10 Things You Should Know About LAU

Because the Lebanese American University isn't just an average university that only focuses on A students.

1. Students become leaders

Although the competition persists in all majors, just like every place in the world, the Lebanese American University doesn't only focus on grades, but on creating students with professional leadership and diplomatic skills.

Through the support of the President Dr. Jabbra, the Vice President Dr. Salem, the Executive Director Professor Elie Samia, the Leadership and Civic Engagement Coordinator Ghina Harb, the Senior Coordinator of Leadership & Civic Engagement Rana Salloum, the Study Abroad and Program Lead Coordinator Dina AbdulRahman and the Project Management Coordinator Hassan Baalbaki, LAU students in both campus, Beirut and Jbeil have the opportunity to become leaders.

There are three leadership programs (Model United Nations, Model Arab League and Moderation and Justice Academy for Leaders), along with exchange programs such as SciencePo in France, and world conferences such as World-MUN in Harvard University.

2. It has notable Alumni

People who graduate from LAU never failed to succeed. The university teaches not only formulas, numbers and techniques but also a way of life.

Here are the names of several LAU graduates who became famous public figures:

- Rima Maktabi (former reporter for Al Arabiya and current host of CNN's "Inside the Middle East")

- Lara Habib Chamat (presenter on Al-Arabiya)

- Sethrida Geagea (member of Parliament)

- Octavia Nasr (CNN journalist)

- Nadine Njeim (Miss Lebanon 2007)

- Martine Andraos (Miss Lebanon 2009)

- Karen Ghrawi (Miss Lebanon 2013)

- Paula Yacoubian (CEO of Integrated Communications, TV Host, Former Director of Al-Hurra)

3. What you hear about political conflicts on LAU campuses is not true

The Lebanese American University refuses to bring to its campuses what politicians bring to the country: intolerance and corruption.

It is true, few years ago, students created tensions because of politics, but not anymore.

LAU, is the future Lebanon that the youth aims to achieve with hope. It is the ground of freedom and peace, where violence is rejected.

4. The College Life

The Deans of Students do all that they can to give us the best college experience possible. They organize along with other staff members, weekly events including music, food, paint fights, games, dancing and other activities.

Such events are not only to have fun but to also raise awareness concerning several issues such as peace education and road safety.

5. LAU Headquarters and Academic Center in New York

Via lau.edu.lb

Located close to the United Nations headquarters, LAU’s New York Academic Center (NYAC) provides a variety of accredited courses focusing on the Middle East, the Arabic language and culture, the Model UN, conflict resolution, gender studies, finance, Islamic banking, fashion and islamic architecture.

NYAC regularly hosts public lectures and conferences with the participation of leading experts on contemporary regional issues.

Address:

211 East 46th St.

New York

NY 10017

6. Elie Saab and LAU

Lebanese fashion designer, Elie Saab, teamed up with the London College of Fashion to create a new BA in Fashion Design in the Lebanese American University.

Saab told Vogue magazine: “The vision behind LAU’s fashion design program was to offer the region’s students an education of the highest possible international standards without having to travel too far from home.”

7. Students get to meet public figures

Whether it is through leadership programs, NGO fairs, or any other event, LAU students have the opportunity to meet public figures from different fields:

- Politicians such as Bahia Hariri, Ziad Baroud and Bassem El Sabeh

- Ambassadors

- TV hosts such as Rima Maktabi, Marcel Ghanem and Paula Yacoubian

8. A University that supports Art

Via lautheatre.com

Whether it is theatre, dance, music, or painting, LAU supports all forms of Art. The students get to perform and improve their talents.

9. ..and athletics!

Via students.lau.edu.lb

LAU Jbeil and Beirut have several varsity teams.

Whether it is basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, swimming, rugby or volleyball, teams regularly participate in intercollegiate athletics events, nationally and internationally, and win awards.

10. The President

LAU students are blessed to have a president that listens to their dreams and helps them achieve them.

Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra who assumed the presidency of LAU on August 1, 2004, is not only the president of both campuses but also an inspiration, as he teaches LAU staff, professors and students the meaning of coexistence, tolerance, freedom of speech and respect.

Jabbra supports leadership programs and enlightens the participants' way, in order for them to achieve a successful path filled with dedication and hard-work.

Every time LAU's president gives a speech, the audience is silent - not because it has to be, but because his words are always worth listening to.

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't forget LAU."