplary leadershipqualities as well as academic excellenceand financial need.Along with a heavy emphasis onentrepreneurship, women’s participationand civic activism, the program also boastsa strong tradition of philanthropy. It wasin this spirit of generosity that a group of25 MEPI-TL students set up a booth onthe sprawling grounds of LAU’s Bybloscampus and requested a $1 donation fromeach member of the LAU community. Theweek-long fundraising activity, held in earlyDecember, raised an impressive $1,800 tosupport access to education. It was part ofa larger “Donate to Educate Campaign”that began last year in which MEPI-TLstudents pledged to donate $5 per monthfrom their stipends toward educating oneneedy student from the Middle East andNorth Africa (MENA) region at LAU.Dr. Walid Touma is the director ofthe University Enterprise Office, whichoversees the MEPI-TL program. He suggeststhat perhaps the greatest threat facingthe region is a crisis of leadership, addingthat “universities play a pivotal andfundamental role in remedying this.”“The LAU MEPI-TL program is one ofthe most important investments we canmake for the future. Today, more thanever, we need solid leaders to deal withthe massive tectonic changes that arehappening around us,” Touma says. “Ifeven one of these students graduates fromthis program and becomes an effectiveleader in his or her community, we willhave accomplished our mission.”And seeing the students take initiativeis the first step. “These students recognizetheir own position of privilege and want togive back,” says Dr. Marwan G. Rowayheb,associate professor of political science/international affairs at LAU Byblos as wellas student life coordinator of the MEPI-TL program. “This is exactly the sort ofleadership attributes we want to cultivateand enhance.”As a mentor to the students, Rowayhebwas duly impressed by their initiativeand modestly waved off his own role inthe event: “They did everything on theirown — they saw this fundraising activitythrough from start to finish.”To aid them in their campaign,Nassib Nasr, assistant vice president fordevelopment, gave the group a workshopon the nuts-and-bolts of effectivefundraising. “The students expressedan eager desire to give back to theircommunity and share the gift of educationthat has served them so well,” he says.Second-year business students ZeinaAlbitar and Barik Mahadin led thecommittee that spearheaded the $1campaign.“Though the amount we are askingfor is relatively small, it has a powerfulcumulative effect — like a falling rowof dominos, a creation of a powerfulchain reaction that reaffirms the LAUcommunity’s commitment to access toeducation,” explains Mahadin.Albitar wholeheartedly agrees, notingthat other students on campus are eager tojoin them in their campaign.“Giving back is contagious,” she enthuses.page 52

The High NoteThe High NoteLAU Choir is the gift that keeps on givingBy Muriel KahwagiThe Lebanese civil war’s callousbelligerence left a forlorn Beirut inshambles. Battered and derelict, thestreets were often desolate, and thehomes orphaned. Beirut was a ghosttown, cuffed into muteness. But onDecember 22, 1987, the beatific chantsof the LAU Choir (then BUC Choir)resonated throughout Ras Beirut, likea beam of hope cutting through thecity’s void.“There was a vacuum in Beirut at thetime; everyone had left. We didn’t knowhow many people — if any at all —would show up,” recalls Leila Dabaghi,the choir’s director. “We rented the AUBAssembly Hall and only advertised theChristmas concert by word of mouth,but the hall was packed — people werelining up against the walls.”On December 19, 2012, much likeAUB assembly hall on that starry night in1987, LAU’s Irwin Hall was chockablockwith children and adults alike, absorbingthe choir’s melodious chants, and — asoften as not — singing along with therich repertoire of songs, which includedcarols such as “Deck the Halls,” “Hark!The Herald Angels Sing” and “O LittleTown of Bethlehem.”“I was very proud of the choir’sperformance this year,” says Dabaghi.“We had more than ten new recruits inthe fall, but they all sang together likethey had been doing it for years.”A wistful Dabaghi recalls the choir’shumble beginnings and very first recitalwith fondness. “It wasn’t so much aboutwhat we gave as much as the fact thatwe gave it,” she says.Indeed, the LAU Choir is the gift thatkeeps on giving. Engaging members ofthe community and encouraging themto join, the choir aims to spread peaceand harmony through its members’euphonic singing — and not just atLAU. Every year, they put on Christmasconcerts at the National EvangelicalChurch of Beirut and Saint Mary’sGreek Orthodox Church in Douma,while also performing at the Al BustanFestival and the Beirut Chants Festival.