Latin America Branches History
The AUB Alumni Association of São Paulo was officially established as a cultural organization on September 25, 1922, with Nami Jafet as president and founding member. In 1925, a second branch was organized in Rio de Janeiro. The association was envisioned as a cultural, literary, and scientific body, while also organizing social gatherings to maintain close ties among alumni. Around 1950, the Mexico branch was organized.
The first elected officers of the São Paulo Association were: President Nami Jafet (B.A. 1882); Vice President Sa‘id Abu Jamra (M.D. 1892); Secretary Anis Rasi (B.A. 1899); and Treasurer George Khuri (B.A. 1910). Elections were held every three years, and over time different councils were chosen to lead the association.
In September 1972, the São Paulo Alumni Association marked its Golden Jubilee with a cocktail reception at the Hasbaya Club. On this occasion, President George Abou Samra and Shakir Dibs, secretary, highlighted the association’s longstanding contributions over the years, whether cultural, social, or through securing scholarships for students to pursue their studies both in Brazil and at the American University of Beirut.
The celebration, which was attended by a large number of dignitaries, members of the Arab diplomatic corps, and men of literature and the press, was covered by the periodicals in Sao Paolo. Letters of congratulations from President Samuel B. Kirkwood and from the Chairman of the AUB Board of Trustees were read during the celebration.
The activities of the Mexico branch were largely initiated by Ramiz Shehadeh, BBA 1939, who took the lead in reaching out to fellow alumni. With dedication and persistence, he worked to identify and establish contact with AUB graduates residing in Mexico at the time, laying the foundation for building a strong and active alumni network in the country.