Impact Stories

As the great granddaughter of university founder Daniel Bliss, Margit Bliss Orange knows the American University of Beirut well. She grew up and spent part of her childhood in Lebanon where her father, H. Huntington Bliss, was chairman of the English Department at International College (IC). Margit and her husband, Arnold Orange, established a scholarship fund at AUB in 2018 that they support regularly.

She and Arnold also understand the importance of helping current AUB students – especially these days. “Even a modest amount – even a contribution that will pay for only one year at AUB – can make a difference,” she says. “I am really pleased when I hear that many AUB alumni, who have benefited so much from an AUB education, are becoming strong supporters of the university. I hope even more will choose to give in the future.”

Margit and Arnold share a profound appreciation of the role that AUB plays “as a great anchor in the Middle East” and as a place that educates people of all faiths. “Although we are not AUB alumni ourselves, we feel that it is important to support AUB – and that our donation will truly make a difference, so we give what we can,” explains Margit. They are also proud of the Bliss legacy at AUB which, as Margit notes, “is celebrated even today.”

“It is especially meaningful to receive support from the Bliss family – and from other alumni and friends who have long and deep ties with our university and a strong appreciation of the important role that it plays in Lebanon and the region,” says Associate Vice President for Development Walid Katergi. “We are all deeply grateful to Margit and Arnie for their philanthropy.”