Lebanese American University (Lebanon)

The Lebanese American University started as the American School for Girls (ASG), established in Beirut in 1835 by American Presbyterian missionaries. The institution has evolved to become a college and became a university in October 1992. In 1994, the Board of Regents in New York approved the university’s request to change into the Lebanese American University (LAU). LAU is a not-for-profit, private American institution governed by a Board of Trustees that derives its authority from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. LAU has five schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering and Architecture, Medicine and Pharmacy. Lebanese American University is committed to academic excellence, student-centeredness, the advancement of scholarship, the education of the whole person, and the formation of students as future leaders in a diverse world.

Institute for Peace and Justice Education

The mission of the Institute for Peace and Justice Education is to promote the creation of a peaceful, just, democratic, and humane society in harmony with nature. The institute promotes the values of global citizenship within the University and the community. Through creating and sustaining a climate of tolerance and a sense of civic duty and social responsibility among students and faculty, raising awareness of poverty, inequalities in social, economic, and educational opportunity, lack of cultural, social, economic and political freedoms- raising awareness of the importance of sustainable development. The Institute offers a Summer School program on Conflict Prevention and Transformation. The Institute also plans to add service learning components to some of its classes.

Outreach, Leadership & Empowerment

The Outreach, Leadership & Empowerment (OLE) office at LAU stands as the university’s flagship hub for student leadership development. It empowers students to lead with confidence, purpose, and integrity through immersive programs that blend leadership education, practical skill building, and real community engagement. OLE cultivates a forward-thinking generation of student leaders equipped to take initiative, solve problems and drive positive change on campus and beyond. OLE prepares students to become ethical leaders and active global citizens. By providing the tools, skills and experiences needed to excel, OLE ensures that every student has the opportunity to grow into a capable leader ready to make a meaningful impact.

Volunteer Outreach Clinic

The Volunteer Outreach Clinic (VOC) is an assembly of medical doctors and LAU pharmacy students and faculty who provide free diagnosis, medications and counseling to the underprivileged population of the Sabra and Chatila refugee camps. Since 2001, every Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m, the volunteers take time away from their families and personal activities to serve the noble cause of “it is better to give than to receive.”