“Attending the LAU Christmasconcert is a family tradition in ourhouse. We come here every year,” saysManal Matar, a mother of two. “Thechoir’s singing just fills my heart withjoy.”Doubtless, the driving force ofthe choir is Dabaghi’s contagiousenthusiasm. “She loves music, she loveswhat she does, and she makes us loveit too,” says Ziad Yammout, a tenor whohas been part of the LAU Choir for 20years. “She’s never short on patience —she’s more than a mother to us.”With a faint chuckle, Dabaghi agrees.“There are 40 members in this choir —I have 40 children. Sometimes they hateme, sometimes they love me. But whatmatters the most is that their voices areimproving.”Rehearsing three times a weekthroughout the year, the membersof the chorale learn the essentials ofvocal work: breathing and air support,phonation, and voice registration.Dabaghi also trains her pupilsindividually, preaching the discipline ofthe voice as the discipline of the wholeperson.“Leila’s kindness is exemplary,”says Anna Kukko, a Finnish exchangestudent from Sciences Po–Menton. “Ihad never been in a choir before, andyet she greeted me with open arms.Everyone is so helpful and considerate.It feels like home.”“I was very proud of the choir’sperformance this year. We hadmore than ten new recruitsin the fall, but they all sangtogether like they had beendoing it for years.”—Leila Dabaghi, director ofthe LAU Choir& alumni bulletinVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 53

A Mouthful of HeavenA Mouthfulof HeavenLAU students openfusion cuisinerestaurantBy Muriel KahwagiTaking its name from thefruit itself, the restaurantincorporates arassia jaminto most of its dishes, fromtabbouleh, hummus and vineleaves to kibbeh and kafta. Thedynamic duo emphasize thatin addition to the food, passionand hard work are the keyingredients for success.Arassia trees are summertime’s fleetingsweethearts. They make a bold andsweeping appearance during the year’smost scorching months, bearing ripe,fleshy, plum-like fruit before going intohibernation in the wintertime. Arassiaplums are then picked, peeled, chopped,sweetened and heated to make anambrosial purple jam, best enjoyed whensmeared on top of bread and butter, or astwo LAU students have learned, mixed intoa variety of traditional Lebanese dishes.Incorporating arassia jam into any sort ofcuisine — much less Lebanese cuisine —may at first glance come across as outré.But Arassia, a fusion cuisine restaurantlaunched by LAU students Sari el Halabiand Fouad Debs in Beirut’s Achrafieh,proves that the unlikely ingredient makesfor mouthwatering meals.“The concept of fusion cuisine is notnew per se, but very few restaurants in theregion have attempted to combine fusioncuisine with Lebanese cuisine,” says elHalabi, managing partner of Arassia.Taking its name from the fruit itself,the restaurant incorporates arassia jaminto most of its dishes, from tabbouleh,hummus and vine leaves to kibbeh andkafta. The dynamic duo emphasize thatin addition to the food, passion and hardwork are the key ingredients for success.After attending an Emirates Airlinestraining organized by LAU in 2011, thetourism and hospitality managementstudents flirted with the idea of startinga business together. What began as apipedream, however, quickly became theirsole preoccupation.Later that same year, they embarked onan eight-month entrepreneurial venture,planning the restaurant with painstakingattention to detail. Everything — from thefood served to the décor to the furniture— was designed entirely by el Halabi andDebs, with Fady Rebeiz, lecturer at theHospitality and Tourism ManagementDepartment, acting as their consultant andfinancial patron.“We chose the couches, designed thewallpaper, hung the chandeliers, bolted thewooden windows in place — all of it,” saysDebs, Arassia’s other managing partner.Rebeiz helped with the menu planningand management, all the while providingthe two entrepreneurs with the requisitetraining to oversee the restaurant’sfinancial transactions and operations.“They came up to me after class one dayand asked for my advice about Arassia.They were so refreshingly determinedand eager to learn that I had to say ‘yes,’”he recalls. “I have been the restaurant’sconsultant ever since.”Despite an unfortunate robbery thatbefell Arassia in December, the duo remainoptimistic. “A robbery is the lesser of twoevils. The country’s political instability iswhat we — and all businesses — should beon the lookout for,” says el Halabi, addingthat he and his partner plan to franchisetheir restaurant in other Arab countries.“When you’re in a crisis, you have toget back on your feet and keep going. It’sno use dwelling on your misfortune,” addsDebs.The accolades for Arassia are pouring in.“These two young, bright men are bound tosucceed,” says Dr. Said Ladki, chair of LAU’sHospitality and Marketing Department.“They want to make a difference, andthey are well equipped — through botheducation and work experience — to meetthe needs of today’s market. I have nodoubt that they are here to stay.”page 54

