In a bid to cultivate a network beyond graduation and encourage scholars and alumni to volunteer and co-create future initiatives, the Alexis & Anne-Marie Habib Foundation held a stewardship and engagement event that gathered 50 LAU recipients of the Alexis & Anne-Marie Habib Foundation Designated Scholarship Grant for a student-centered dialogue.

The event, which took place at the Byblos campus on April 9, 2025, served as a platform for students to share their experiences, voice concerns, and collaborate on ways to enhance the support they receive.

The foundation was represented by Secretary to the Board of Advisors Lara Hajj, and Nadim Kahwaji, Student and Alumni Relations, who introduced the pilot phase of this new initiative aimed at expanding mentorship and development opportunities.

The event was attended by LAU’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Lebanon & the Middle East Gabriel Abiad, University Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships Ghada Abi Fares, Senior Director of Development Suha Abou Rialy, and Lead Stewardship Manager Ronald Abou Zeid, whose presence underscored the importance of institutional partnerships and long-term donor engagement in shaping student success.

Since its founding in 2006, the Alexis & Anne-Marie Habib Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting academically outstanding students with financial need. For the past nine years, it has offered sustained support for LAU students, provided they maintain strong academic performance, through its scholarship grant.

“The idea came from Mr. Habib and his family, and all contributions continue to come directly from them,” said Hajj. “The mission is to transform students’ lives so they can uplift their communities and families.”

To date, the foundation has supported students in Lebanon and abroad with substantial funding over the years. Contributions have increased significantly over time, with several notable milestones.

The session at LAU marked the beginning of a new phase for the foundation, one focused not only on financial aid but also on community-building, knowledge exchange, and personal development.

Students from diverse academic backgrounds—ranging from medicine and pre-med to engineering, computer science, pharmacy, and business—shared insights and ideas for expanding the foundation’s impact. These included interdisciplinary workshops on AI, environmental sustainability, mental health, and career skills; a mentorship program linking current students with foundation alumni; peer-to-peer learning and leadership development initiatives; and a digital platform to explore opportunities in Lebanon and abroad.

With its pilot program underway, the foundation looks forward to engaging more scholars and alumni to build a strong network that offers guidance, growth, and lifelong impact after graduation.

To learn more about the foundation, visit www.habibfoundation.org.