Volume XXV No. 2
Monday, November 15, 198'
ARTS AND SCIENCES: BEST WISHES TO DEAN SALEM
Graduate School of Business and Management
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OFFERED TO BUSINESS COMMUNITY "Chief executive officers and the computer revolution", was the theme of a brainstorming session which the Graduate School of Business and Management organized recently for twelve prominent figures in banking, industry, research, and development. The purpose of this session was to identify with chief ~xecutives various potential areas wh-e re AU B ca n provide professional services to the local business community for effective transfer and implementation of modern business technology. Messrs Fouad Abi Saleh, Issam Ashour., Mohammad Atallah, Urfan Ayyas, Hazem Chalabi, Nadim Homsi, Raif Kasse,", Yacoub Khoury, Rolf Kleinlein, Leonard Maestre, Fathi Qaddura and Fuad Siniora participated in this session. The session included a brief demonstration of the School's microcomputers, and was followed by a luncheon at the apartment of Dr. Clement Henry, the School's director. The two-hour discussion focussed on computer information systems and decision rna king, information needs of top managers, integration and implementation of modern technology in business enterprises, and decisions related to the acquisition of computers. Participants agreed that computers are becoming vital for business, but they spoke of a number of obstacles which seriously impede the growth of computer appl ication. They brought up several practical difficulties, among them the current poor infrastructure and inadequate power and communication services; fast technological development which top managers find it difficult to cont'd p 2
A special meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences was held last month on the occasion of Dean Elie A. Salem's appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Acting Dean Landry T. Slade said the purpose of the m e e tin g was to express the Faculty's best wishes to Dean Salem on his appointment. After a word of welcome to President Malcolm Kerr and Vice President Samir Thabet, Dean Slade gave the floor to President Kerr. .. President Kerr stated that the University community should be proud that a distinguished colleague, who had done so much for the University, had now been appointed to two i m po rtant govern mental positions. He knew that Dean Salem would be sorely missed in the University during his tenure in his governmental posts. Dean Salem gave a brief outline of the events leading up to his appointment and reviewed the problems, both large and small, that he saw lying ahead for the country. He stated that he had asked for a leave of absence from the University. He intended to do h is utmost to do a good job in his new duties, and he was confident of the future of Lebanon. He said .that he might ask some of his colleagues at AUB to assist him in his new duties on a formal basis, and he invited all to help him and to offer him advice on a more informal basis.
Professor Adnan Iskandar expressed his appreciation of the formidable task that lay ahead for Dr. Salem and for the Government in reunifying the nation and rebuilding the state. He said that the task could not be accomplished by traditional methods and leadership. Recalling Lincoln's words, "As our world is new, we must think anew", he called for a new mentality, a new approach and a fundamental break with the traditional methods and leadership, leading to new hope and new confidence in the future of Lebanon. He was sure that the process of building a new Lebanon was now off to a good start. He stated that the Faculty had full confidence in Elie S a I em's a b iii t Y to live up to this important challenge and pledged the full support of the
LEBANON WEEK On the occasion of Independence Day, the Lebanese Heritage Club at AUB is organizing a special " Lebarron Week" under the auspices of the Prime Minister Mr. Shafick Wazzan. The following program is scheduled for the Week: Monday, 15 November, 18:00 hrs. Opening, in Jafet Library, of the exhibition of the artistic collection of Mr. George Zeeni in the presence of President Malcolm Kerr.
AUB REGISTRATION AT NORMAL LEVEL Defying some pessimistic prqgnostications, registration for AUB's 1982-1983 winter semester is riot markedly different from that of 1981-1982. Here are the figures for last year and this year: Arts and Sciences Medicine Engineering and Architecture Nursing Health Sciences Agricultural and Food Sciences Extension Special (x-ray etc.)
Faculty as Dean Salem took up his new duties. Vice President Samir Thabet conveyed to Dean Salem the greetings and best wishes of the Board of Deans. Professor Nafhat Nasr then invited the faculty members to come to an informal meeting with Dean Salem in the Faculty Lounge.