Faculty PromotionsDr. Chadi NourAssociate Professor (Department of Computer Scienceand Mathematics, School of Arts and Sciences)Dr. Sanaa SharafeddineAssociate Professor (Department of Computer Scienceand Mathematics, School of Arts and Sciences)Dr. Rony ToumaAssociate Professor (Department of Computer Scienceand Mathematics, School of Arts and Sciences)Dr. Victor KhachanAssociate Professor (Department of Humanities, Schoolof Arts and Sciences)Dr. Sima TokajianAssociate Professor (Department of Natural Sciences,School of Arts and Sciences)Dr. Yasmine TaanAssociate Professor (Department of Graphic Design,School of Architecture and Design)Dr. Wissam Fawaz, Associate Professor (Departmentof Electrical and Computer Engineering, School ofEngineering)Dr. Hani Dimassi, Associate Professor (Department ofPharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy)Dr. Anwar Boumosleh, Associate Professor(Department of Finance and Accounting, School ofBusiness)Dr. Issam Kouatli, Associate Professor (Department ofInformation Technology and Operation Management,School of Business)Dr. Nelly MouawadAssistant Professor (Department of Natural Sciences,School of Arts and Sciences)Dr. Chadi Abou RjeilyAssistant Professor (Department of Electrical andComputer Engineering, School of Engineering)Dr. Jean-Paul ArnaoutAssistant Professor (Department of Industrial andMechanical Engineering, School of Engineering)Mr. Joseph KhalifehSenior Instructor (Department of Computer Science andMathematics, School of Arts and Sciences)Ms. Paula HabreSenior Instructor (Department of English LanguageInstruction, School of Arts and Sciences)Ms. Therese NasrallahSenior Instructor (Department of English LanguageInstruction, School of Arts and Sciences)Mr. Samir ObeidSenior Instructor (Department of Natural Sciences,School of Arts and Sciences)Ms. Loulwa KaloyerosSenior Instructor (Department of Social Sciences, Schoolof Arts and Sciences)Mr. Farid JreidiniSenior Instructor (Department of Architecture andInterior Design, School of Architecture and Design)Mr. Bassam LahoudSenior Instructor (Department of Fine Arts andFoundation Studies, School of Architecture and Design)Mr. Hassan NajaSenior Instructor (Department of Hospitality andMarketing, School of Business)Dr. George SadakaLecturer (Department of Humanities, School of Artsand Sciences)LAU Courses inNew York CitySUMMER 2013& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013This summer, the academic spiritand experience of Lebanon comesto the U.S. with the launching of theLebanese American University’s (LAU)New York campus.for more info about course offerings:www.lau.edu.lb/nycoursespage 55

Alumni EventsAlumni EventsNovember 2012Alumni Lecture – “The Art of Communication at the Workplace:Your Key to Success”On November 30, 2012, the Alumni Relations Office organized a lecture entitled “TheArt of Communication at the Workplace: Your Key to Success” on the Beirut campus. Thediscourse was delivered by LAU Beirut’s Dean of Students Dr. Raed Mohsen, an expert onhuman interactions, and marital and family therapy. Over 260 alumni and friends attendedthe lecture, which was followed by a reception.December 2012Bahrain Chapter – Annual Christmas BrunchThe LAU Alumni Association – Bahrain Chapter organized its annual Christmas brunchon December 7, 2012 at the Awal ballroom of the Gulf Hotel. Various alumni andtheir families convened at the brunch, the spirit of which was further accentuated bythe holiday spirit. Santa Claus made a conveniently sweeping appearance, distributingpresents to the children. Adults had their share of fun as well, and enjoyed a miscellanyof games and entertainment.Beirut Alumni Chapter – ElectionsThe LAU Alumni Association – Beirut Chapter held its committee elections on December7, 2012, recruiting ten new members to their ranks. The elections took place on the Beirutcampus, and engaged a large number of alumni. The newly elected members are AfafOsseiran Saidi, Bassel Zein, Elissar Hajj Zarw, Hani Kreidieh, Joseph Kanaan, Nadim Khouri,Mahmoud Beydoun, Mazen Baydoun, Rima Tabbara Sinno, and Wafa Sheaib El Dada.Kuwait Alumni Chapter – Annual Holiday BazaarThe LAU Alumni Association – Kuwait Chapter participated