First Graduating Class in Pharmacy, 1875
The School of Pharmacy at the American University of Beirut, established in 1871 as part of the School of Medicine, played a pioneering role in advancing pharmaceutical education in the region. Its purpose-built facility was completed in 1892, and the school quickly gained a reputation for excellence through distinguished faculty and graduates.
Among its earliest graduates, the Class of 1875 (Ph.M.) included:
- Salim Hallak, a pharmacist who became a lawyer in B‘aklin.
- Dawud Nahhul, a pharmacist from Dayr al-Qamar held prominent public roles, including membership in Beirut’s Administrative Council (1915–1920) and leadership in the Medical Pharmaceutical Society.
Graduates of the school went on to assume key leadership positions in public health and private industry. Many were appointed to manage regional branches of major European and American pharmaceutical companies, served as consultants, established pharmacies and pharmaceutical factories, and contributed to the development of modern pharmacy laws and education in the Middle East.