LAU Fundraising Gala Dinner 2014

The Lebanese American University (LAU) held its third fundraising gala dinner to support the financial aid and scholarship programs, as part of its mission to ensure equal access to education for all deserving students and to provide the opportunity for higher education to students who cannot afford it.

Over 800 people attended the dinner held in Biel, among them politicians, academic , social and economic personalities, as Mrs. Randa Nabih Berri , the Minister of Culture Raymond Arayji , the Minister of Education and Higher Education Elias Abou Saab , the Minister of Public Works Ghazi Zeayter and the Minister of Displaced Alice Chebtini, and members of the parliament : Jean Ogassapian , Henri Helou, Hadi Hbeish , Nehme Tohme , and many former ministers and former MPs: Raymond Audi, Hassan Diab, Muhammad Rahal, Nicolas Sehnaoui , Ibrahim Najjar , Adel Hamiyyeh, Talal Merhebi , Michel Maalouli, president of the Chamber of Commerce and industry Mohammad Choucair , and a significant number of businessmen as Mutaz Sawwaf , Wadih Absi , and Fouad Makhzoumi . Also were present Mrs. Mona Hrawi and Mrs. Leila Solh , the representative of the director of  internal security forces General Ibrahim Basbous, the Mayor of Beirut Bilal Hamad , the international designer Elie Saab , President of the Board of Trustees of the University Dr. Paula Boulos, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. Salim Sfeir, other board members , members of the international advisors board, the president of LAU Dr. Joseph Jabbra , vice presidents , deans, and other internal constituencies.

After the Lebanese national anthem, Dr. Paul Boulos addressed the audience. "As different as the people in this room, I would bet that most of us share one thing in common: the stage for our achievements was set by our parents and other mentors in the generation that came before us. Now it's our turn to honor them by carrying their legacy forward. I can't think of a more meaningful and powerful way for us to do that than through our passionate and generous support of Lebanese American University".

He added: "Since our founding, we have welcomed young women and men from all races and religious beliefs, from all regions of Lebanon and more than 70 countries".

Dr. Boulos also said: "To address inequalities-and enable more people to live lives of leadership, meaning and purpose- we must continue to build human capital by giving even more students opportunities to pursue their dreams in this environment. This is part of our DNA. LAU's promise is simple: to create a better tomorrow for our children and all future generations".

He continued: "I am an LAU alumnus. This university changed me. It shaped me. It challenged me. It gave me the confidence to succeed. It opened my eyes and let me see my future. That is what great universities do. The best education is all about freedom: the freedom to think, to imagine, to challenge them, to change. The ability to create a better world comes from people who can break free from their rigid points of view to lead real change in the world."

Dr. Boulos added that LAU is committed to serve as Lebanon's shining beacon by delivering comprehensive education, conducting groundbreaking research, and providing services that uplift the community.

He concluded by highlighting the fact that the funds that will be raised during this gala dinner will be used to establish and maintain scholarships and financial aid for needy and deserving children. "Tonight, you will be creating a better Lebanon-a land of equal opportunity where, if you study hard, work hard and have strong values, you are rewarded and are able to realize your aspirations for a better life. This great Lebanon needs you".

Dr. Joseph Jabbra then gave a speech. "My heart is filled with joy and hope, a hope that promises much to the youth of Lebanon, including better days to come. In the midst of this hope, the Lebanese American University is optimistic, because this optimism allows the university and the country to face any challenge, fight against any attack, and to pay any price for our independence and our freedom".

He continued: "Your presence here is a proof of confidence in LAU, and this confidence is a sign of your faith in our transparency and integrity. We are an institution that aims to serve the community. Your donations and your generosity will allow students who could not financially afford an education at LAU, to get the education they deserve at this University, and realize their dreams and serve their communities. Your generosity will enable our students to gain knowledge and awareness, and develop their skills and knowledge, giving them access to the course of the events, a distance of the differences, and develop their interest in the public service".

Dr. Jabbra also said: "In education lays the right answer and the remedy to our ills. It is unreasonable and unacceptable that we, who have given the world the alphabet, are treated as ignorant. It is unreasonable and unacceptable that the one who gave civilization to the West and that has transferred Greek culture to his own culture, slips in violence and ignorance ... We do not accept that. This is the importance of education, LAU's mission. "

He added: "On behalf of the board of trustees and the board of international advisers, I would like to warmly thank you for your presence and your support. God bless you and your families, and protect you".

Dr. Jabbra concluded, by announcing more good news: "Mr. Wadih Absi , a loyal friend who is among us tonight, has pledged the generous contribution of  $ 1.5 million to renovate the Irwin Hall Auditorium at the Beirut campus which will be named after him and his family's name. The auditorium will be totally renewed and equipped with the latest equipment. In addition, Mr. Edgar and Ms. Daniele de Picciotto offered the marvelous gift of $ 250,000. Our warmest thanks to Mrs. de Picciotto present among us tonight; Unfortunately, Mr. de Picciotto could not be here. "He also thanked all those who support the noble cause of education.

Then, a number of students testified, saying that they had the opportunity to get a university education at LAU, thanks to the financial aid and scholarships programs. Later on, the auction allowed raising at least US $ 160,000 to support scholarships and financial aid funds.

Superb musical atmosphere entertained the public during the dinner.