in Kuwait’s “Annual HolidayBazaar,” which took place on December 7, 2012 at The Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmed Theater andHall. The chapter’s inviting booth drew a large crowd of alumni and friends who enjoyedtheir time shopping and socializing.BCW Alumni Chapter – Annual Get TogetherMore than 40 alumnae attended the LAU Alumni Association – BCW Chapter’s annualget-together on December 8, 2012 at the Beirut campus. Alumni Association PresidentLeila Saleeby Dagher and BCW Chapter President Aida Najjar Iskandar welcomed theattendees warmly, after which the group had a chance to reflect on their fond memoriestheir days at their alma mater.South Lebanon Alumni Chapter – Karaoke NightThe LAU Alumni Association – South Lebanon Chapter organized a Karaoke night onDecember 27, 2012 at D-Lounge in Saida. Over 100 alumni and friends attended theevent, bidding the year 2012 farewell.page 56

School of Pharmacy Alumni Chapter – Christmas DinnerThe LAU Alumni Association – School of Pharmacy Chapter organized its annualChristmas dinner on December 28, 2012 at Enab Restaurant in Gemmayze. Members ofthe Chapter reveled in each other’s company and in the holiday season.January 2013Houston Alumni Chapter – GatheringOn behalf of the LAU Alumni Association – Houston Chapter, alumna Tania Shaheen andher better half Wissam Tayssoun hosted a gathering for LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbraon January 8, 2013. An enthusiastic group of LAU alumni and friends attended the event— including Director of Alumni and Special Projects in North America Ed Shiner — andlearned about LAU’s latest developments.New York/New Jersey Alumni Chapter – LectureThe LAU Alumni Association – New York/New Jersey Chapter, in conjunction with Alwanfor the Arts, hosted a lecture entitled “The Lebanese Language in the 21st Century:Learning Lebanese Outside Lebanon” on January 12, 2013. The lecture was deliveredby LAU alumnus Antoine Faddoul and Dr. Hicham Bourjaili, both of The LebaneseLanguage Institute, a non-profit organization committed to developing and maintainingresources for teaching, learning and studying Lebanese language and literature. Theevent attracted alumni, family, friends, and Arab students in the New York City area. Tolearn more about Faddoul and Bourjaili’s lesson plans, visit:www.abcleb.com and www.lebaneselanguage.org.BCW Alumni Chapter – “Aish Al Saray - Part II”The LAU Alumni Association – BCW Chapter hosted the comedy show “Aish Al Saray - PartII” featuring comedians André Jadaa and Leila Estphan at LAU Beirut campus on January14, 2013. Over 350 alumni and friends attended the event.Beirut Alumni Chapter – Children’s ChoraleTo celebrate the birth of the Prophet, the LAU Alumni Association – Beirut Chapter, incollaboration with Shifaa Junior Club, organized a children’s singing chorale on the Beirutcampus on January 26-27, 2013. The event was a great success.February 2013Geneva Alumni Chapter – Gala DinnerThe LAU Alumni Association – Geneva Chapter organized its first gala dinner at theInterContinental Hotel in Geneva on February 1, 2013, which was attended by over 120alumni and friends. The president of the Chapter welcomed members then gave thefloor to LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra who updated the guests on the university’slatest developments. Dr. Daniel Rüfenacht — a neuroradiology specialist at InstituteSNI Hirslanden Clinic — and Dr. Maher Kayal — a professor at the École PolytechniqueFédérale de Lausanne’s Institute of Electrical Engineering — also spoke at the event.& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013page 57

Alumni NewsAlumni NewsSalim Takieddine (B.S. ’86) is celebrating twenty years with hisinsurance brokerage company General Line International (GLI).Through its Canadian sister company, GLI helps investors withbusiness opportunities in countries like Canada.Saad El Zein (B.S.’89) is president of the LAUAlumni Association Dubai and Northern EmiratesChapter. Married with three children, Saad is currentlya member of the Lebanese Business Council,Emirati-Lebanese Friendship Association, and on theBoard of Directors for the International AdvertisingAssociation (IAA). He is also the CEO of The NetworkCommunication Group, a holding company.Fatima Sharafeddine (B.A. ’90) recently moved back to Lebanonwith her two children and husband after living abroad for many years.She is a successful author of over 80 books for children and youngadults. She is currently in the process of developing a course that willteach children’s literature in Lebanon in forward-thinking ways.Pierre Talhami (B.S, ’82, M.B.A. ’92) is the