A Word from Our Vice President for Advancement

“It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding.” — Gibran Kahlil Gibran

While often used interchangeably, charity and philanthropy represent fundamentally different approaches to giving. Charity responds—compassionately and urgently—to immediate need. Philanthropy, by contrast, reflects a sustained commitment to long-term change.  It is guided by intention and understanding, seeking not only to relieve hardship, but to address its root causes and shape a more resilient future.  Emergency relief exemplifies charity. Investments that advance education, strengthen institutions, and expand opportunity embody philanthropy.

At the Lebanese American University, philanthropy is how we make an impact—across our campuses in Beirut, Byblos, and New York, and through the LAU Medical Center system. From modest annual contributions to major endowments and transformative gifts, every act of giving affirms our mission and enables meaningful, lasting progress. Each contribution is both an investment in LAU’s future and a partnership for its purpose.

I am honored to lead the Office of Advancement and to steward this work at a pivotal moment for the university. I am continually inspired by the deep reverence that Lebanon—and the Lebanese diaspora—hold for higher education and by the shared belief that access to a rigorous, liberal education is essential to preparing the next generation of leaders. This respect for learning mirrors the values that shaped my own upbringing and is one of the reasons I was so enthusiastic about joining LAU.

LAU is fortunate to be guided by President Chaouki Abdallah, whose bold vision positions the university as a regional and global hub for research, innovation, and academic excellence. By mobilizing LAU’s greatest assets—its dedicated faculty, talented students, and an engaged Board of Trustees—we are building an institution that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.

At the center of this momentum is the Office of Advancement—our Impact Team: a coordinated, international group committed to securing the strategic investments that bring vision into action. As we officially launch this website, we do so with a clear purpose: to invite our community to engage more deeply, to partner more thoughtfully, and to make an impact alongside us. 

We look forward to building on our strong foundation by expanding our teams in Lebanon and the United States, strengthening our capacity, and aligning our work with global best practices that reflect the scope of our mission. Most importantly, we remain dedicated to cultivating meaningful, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, and philanthropic foundations—relationships rooted in trust, shared values, and a collective belief in what LAU makes possible.