Commencement: June 28, 2000

The one hundred and thirty first Commencement Exercises were held at the University Athletic Field. Commencement speaker was Dr. Edward Said of Columbia and student George Rlashi, was USFC representative. A number of ministers, MPs and university presidents attended, including Minister Mohammad Youssef Baydoun representing the President of the Republic, MP Hussein Yatim representing the House Speaker, and Minister Karam Karam representing the Prime Minister. Also present were Trustees Ghassan Tueni, Ali Ghandour, Myrna Bustani and Mohammad Mashnouk. A number of ambassadors, diplomats and director generals were in the audience as well. AUB officials included President John Waterbury, vice presidents, deans, and senior university administrators.