General Manager of lifeinsurance company, Beirut Life sal. As part of his company’s socialcommitment, he organizes various youth activities to encouragefitness and the arts.Yasmine Nachabe Taan (B.A. ’92) received her doctorate in ArtHistory and Communication Studies from McGill University inJune 2012. She is currently an associate professor at the School ofArchitecture and Design at LAU. She regularly publishes articles on arange of art and design oriented topics in a number of internationalmagazines, among them Communication Arts, Design Graphics andthe New Middle Eastern Studies journal. Her research interest focuseson gender representation in photographs of the Middle East region.She is currently editing the Al-Raida special issue on Women andPhotography in the Arab World.Samir S. Gharzeddine (B.S. ’93) moved to Saudi Arabia and gotmarried in 2002. He, his wife and two daughters recently welcomedthe arrival of two twin boys, Ryan and Ralph. He is currently the ITmanager for Bamarouf in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Yemen.Youssr Chediac (B.A. ’96) has been a Biologyteacher and coordinator for secondary classes atthe Gebran Andrawos Tweini Public School in Beirutsince 2004. This year, she received third place in the“Innovative Teachers Program,” sponsored by bothMicrosoft and Ministry of Education and HigherEducation. She was recognized for her developmentof the “The Warak Warak Method” which is an innovative and originalteaching method.Fadi Nabih Al Khatib (A.A.S. ’92, B.S. ’94, M.B.A’98) has recently been appointed the new generalmanager of Al Ahlia Insurance. He was previously themanager of the Bahrain Branch at Arabia InsuranceCompany in the GCC and the Middle East.Yahya Khalil (B.S. ’99) currently works for theInternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)and was recently promoted to Deputy Head ofthe ICRC’s regional delegation in Kuwait, whichcovers all of the GCC countries. In this position,he handles all diplomatic and humanitarian negotiations as well ascommunication activities. Khalil is also responsible for the protectionof civilians under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) file withinthe GCC countries.Marwan Abdul Malak (B.S. ’00) is currentlyworking in Lebanon as a revenue and warehousecontroller for a leading clothing, child entertainmentand home décor retailer. His son is currently enrolledin Lycee Verdun MS.Faysal Awar (B.S. ’00) has been working andresiding in Dubai for over nine years and has spentthe last three at the Jaguar and Land Rover regionaloffice in the MENA Region (Middle East and NorthAfrica). He was relocated to Saudi Arabia to theposition of Sales and Marketing Director. After two years in SaudiArabia, he has returned to Dubai with his family where he travelsextensively across the MENA region.Souad Saidi (A.A.S. ’00) is an artist who paints naïve art and will haveher first exhibition in the near future. She is also volunteering at alocal NGO and is the proud aunt of a lovely niece and nephew.Joelle Y. Maalouf (B.S. ’01) launched her own business in 2008.Along with a partner, she created “L’Atelier Blanc,” which sells topof-the-lineinternational designer wedding dresses. She is currentlyworking on expansion plans.Andre Abi Chedid (M.B.A. ’04) spent seven yearsin Saudi Arabia working in the banking sector andhas now returned to Lebanon where he currentlyholds the position of Corporate Banking Manager atAl Mawarid Bank located in Hamra.Dr. Rita Sayah Nehmeh (B.A. ’04) went on fromLAU to obtain a master’s in Media Studies fromNotre Dame University–Louaize in 2007 and aPh.D. with high distinction in Information andCommunication Sciences from I’Institut d’EtudesPolitiques of l’Universite Lumiere Lyon 2 in 2011.She and her husband Henry Nehmeh live in Bybloswith their eldest daughter Selina and newborn daughter Sienna, whothey welcomed in August 2012.Mohammad Badran (B.S. ’04, M.S. ’08) has been working at Dar Al-Handasah since 2007 as a systems engineer.Hassan Daaboul (B.S. ’00, M.B.A. ’08) has relocated to the UAEdue to the deteriorating situation in Syria and is running his generaltrading operations from Sharjah.page 58

