Middle East University : Alumni

A Message from the President

Welcome Middle East University Alumni,

Middle East University, formerly the Adventist College of Beirut and Middle East College opened its doors in 1939. The first alumni Abraham Mazlum (Turkey), Camille Nowfel (Lebanon), and Chafic Srour (Syria) completed their undergraduate studies in 1941. Since those humble beginnings thousands of students from various backgrounds and nationalities have joined the ranks of the Alumni. The achievements and aspirations of our graduates are often the criteria for judging the success of our university. MEU graduates are widely sought after by employers. Many MEU graduates have progressed to doctoral degrees at Lebanese and overseas universities, with an outstanding record of achievement. Many have filled posts in government, schools, and companies.

We at MEU believe that we have something important to add to a good education. At its best, excellence in education triggers the enthusiasm that can bring about a difference in professional skills, social life, and personal achievement. Here are my ABCD’s as to what makes the difference.

Affection - Teaching and learning are activities born from the love for wisdom. Academia is about the mind’s love affair with wisdom. Through these affections the critical obstacle of fear can be stirred and the delight in accomplishing things in companionship can be felt.

Beauty - the unique presence sensed by each individual crafting a unique skill of competence. The graduates' capital is in the exploration of thinking and feeling, and in the competence of being creative in implementing knowledge. This leads us to find beauty, since, like poetry, it means penetrating and encountering the unknown.

Courage - Education takes place in the culmination of projects realized, or dreams poured into projects awaiting realization. This takes a lot of bravery. Similarly to the leap of faith into a life of service, the life of the alumni is a leap into their role in society. Every day we depend upon a blessing and our strife to meet our objectives, our dreams. Everyday we show the courage to change.

Design - the balance of movement and form. Here is the pull of life that incites to defy loss, to find bravery in the current that moves us, to create the balance of meaning. Our educational programs form the basis for learning and professional skills. This means a continuous flow of competent, committed professionals moving to the highways of life. Awareness of affection, beauty, courage, and design is in that flow.

Our relationship with graduates continues, as MEU increasingly becomes a lifelong resource for many. We offer a continued network between staff and students that fosters an interest in their alma mater. Thank you for your support of MEU by pointing good students and teachers in our direction, for your prayers, and for being dear friends and supporters of this amazing university.

With warm regards,

Leif Hongisto, PhD
President