Commencement: July 15, 1998
“Commencement was held on July 15, 1998. Degrees were awarded to 1087 students. President of the Republic Elias Harawi attended the ceremony and gave a brief and gracious speech, expressing his admiration and support for the AUB. President Waterbury also spoke as did graduating senior Kablan Franjieh, the Vice President of the University Student-Faculty Council. Trustees Ghandour and Sharaf attended the ceremony, as did Minister of State Siniora, Ministers Hagop Demerdjian and Shahe Barsoumian and Deputy Bahia al-Hariri.The Russian and Italian ambassadors, the U.S. Charge d'Affairs Greg Perry, and Palestinian House Speaker Tayseer Kubbaah were present. LAU President Riad Nassar, Beirut Arab University President Mohammad Fathi Abou Ayanah and Haigazian University President John Khanjian also attended the ceremony…”[5]
[5] John Waterbury, AUB President The President's report to the Board of Trustees