Bechir Hasbani (B.E ’08) is an electrical engineerat Somiral Energy sarl and has was recently engagedto Maria Azar.Samer Katenji (B.S ’08) is engaged to Helen AbouZeid and is working as a project manager at a realestate company. In addition, he and his fiancée havelaunched an interior design company called Baytiw Baytak.Jana Bou Reslan (M.B.A. ’09) went on to obtaina doctorate in Educational Leadership at NotreDame University–Louaize. She is a strong advocateof spoken-word poetry as a tool for self-expression,helping the youth voice their issues creatively andnonviolently off the streets.Farah Al Hashim (B.A. ’09) recently graduated from New YorkFilm Academy—Universal Studios campus with an M.F.A. incinematography and film. She will be returning to New York early thisyear to continue working on her feature script and to publish a novelabout her experiences in Beirut. In addition, she has recently launcheda cultural and arts e-magazine called “Prelude Magazine” that willsoon open offices in New York and Beirut.Haitham Ghaddaf (B.S. ’09, M.B.A ’09) gotmarried in 2012 and he and his wife are awaitingthe arrival of their first child. At present, he is a fulltimebusiness instructor and is enrolled in a Doctorof Business Administration program in the U.K.Ziad Ghandour (B.S. ’09) obtained his master’s degree in economicsat the American University Beirut and is looking forward to thepublication of his thesis. He has currently been promoted to SeniorData Analyst at Unitech, a building and construction materialscompany that is part of the IKK Group of companies.Rayan Yunis (B.S. ’09) has been working as a creditcontroller in a reinsurance company in Beirut since2009. He made his first skydive jump in Lebanonrecently, plunging more than 10 kilometers, and ishoping to attempt solo skydiving in the near future.Ahmad Zaarouri (B.S. ’09) joined the Bafcofurniture company in the UAE in November 2012as account manager.Ayman Abdel Malak (B.S. ’10) obtained a position at thedistinguished firm, PriceWaterHouseCoopers, in Abu Dhabi shortlyafter graduating.Hassan Baalbaki (B.S. ’11, B.A. ’11) went on toEdinburgh, Scotland upon graduating to pursue amaster’s degree in International Law. Now back inLebanon, he is working part-time at LAU’s Office forCivic Engagement (OCE).& ALUMNI BULLETINVOLUME 15 | issue nº 2 | Spring 2013Jessica Mirzein (B.S. ’12) is in her second semester at the ÉcoleSupérieure de Gestion where she is obtaining a master’s in luxurybrand management. She looks forward to starting a five-monthinternship in South Africa in May.page 59

Why I Give BackWHY I GIVE BACKHayat Mousfi(B.A. BCW ‘61)What have you been doing since graduation?After earning my degree from BCW (Beirut College for Women,now LAU), I spent 15 years at Lebanon’s National News Agencyas an editor. Back then, we used to edit stories on paper, anddidn’t even have microphones. Now I work with charitableorganizations and serve as president of the Baakline Women’sSociety.Hayat Mousfi, her daughter and granddaughter;three generations proud to be educated at LAUWhat are your fondest memories of BCW (LAU)?I have so many wonderful memories, but I particularly lovedthe summer that I stayed in the dormitories. We felt so free!Another of my favorite memories is the trip my graduating classtook to Europe. There were around 30 girls. We went with twoteachers and stayed in hostels in a number of different cities.It was beautiful. The university gave me so much in terms ofeducation and social awareness. The friends I made at BCW haveproven to be friends for life.How would you like to see your donation used by LAU?To help needy students. They should be given the chance oftheir lives to study and pursue their ambitions. They may notknow it now, but their years at LAU will shape who they become.page 60

Joe And Carmen Marounare fulfilling the PRomise.Joe Maroun is a man known for following his passions, however divergentthey may be. The former secretary of LAU’s Board of Trustees was an airlinepilot before his love of Lebanese bread led him to establish his own bakeryproducts company in California. By the time he sold the Caravan TradingCompany in 2010, it was one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.Joe and his wife Carmen are dedicated philanthropists. They actively supportseveral charities in Lebanon and in 2005, donated over 100,000 ready-togoemergency meals to survivors of the Southeast Asian Tsunami. Joe is anexecutive committee member of the American Lebanese Foundation.The Marouns recently established a scholarship endowment fund toprovide financial assistance to deserving students at LAU. Because of theuniversity’s mission and diversity, Joe and Carmen say LAU will alwayshave their support.For more information, please contact:Scan this code with your Smartphoneto go to our giving pageBeirut Development OfficeTel. (961) 1 786456 Ext. 1323Fax (961) 1 803658P.O. Box 13-5053Chouran Beirut 1102 2801, LebanonEmail: development@lau.edu.lbNew York Development OfficeTel. (212) 203 4333Fax (212) 784 6597211 East 46 th St.New York, NY 10017Email: nydevelopment@lau.edu

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