The American University of Beirut (AUB) organized, over three consecutive days, the 53rd graduation ceremony for 2,587 male and female students from the University’s seven faculties, and awarded an honorary doctorate in humanities to distinguished leaders through various humane endeavors.

On the ninth of June, after awarding doctorate, master’s and medical degrees to graduate students, five international prominent figures were honored with the University’s highest degree, an honorary doctorate in the field of humanities.

On the tenth of June, the celebrations continued with the distribution of bachelor’s degrees to graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Rafic Hariri Faculty of Nursing, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The Penrose Award, which is presented to distinguished alumni of the American University of Beirut, was also awarded to highest ranking students in recognition of their best qualities of scholarly research, character, leadership, and contribution to university life.

In his speech to the graduating classes, their families, the faculty and staff and alumni, AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khoury said, “In the years since we at AUB have taken on the challenges of becoming more accomplished in mind, we have doubled the number of students receiving full scholarships. Most importantly is that you, our students, continue to excel academically and professionally.”

He added: “You have revived student life on campus since you returned on October 1…You grab opportunities, seizing them for a better tomorrow. You run in student elections, organize concerts, and win the most competitive prizes in international sports competitions and Global Model United Nations competitions…”

“You are the good news to the world, and our hope for better days,” Khoury underlined.

Source: National News Agency