Community
In Brief
Hyped for University Life
Thousands of high schoolers got a taste of the university experience during YOU@LAU, a series of full-day events showcasing the richness of academic and campus life at the LAU Beirut and Byblos campuses on May 17 and 24. Current LAU students, faculty and staff guided the young students through their fields of interest, gave them tours of the innovative learning spaces, acquainted them with the myriad possibilities for professional and personal development, and introduced them to campus activities through fun challenges.
Ready to Speak Arabic?
This summer, LAU will host the latest edition of its SINARC Arabic Language and Culture program from June 9 to July 4. Led by expert faculty, the four-week intensive experience offers personalized instruction, authentic materials, and dynamic extracurriculars designed to deepen Arabic skills through practical learning. By blending language instruction with cultural immersion, the program connects students to Lebanon’s vibrant linguistic, historical, and social traditions. Applications are open until May 20.
Staff and Retirees Honored for Decades of Dedication
LAU held a heartfelt Staff Service Recognition and Farewell Gathering on May 13 at the Beirut campus and May 14 at the Byblos campus to celebrate staff members marking 10, 20, and 30 years of service, and to bid farewell to this year’s retirees. LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah acknowledged their lasting contributions, stating, “Universities are institutions that endure, but they endure because of the work of the unsung heroes.” He emphasized that LAU’s future depends on the continued unity, purpose, and excellence of its entire community.
Students Gain Insights on Agentic AI from Industry Experts
The LAU School of Engineering hosted an insightful talk by representatives from Siliconcedars on April 28, 2025. At the event, students explored industry trends, potential career paths, and key skills needed to thrive in the evolving field of Agentic AI, a form of AI that can operate with autonomy and adaptability. The session highlighted the growing impact of this type of AI systems, offering students a glimpse into the future of intelligent technology.
LAU Celebrates Its Unsung Heroes
LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah was joined by the university’s senior leadership in recognizing and celebrating the people who sustain LAU’s seamless daily rhythm—more than 300 technicians, drivers, security personnel, and custodians. Hosted by the Human Resources Department, the annual Labor Day Lunch reaffirmed LAU’s appreciation of its people and their unwavering service to the institution.
A Night of Musical Icons
The Department of English and Creative Arts at the LAU School of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the LAU Choir and Qadisha Choir, held a concert celebrating Lebanese musical heritage on April 28 at the Gulbenkian Theater. Conducted by Assistant Professor of Practice Michele El Chemaly, the performance featured works by renowned composers, including the Rahbani Brothers, Mohammed Abdel Wahab and Zaki Nassif, among other prominent names etched in the region’s artistic history.
LAU Is Among the Top 100 Universities in THE Asia Rankings
The Times Higher Education Asia Universities Rankings 2025 has ranked LAU at No. 92, up from 176 last year, out of 853 universities from 35 countries and territories. This year, LAU’s standout performance was driven by substantial improvement in the Teaching indicator, reflecting the institution’s commitment to developing future academics and its high standards that attract graduates and foster their growth.
The 2025 Cohort of Graduating Fashion Designers Gain Insights from Elie Saab
As they prepare for their graduate fashion show, this year titled Panorama, 15 senior fashion design students presented their collections to a closed jury headed by Honorary Chair of the LAU Fashion Design Program Elie Saab on April 17, 2025, on the Beirut campus. The jurors included Senior Collection Instructors Jurgi Persoons, Jalal Moghraby and Ana Har, as well as Interim Fashion Program Director Silia Abou Arbid and Fashion Faculty Elie Baroud.
Introducing the Office of Professionalism and Ethics at LAU
In line with its academic mission and commitment to its core ethical values, LAU has launched the Office of Professionalism and Ethics (OPE), under the direction of Dr. Emily Gafney. The OPE provides guidance, education and support to faculty and staff and promotes a culture of accountability. Its services cover confidential assistance in resolving concerns, training on professional standards and offering direction on university policies.
International Mentors Convene at LAU Innovate
The Fouad Makhzoumi Innovation Center hosted a panel discussion on April 5 on the Beirut campus to provide this year’s startups with insights into entrepreneurship and how to avoid the typical Startup-life pitfalls. The Director, Annie Seferian moderated the panel where the TechWomen speakers Rekha Pai—a tech innovator and impact investor with Capria and Partner at Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, US—and Jill Finlayson, an innovation leader and DEI advocate at the University of California, Berkeley, US, helped refine participants’ ideas, and offered guidance on advancing their ventures.
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