1981 2,368 480 802 116 199 352 209 35 4,561
1982 2,310 441 82C 119 233 364 167 46 4,500
Dr. Fouad Haddad, Registrar, in a moment of cheerful optimism, said the results did not surprise him. The Lebanese always give priority to education whatever the vicissitudes of war, he noted. He added that more registering students are exp~ted to trickle in notably the AID students from Nepal who have notl'eturned yet. He explained the drop in registration for extension courses as due to the fewer number of students who are obliged to increase their English proficiency before entering AUB in the freshman class.
Tuesday, 16 November, 18:00. hrs. Lecture by Dr. Sami Makarem on "Lebanon's achievements in Arabic Literature", in West Hall. Wednesday, 17 November, 18:30 hrs. Lecture by Dr. Suheil Bushrui on Achievements of Lebanese Thought in American Literature" . Friday, 19 November, 10:00 hrs. Hoisting the Flag ceremony in Asse m b Iy Hall by "Makassed Students Group" under the patronage of the Prime Minister and in the presence of President Kerr and Government and Education officials. A speech rally will follow, with speeches by Prime Minister Wazzan, President Kerr, representatives of Makassed Students Group and the Lebanese Heritage Club. The Prime Minister will also open the exhibition of "A Poet and His Country", by Dr. Suheil Bushrui, in Jafet Library. A cedar tree will be planted by Prime Minister Wazzan and President Kerr after the opening of the exhibition. Monday, 22 November, 18:30 hrs. "Lebanon in One Evening", a festivity of music and songs depicting Lebanese heritage, to be attended by President Kerr, in West Hall. Wednesday, 24 November, 18:30 hrs. Repeat performance of the above festivity. II
Volume XXV No. 3
Monday, November 29, 1982
INDEPENDENCE DA Y ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS
Prominent participants in Marquand House.
SEMINAR: AUB IN THE SERVICE OF LEBANON An important seminar was held last Thursday in Marquand House on the theme" AUB in the Service of Lebanon: Planning for the Future." The purpose of this closed one-day seminar was to discuss and debate AUB's future plans, to enable it to fully maintain the nature of its mission and the course it should follow in its interaction with the community that it serves, part i c u larly the Lebanese community at this stage when Lebanon is preparing to start its development and reconstruction projects, and when AU B must be equal to developments and best fulfill its role. "In his statement to participants, President Kerr said: "Having recently begun my work as the ninth President of AU B, I am writing to share with you my concern for the future of this University. We are now passing through a critical time in the history of AUB, Lebanon, and the Arab world. The difficulties that confront us are numerous and the challenge is enormous. I keenly feel the need for advice in reviewing the nature of AU B's mission and in determining the course that it should follow in its interaction with the community that it serves, particularly the Lebanese community."
"AU B has developed a strong role and a good reputation over the past 116 years, but times are changing and we cannot afford to try to live on our past record. For some years we have been in the midst of a serious financial crisis. We must find ways to adjust to the needs of Lebanon and the region and to develop new activities and new methods of operating that will significantly improve our financial situation. Otherwise, AUB will slide toward mediocrity and eventual bankruptcy. I am determined not to allow that to happen, and that is why I am seeking your assistance. "
Lebanon Week on campus (November 15 - 24) which was organized by the Lebanese Heritage Club to coincide with the country's Independence Day was a distinct success. With eight different artistic, cultural musical, and ceremonial events under the auspices of H.E. the Prime Minister, Mr. Shafick Wazzan the Week was observed by students, faculty, members of the community and friends and neighbours of the University. Friday, 19th., was the Week's fullest day, celebrated in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Justice and Information, Mr. Roger Shikhani, Vice President Samir Thabet, Mr. Radwan Mawlawi, Director General of the Ministry of Information, Dean Fawzi Hajj, and Mr. Shafick Sardouk, in charge of Beirut's Municipality. In covering its activity, papers noted that for the first time in AUB's 116 years its President resorted to Arabic in addressing the large assembly of students and facutly, who gathered to hail Lebanon's I ndependence Day.
