Honoring AUB’s Greatest
Fall 2022
The University Medal was awarded to three remarkable individuals in AUB’s history: Professor Samir Tabet (above right), Trustee Emeritus Ali Ghandour (above center), and Professor Makhlouf Haddadin (above left). Each of these recipients demonstrated exceptional loyalty and leadership to the university during times of great need and times of exceptional growth. They are being recognized for their invaluable contributions to the vitality and continuity of one of the world’s most enduring universities
From chemistry professor since 1953 to associate dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 1969 to acting president in 1984 and vice president emeritus in 1988, Professor Samir Tabet led the university through the intensely challenging civil war years in Lebanon by the sheer force of his indomitable spirit. A broadly cultured man, Tabet is also an artist whose choice of colors and shapes is influenced by his passion for chemistry. Professor Tabet received the University Medal during a ceremony held on July 7, 2022, at AUB’s Marquand House.
Trustee Emeritus Ali Ghandour’s pure devotion to AUB’s mission fueled his remarkable philanthropy and invaluable guidance. A trustee since 1979, he helped to save the university from the ravages of the civil war and then contributed to AUB’s subsequent exceptional growth.
Ghandour was a cofounder of the President’s Club, a leadership circle of donors responsible for a wide range of initiatives to modernize campus life. A successful businessman and aviation pioneer, Ghandour helped found Jordan’s national carrier as well as six other airlines. Trustee Emeritus Ghandour passed away on August 29, 2020. He received the University Medal posthumously in September 2022.
A pioneer in the field of organic chemistry, Professor Makhlouf Haddadin was an iconic and beloved AUB professor who inspired and mentored generations of students. He was known for his co-discovery of both the Beirut Reaction in 1965, which led to more than 40 patents worldwide, and most recently the Davis-Beirut Reaction. His passion for organic chemistry was matched only by his love of Arabic history and literature. He was widely known to quote Arabic verses in the middle of class. Haddadin held key administrative positions at the university ranging from vice president of academic affairs to acting president and senior adviser to the president. Professor Haddadin passed away on September 21, 2022. He received the University Medal posthumously on October 6 at the opening of the Makhlouf Haddadin Memorial Symposium.
The AUB University Medal was established by the Board of Trustees in the spring of 1990 to be awarded periodically by a vote of the board for distinguished and meritorious service to the university
Samir Tabet, 2022
Ali Ghandour, awarded posthumously, 2022
Makhlouf Haddadin, awarded posthumously, 2022
Myrna Boustani, 2019
Farouk K. Jabre, 2018
Etel Adnan, 2017
Huguette Caland, 2017
Maroun Semaan, awarded posthumously, 2017
Ann Z. Kerr-Adams, 2010
Thomas Q. Morris, 2009
Nicola N. Khuri, 2009
Kamal A. Shair, 2007
Richard A. Debs, 2005
Paul Volcker, 2002
George Mitchell, 2002
Suliman S. Olayan, 2000
Raja N. Khuri, awarded posthumously, 2000
Samir Makdisi, 1998
Constantine Zurayk, 1991
Rafic B. Hariri, 1990, 1998