Impact Stories

Lots of people in Atlanta have heard of AUB thanks in part to the efforts—and the warm hospitality—of the WAAAUB Atlanta Chapter. “Our goal,” explains Samia Hazim (BS ’80), “is to raise the profile of AUB in Atlanta so that even more people know about the university. We are also proud that we have created a ‘home away from home’ in Atlanta for AUB alumni—and also for friends of AUB.”

Samia, who is outgoing chapter president, worked closely with Dr. Victor H. Nassar (BA ’60, MD ’64) to establish the Atlanta Chapter in 1989. “We had no idea what we were doing in the beginning,” she says, “but we did it.” She credits the “incredible community in Atlanta” for the chapter’s success. “We have not just great alumni, but great ‘friends of AUB’ as well,” she says. Some of those “friends” have been the chapter’s strongest and most generous supporters. They admire AUB, attend chapter events, and keep up with what is happening at the university. “I asked one of these ‘friends’ once, a successful businessman here in Atlanta, why he supports AUB” remembers Samia. He was surprised by her question and pointed out that the AUB alumni in Atlanta had a “tremendous impact” in the Atlanta community. “Several of my physicians and some of my closest friends are AUB alumni,” he told her. “We all support each other and are eager to help AUB’s young alumni get settled, build their networks, and advance their careers. That is what makes this community great.”

The chapter, which has over 200 members, has established an endowed scholarship fund that is supporting AUB students. The chapter has also hosted visitors from campus and occasionally organized high-profile events such as the panel discussion that took place at Emory in November 2016 as part of AUB’s 150th-anniversary celebrations, “Towards a Thriving and Abundant Life in the Middle East – The Role of AUB.” For the past year, chapter members have been working closely with AUB staff in New York and Beirut providing important feedback on the platform for the AUB Alumni Mentoring Program (AAMP) and also for the North American Healthcare Initiative (NAHI). The Atlanta Chapter held a launch event for AAMP and NAHI in November 2018.

Samia says she wishes current AUB students were more aware of how helpful alumni chapters can be when they move to a new place or are starting out in their careers. “The outstanding reputation of AUB alumni helps pave the way for future generations of alumni who come to Atlanta and other US cities to work or settle. We need to do more to let students know that there are communities all over the world that are ready to welcome them and to help them make connections,” she says.

You’ll find photos of Atlanta Chapter events here and a list of current AUB alumni chapters here.