Hoisting the Flag
an example to be imitated." "We, at this University also want to join you in the field of reconstruction, namely by placing AUB's potential at the disposal of the State. It means as well that we are doing all that we can, in our education, to express our conviction that the fundamental purpose of acquiring expertise and professional qualifications at this University is to enable the
"On a suhs~"qu~"t occasion am thinking of organizing a second seminar to discuss AUB's role in the Arab world; but we begin with Lebanon, AUB's homeland, which will always be our primary base of support and object of concern; and which currently faces urgent problems" "I propose an agenda of three basic questions: a) How should AUB develop its academ ic programs to meet Lebanon's needs in the coming decades b) How can AUB best contribute to the reconstruction of Lebanon?
INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT KERR
c) What shou Id AUB do in cooperation with its alumni and the country, to raise more income and overcome its financial crisis?"
The U n.i v e r sit y Convocation for the Inauguration of Dr. Malcolm H. Kerr as Ninth President of AUB will be beld on Friday, December 3, 1982, at 4:00 p.m. in Assembly Hall. Members of the University community are welcome to attend.
Twenty Four prominent alumni and Friends of the University in various cultural, scientific, economic and industrial fields in Lebanon participated in this seminar. The seminar's work paper included several proposals on the role that AU B can undertake in t he field of development and cont'd p 2
H.E. the Minister of Information opens exhibition. President Kerr's speech was warmly applauded. He said the University was delighted to share in the festivities. "During the past eight years it was not easy for the Lebanese to celebrate properly their Independence Day, but today we have every right to do that", President Kerr remarked. He went on to say: "We are hopefu I to see Lebanon recovering its unity, ensuring its independence and looking forward to a prosperous future." "We, at the American University of Beirut, are determined to contribute to this independence. We like to see the University's students and faculty, like all Lebanese citizens, consider themselves as one body,
individual to become a productive, creative and vigorous citizen, endeavouring all the time to be of service to others." "Allow me, Your Excellency, to present to you and to our students and all the Lebanese, our best wishes on this auspicious occasion. Long live Lebanon." In his address, Mr. Shikhani said: "Being with you at this great educational institution which enjoys a world-wide reputation, I am moved by a profound feeling of youth and hope, of emerging from darkness into I ight, the darkness that our homeland suffered for years, and the light of resurrection." cont'd p 3
PAGE THREE
LEBANON WEEK ACTIVITIES cont'd from p 1 . ':Today brings to memory slmll~r days when fifty years ago an Older generation than ours broke the mandatary shackles that bound Lebanon, and released the Lebanese eagle that flew high in the sky of freedom sovereignty and independence.': Are not this eagle's two wings the children of Muhammad and of Christ?" "For hundreds of years our forefathers I ived together sharing the loaf of bread, sharin~ the good and bad days, their weddings and their funerals." II
TRI - LINGUAL PROFESSOR JOINS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Dr. Sieglinde Caruso-Heubeck, newly arrived professor of communication'; skills in the English Depaan;tEmt, brings to her assignmen't> an unusual collection intellectual specialties. " Born in Germany she took her I ast two years ()f. College at VVestern Connecticut State -College with a major in French. The next year she acquired her MA in German Literature from the University of Connecticut. F or her 1974 Ph D there she specialized in medieval studies. The.n came a stint of teaching back In West Germany for the University of Maryland, the U.S. Army's Education Centers arid Fuerth's Adult r:ducation Center, first in German, then in French and English. To top all this in 1981-82 she acquired her M.Ed in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at Boston Un iversity while she tutored and taught classes. She 'comes here from her home in Fuerth in the Nuremrberg area to which she plans to return over Christmas. On a too brief visit to Beirut ten years ago she knew she wanted to return. It has not been easy, she says, to adjust to all the changes. But she is learnil ig as much during her stay, she adds with a smile, as her students are learning from her.
of
WEDNESDAY, 8 7:00 Reading of The Swimming Maid, comedy in the Chinese manner. Art Theatre Group at Goethe I nsitute.
