Impact Stories

Alumnus Rami Bitar (EMBA ’08) recently made a gift to the American University of Beirut to establish the Rami Bitar Scholarships, which benefit undergraduate and medical students who excel academically and come from underprivileged families. “We believe in the important role that the American University of Beirut has played and is still playing in forming leaders who are capable of impacting and shaping a better future for our beloved country and the region,” he explains.

Bitar, the managing partner of Bitar International in Lebanon and founder of Tawfeer Supermarkets, specifically requested that the scholarship be structured to support the Sustainable Development Goal for gender balance, providing women with equal access to education as men. This aligns with Bitar’s commitment to contribute to narrowing the gender gap. Bitar says, “I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of empowering women. Women offer a unique set of skills and perspectives that are essential to driving innovation and success in any organization. Investing in the education, development, and advancement of women is one of the best ways to create a more equal and equitable world. Women should be given the same opportunities and resources as men, enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to our society and economy.” The scholarship established at AUB is one of many CSR initiatives that Mr. Bitar champions often in partnership with NGOs and international organizations such as the World Food Program, International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Global Compact, and the United States Agency for International Development. Bitar explains, “I believe that those who have the means to give back should do so.”

“We are deeply grateful to alumni partners like Rami Bitar,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement and Business Development Imad B. Baalbaki, “especially these days when the need for student support is urgent – and growing. Our university is making extraordinary efforts to ensure that students enrolled at AUB can continue their studies until they graduate – and to support incoming students as well. We expect to be awarding more than $110 million in the current academic year. Almost one-quarter of AUB students are receiving support from donor-funded scholarships, such as this one that is being established by Rami Bitar. The support of donors like him is critical during these challenging times.”