By Judy Yehiaoui and Housni Antar | Staff Writers

Many blessings often go unnoticed as we go about our busy lives; we wake up every day, feeling the weight of responsibilities, and yet still finding the strength to rise… eventually. We go to university, learn, and connect despite the many deadlines and demands. We persist, driven by the privilege of an education we often take for granted. Today, we recognize the power of community and the importance of initiatives that make education accessible, like the Fingerprints Scholarship: an initiative by students, for students, that provides hope to those in need.

Founded in 2002, the Fingerprints Scholarship was established by students to foster a culture of giving back within the AUB community. The program allows graduating students to donate part or all of their student deposit – initially paid at the beginning of their AUB journey – to an endowment fund, which supports scholarships for future students. Each year, the University Student Faculty Committee (USFC) votes to match donations made by graduating students and have given generously to the program since its launch. This cycle of philanthropy not only financially helps students but also nurtures a spirit of community and generosity that will continue to benefit generations to come. Additionally, a member of the AUB Board of Trustees annually signs on to match every dollar contributed by members of the graduating class.

Through the collaboration of various AUB entities, including the Office of Advancement, the USFC, and AUB trustees, the Fingerprints Scholarship has grown into a program that impacts the lives of many students. It reflects the power of collective action and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of financial hardship. “I never imagined when I had this idea to launch a student-led scholarship fund in 2002,” remembers Senior VP for Development and Business Development, Imad B. Baalbaki, “that it would be so successful. It is a program that is very close to my heart, and it fills me with pride that this level of philanthropy is alive and well at AUB.”

Leen Ghazaoui, a recipient of the Fingerprints Scholarship, shares how receiving it transformed her life academically and personally. Coming from a family with limited financial resources where her brother plays a key role in supporting the household, Leen faced the constant fear of having to drop out of university. Her family’s financial struggles almost forced her to abandon her dream of continuing her education. But when she was selected for the Fingerprints Scholarship, her relief was immediate.

“The scholarship saved me from the stress of tuition and allowed me to focus on my studies without the fear of having to drop out,” Leen explains. “It lifted a huge burden from my family, and I was able to fully immerse myself in my academics and campus life.”

Leen’s story showcases the impact of the scholarship: the financial support enabled her to afford essential items for her major, like scrubs and a stethoscope, without having to worry about the cost. It also provided her with a sense of security, allowing her to focus on her future and goals, rather than being overwhelmed by financial uncertainty.

The Fingerprints Scholarship is more than just a financial lifeline; it embodies a culture of giving and support that strengthens the AUB community. The scholarship is made possible by the donations of students, the USFC, and trustees who contribute to the endowment fund. Regardless of the amount, all donations directly impact students like Leen, allowing them to continue their studies and pursue their dreams.

Leen dreams of becoming a nurse and is motivated to give back to the initiative that helped her. She hopes to eventually reach a point where she can contribute to the program and help others facing similar struggles.

Since its inception, the Fingerprints Scholarship has awarded over 400 scholarships to students, and the endowment fund has grown to over $2.8 million, so far generating a return of over $1 million, all of which was spent to support financially needy students. Despite challenges such as the devaluation of the Lebanese Lira, which has affected the value of donations, the program has remained resilient. It has adapted to the economic situation and continues to thrive due to the support of the AUB community.

“We’ve faced challenges, especially with the fluctuating value of the Lira,” says Nadia Hassan, who has been involved with the program for several years. “But the program has persisted, thanks to the dedication of our donors and the university’s commitment to ensuring that every student has access to education.”

Another student, Georges Al Hachem, shared his experience as a recipient of the Fingerprints Scholarship. In his own words, the Fingerprints scholarship holds a high value in the eyes of the AUB Community due to its donors. Georges recalled multiple points in his academic path in which the Fingerprints Scholarship benefited him in his journey, and in his social life.

Academically, Georges was able to fully focus on his academic journey, enhancing his knowledge & skills in the engineering sector, without the burdens of financial struggles weighing on him. As an MSFEA student, he was given the chance to benefit from the engineering faculty’s services and seek out the opportunities that would further improve his career path: “It honestly helped me a lot to focus on what I like, and what I love doing in engineering; […] so if it wasn’t for the scholarship, maybe I would’ve gotten a job or a side hustle or anything like that. Just benefiting from the scholarship helps a lot with taking it easy and just focusing on the main goal, which is my academic career.”

Socially, Georges was able to bond with fellow recipients of the same scholarship, and other AUB students. This “type of connection” is a form of communication, and a source for a positive social life.

The program allows anyone to contribute, making it an inclusive initiative that welcomes contributions of all sizes. It continues to grow, supported by a community that believes in the power of education and the importance of ensuring its accessibility to all. This is reflected in the participation rate of the graduating classes, which has grown over the years from 24% in 2002 to reach a record of 63% in 2009. Despite the severe financial crises of the past few years, students are still eager to contribute and honor this tradition, with 33% of the Class of 2024 choosing to make a gift to Fingerprints, with the overwhelming majority contributing the full value of their deposit.

As the Fingerprints Scholarship continues to flourish, its impact goes beyond financial aid; it builds a community of individuals who support one another and understand the importance of education. The program’s long-term vision is to create a lasting legacy of giving.

For those who may be struggling financially, Leen has some advice:

 “Even if things seem bleak and the pressure feels overwhelming, don’t give up. Work hard, live according to your values, and keep looking for opportunities. They will come when you least expect it.”

Leen’s words embody the spirit of the Fingerprints Scholarship: a reminder that hope is never lost, and that support is always available when needed most. Through initiatives like this, AUB continues to showcase the power of community, philanthropy, and the pursuit of education as a shared goal.