"This beloved cedar tre~ that we are planting today in this campus will grow high in future, God willing, healthy and proud. Young men and women, you are Lebanon's tomorrow the Lebanon that we want to r~cover and reconstruct. After the Almighty, we depend on yours arms in this task. The Government is resolute in its determination to build the new Lebanon that resembles Lebanon's rocks." Mr. Samir Alamuddin, of the Lebanese Heritage Club said in his word of welcome that this year's celebration must be worthy of the Day and full of hope. M r. Ah mad Shami of the Makassed group pointed out that the Lebanese independence brings the country together, and that both Moslems and Christians must hold to their identity and their loyalty to Lebanon. He said further that Lebanon's independence was the fruit of sacrifices by Moslems and Christians alike. Mr. Shami was hearti I y congratulated on his address. Mr. Amin Gazzi of the Lebanese Heritage Club spoke of the dual joy of the Day and the Encounter. He stressed that Lebanon's youth will surely work for the reconstruction of the country, noting that national encounter is the inevitable outcome for a homeland that suffered in order to remain alive. Mr. Qazzi's address was also applauded. Both he and Mr. Shami embraced one another in a spontaneous move.
011 Flag Day
On leaving Assembly H~II, Dean Hajj hoisted the Lebanese flag which was sa I uted by a detachment of Internal Security forces as the national anthem was sung with much emotion. The planting of a cedar tree by Mr. Shikhani and President Kerr infront of Ada Dodge Hall followed. An exh i bition in Jafet Memorial Library on the famous Lebanese writer Mikhail Naimy concluded the day's events. The exibition, entitled "A Poet And His Country" was prepared by Professor Suheil Bushrui of the Department of English who said: "If Lebanon were today to be proud of one of its treasures, its most noble symbol is ~~ikhail Naimy, this singular man who has enriched his homeland, the Arab world and humankind by his brilliant thought, clear vision and the call for the brotherhood of man." The Week began with an artistic exhibition, entitled "Tomorrow's Heritage, a Wager and a Future", of the collection of art critic George Zeeni, in the presence of President Kerr who commented saying: "An exhibition of works by young Lebanese artists means that Le banon continues to be the land of achievement and youth." In his word of welcom, Mr. Qazzi said the Week was a cultural incarnation of the Lebanese will and determination to look for a better future all the time." The second item of the ''''eek's program was a lecture by Professor Sami Makarem, of the Department of Arabic and Near
Planting cedar tree
Eastern Languages, who spoke of the contribution of Le ba nese men-of-Ietters to the Arabic language. They have rendered the Arabic language international by their intellectual and lite ra ry works that are translated into various languages, he said. Another lecture had also been given by Professor Bushrui whose theme was Lebanese literary contributions to world literature.
NON PROFESSIONAL ART The Medical Alumni announces that preparations are underway for an exhibition of paintings QY non-professional AUB Faculty, alumni and students. Deadline for submitting paintings is next January 31. For information contact Tel. 340460 Ext. 8008. Mond - Frid : 9:30 - 12:30 (Nov. 15 - Dec. 15, 1982). 2:30 - 5:00 (Dec. 16 - Jan. 31 1983). ,
EXHIBITION BY ZAHI KHURI
The exhibition of watercolors and collages by Mr. Zahi Khuri Director of Universit~ Publications begins next Thursday, 2 Oecember, at Galerie Epreuve d'Artiste, Tajer Bldg., Block Clemenceau, 15:00 - 18:30 hrs. : jj the ill vltation cards sent by the gallery, a critic notes that in time of crisis there are really only two approaches: to try to cope with it or to avoid it. Zahi Khuri has managed to do both, seizing upon i mages that the recent siege of West Beirut brought sharply into focus and transmitting them into an imaginary world which suggests both a clearer
perception of reality and, paradoxically, an escape from it. In a sense, this is what constitutes the artistic experience, and Zahi Khuri's most recent exhibition reveals not onlv his aesthetic temperament but also the determination of a sensitive spirit to triumph over the shortcomings of a lunatic world. Often working by candlelight, and with no materials at hand other than color reproductions of well known paintings and black Indian ink, he offers us a variety of images that stir the imagination and at the same time provide us with a unique insight .into the artist's confrontation with reality.