The election of General Joseph Aoun (BA ’07), who graduated with high distinction from LAU with a BA in Political Science and International Affairs, signaled hope for the country following a two-year presidential vacuum, a devastating war, a long political impasse and an ongoing socioeconomic crisis.

Throughout his seven years at the helm of the Lebanese Armed Forces, the president-elect has demonstrated high integrity, dedication to Lebanon and visionary leadership.

In this candid interview with LAU Magazine in 2019, General Aoun offered insights into the values and principles that underpin his leadership. Speaking about the lessons learned throughout his military career, he revealed the weight he places on human capital, fostering a positive culture and building trust.

His concluding words to the future generation of leaders and managers best sum up his philosophy: “Serve with integrity, lead with courage and act with love in your heart. Have the wisdom to master your life intelligently by having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control. These are supreme virtues.”

For LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah, “universities are consequential institutions in creating, nurturing, and maintaining democracy and citizenship, and General Aoun exemplifies the servant-leader model and the best ideals of education upheld by his alma mater.”

On behalf of the university community, Dr. Abdallah and the Board of Trustees congratulated General Aoun, expressing their pride in the distinguished LAU alumnus, and viewing his election as a spark of hope for regaining Lebanon’s sovereignty, implementing much-needed institutional reform and achieving economic recovery.