Impact Stories

“Teddy” – as he was known by everyone – Christidis (BS Physics ’67, MS Physics ’70, PhD Physics ’74) was loved at AUB where he spent 46 years as an assistant professor (1977-86), associate professor (1986-2022), and assistant to the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences for laboratory affairs (2004-22). News of his passing on November 27, 2022, was mourned by colleagues at AUB and generations of AUB students around the world who remembered his skills and his wisdom, his generosity and his compassion, and his humanity.

Professor Christidis’s wife, Anbar Nashashibi, and his children, Omar, Nadia, and Nour, have established the Teddy Christidis Excellence Award in Physics at AUB, an annual award granted to an excellent student graduating with a BS degree in physics who has demonstrated depth and maturity and a keen appreciation of physics – from theoretical knowledge to experimentation. The award was granted for the first time in June 2023 to Michael Hanna El Helou.

“AUB and the Physics Department were my father’s home away from home, and his labs, experiments, and classes were his deep passion,” said Omar, on behalf of his family. “He taught a generation of students not only about physics, but also how to think critically, rigorously, and scientifically. We are proud to establish this prize to recognize future generations of brilliant physicists, who will carry on in his footsteps and legacy.”

Commenting on the award, Senior Vice President for Advancement and Business Development Imad B. Baalbaki said, “As a long-time member of the AUB family myself, I had the privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Christidis for many years. He was a warm and generous man who cared deeply for his students and our university. We are all profoundly touched by the family’s decision to establish this permanent – and living – memorial that celebrates the enduring legacy of Professor Christidis at the university that he loved and served so well for so many years.”