100/100: The Full Grade (Audio)

LAU’s alumni podcast launches its second season with a special episode featuring Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (BA ’07), an alumnus of the Political Science and International Affairs program.

In this episode, President Aoun reflects on his childhood, values, career journey, and years at LAU, and engages with questions from students of the Debating Sustainability class about their hopes for Lebanon’s future. He also shares how LAU has been a cornerstone for his entire family, from his wife to his son and daughter, both of whom are also proud alumni.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the title, highlighting the enduring role of education, family, and community in shaping a leader, while celebrating LAU’s lasting impact across generations.

This episode was published on December 29, 2025.

Mayssoun Azzam, a distinguished journalist and media personality, holds her university days close to her heart. The vibrant student movement and rich culture of free speech at the Lebanese American University profoundly shaped her character and professional outlook, especially amidst the intense academic challenges she faced. She fondly remembers the dormitories at LAU as a haven of friendship and camaraderie. Looking back, Azzam encourages current students to seize every opportunity to excel, underscoring the importance of staying true to and defending the principles of journalism as the cornerstone of a meaningful career.

Episode originally scheduled for release in October 2024. Published on February 19, 2025.

Octavia Nasr, an LAU Communication Arts graduate of 1987, is a Lebanese-American and a multiple award-winning journalist. She began her career as a war correspondent in Lebanon before moving to CNN, where she became the network’s senior editor for Middle East affairs. She emphasizes that LAU taught her to accept and love others despite their differences, as the university was a diverse mix. Her advice to students is to build strong relationships, as these connections are what endure.

Episode originally scheduled for release in October 2024. Published on February 12, 2025.

Joe Farah, a 1993 Interior Design graduate of LAU, is renowned for designing the Virgin Megastore, MEA buildings, airplanes, and private jets. At his company, he employs only women, emphasizing his commitment to female empowerment and their excellence. Farah values LAU’s mandatory public speaking course, noting its importance for students’ social development in an era dominated by screens. He also appreciates LAU architecture professors’ deep knowledge of Lebanese architecture and arches, which greatly enriched his education.

Episode originally scheduled for release in October 2024. Published on January 29, 2025.

Tania Kassis, a 2003 Business (Marketing) LAU graduate, is a renowned pop-opera French-Lebanese singer and internationally acclaimed soprano. She self-deprecates that her graduation with honors doesn’t show, but she was indeed an honors student. Kassis fondly recalls the university’s cultural diversity and open environment, which inspired her spontaneous creation of the acclaimed song “Ave Maria.” She expressed pride in being an LAU alumna and admiration for the Beirut campus’ beauty and greenery, a stunning oasis at the heart of the city.

Episode originally scheduled for release in late September 2024. Published on January 22, 2025.

Elie Habib, a trailblazer in technology from SMS innovations to Anghami Music, embodies the belief that work becomes one’s identity. He takes immense pride in his achievements with Anghami and OSN. From a young age, he was captivated by computers and programming, building and selling his first software at just 16. His entrepreneurial spirit and drive to create something from nothing have defined his career.

With Anghami now generating nearly $100 million in annual revenue, Habib hopes to leave a legacy of innovation. To LAU students, especially aspiring entrepreneurs, he advises embracing independence and valuing the lessons of consumer psychology and adaptability. He recalls how his university experiences, including a memorable software project, were pivotal, how he was supported by teachers who believed in him and opened doors to new opportunities. Habib’s advice emphasizes that learning extends beyond the classroom and that creativity and perseverance are crucial in shaping one’s path.

This episode was published on September 20, 2024.

Rima Karaki, a business computer graduate turned media personality, reflects fondly on her university days, where she balanced witty mischief with character development. With a degree in finance and a secure job at the Central Bank, she made the bold choice to leave the stability of her career to chase her dream of becoming a media figure. This leap led to a life-changing journey, earning international recognition for shedding light on critical societal issues like human rights, corruption, and poverty through her bold TV programs.

Beyond her media career, she is also an author, public speaker, and media trainer, inspiring future journalists and students alike.

The most beautiful thing about her, she believes, isn’t being ranked first on any list but rather her inherent value that transcends rankings. When asked about her dreams now, she humorously replies that nothing has changed — she still feels like she has a class to run to and is late for it.

Episode released on September 11, 2024.

Dr. Petra Khoury, an LAU Pharmacy graduate of 2004 and Pharm.D. graduate of 2005, is the Global Health and Care Director at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC. She advised and led the fight against COVID-19 in one of the most resource-depleted countries in the world as the Public Health Advisor to the Prime Minister. She is proud of her LAU degree, which she found excellent and well-prepared her for further studies at Harvard. She discusses the long-term effects of COVID-19, such as headaches from long COVID, and warns that the next pandemic could occur within the next 100 years.

Episode released on September 4, 2024.

Nada Ghazal, a 1992 Advertising Design graduate of LAU, is an award-winning jewelry designer whose creations are known for their timeless beauty and soulful essence. LAU instilled in her a profound sense of freedom in expression, which became the heart and soul of her brand. The memory of walking to LAU on crisp mornings, with the scent of the earth after the first rain, remains vivid and dear to her. She envisions LAU as a precious gold stone, symbolizing its lasting value and brilliance. Nada dreams of LAU leading the way in jewelry design education. A deeply touching moment in her journey was when the Alumni Relations Office visited to celebrate her achievements, making her feel genuinely appreciated and proud of her alma mater.

Episode released on August 28, 2024.

Talal Jurdi is a well-known Lebanese actor by profession, not by major. LAU is deeply embedded in his soul, remaining a cherished part of his life long after his graduation in 1994, as he stayed there until 2000. To him, it will always be BUC (Beirut University College), the name it held during his time, where all his fond memories were made. BUC was a vibrant hub for everyone, especially for theater students who trained there. The BUC Theater Festival was the heart of the Arab theater scene, drawing the best and most influential theater personalities. This university was a true cultural sanctuary, an achievement not easily matched. The theater itself and the dedicated drama teachers at BUC shaped him profoundly, enriching his education and culture, and making him who he is today.

Episode released on August 21, 2024.