Beirut: The American University of Beirut (AUB) inaugurated its 160th academic year with its annual opening ceremony on Monday, September 1, 2025. Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university gathered in Assembly Hall to mark the start of another year of scholarship, service, and discovery.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, delivered his Opening Day address, this year titled "In the Moment." Khuri emphasized that embracing the present is not just a choice but often a necessity in Lebanon and at AUB. He highlighted how awareness and purpose in the moment can provide insight and strength to build. He noted that pressure affects everyone, from students and professors to parents and nations, and outlined how these demands impact not only current lives but also future generations.
Khuri drew on the institution's origins, recounting how missionary William McClure Thomson proposed the idea of a college in Beirut in 1862, and how Daniel Bliss, AUB's founding president, realized this vision despite challenges in both the United States and the Levant. He depicted a humble beginning with a simple room of eager students and a few distinguished faculty members, emphasizing Bliss's ability to handle pressure and navigate moments of strain.
Khuri reflected on his own experiences and acknowledged the challenges faced during his tenure, from economic collapse and political instability to the hardships of students and families. Despite these challenges, he stressed that pressure has been a catalyst for positive change, resulting in a more excellent, inclusive, and mission-oriented university. He noted that the renewed focus on AUB's mission has left the institution better equipped to serve the community and regions from which it draws its students and faculty.
As he concluded, Khuri urged the AUB community to embrace the upcoming academic year with resilience and presence, encouraging them to own the moment and build the future they envision.