AUB Community visits to Latin America
Through the years, the American University of Beirut (AUB) actively fostered connections with Latin America through visits by its distinguished community members, highlighting the university’s commitment to outreach and engagement.
Dr. Philip K. Hitti visited Brazil as “The Educational Ambassador from Syria,” in 1925 and raising $10,000 for the Alumni Fund in a single sitting. His visit strengthened AUB’s ties with the Brazilian Syrian community and inspired generous contributions, including from non-alumni.
Dr. George Tomeh (BA 41, MA 44), former acting dean of students and United Arab Republic Consul General in New York, attended an alumni luncheon in 1959 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, representing AUB and outlining the university’s mission and contributions to the Middle East. Dr. Samir Thabit received an invitation to deliver a lecture at the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, in 1960 in Rio before returning to the U.S. for a lecture tour.
Professor Emile Ghattas stopped in Brazil en route from Argentina, in 1972 meeting with the Sao Paulo Alumni Association and delivering a special message from President Kirkwood, discussing AUB’s conditions and fundraising opportunities. These visits exemplify AUB’s sustained effort to maintain strong connections with Latin American alumni and communities, promoting educational collaboration and support for the university.
Professor Nabil A. Dajani, assistant professor of mass communication, represented UNESCO at the International Association of Mass Communication Research (IAMCR) 1975, congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was elected co-chairman of the section for developing countries.