PRESS RELEASES 2007
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs C. David Welch Presents Check to Lebanese American University (LAU) for Student Scholarships
May 16, 2007
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs C. David Welch, U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef presented a check for $970,137 to Lebanese American University (LAU) President Joseph Jabbra for student scholarships on May 16, 2007. The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided $2.4 million this year in scholarship support. These funds enable 265 Lebanese students from diverse regions of Lebanon to attend LAU—an opportunity they are able to realize through U.S. Government support. In remarks at the Ambassador’s residence, Assistant Secretary Welch noted that the United States had in the past ten years provided more than $64 million dollars to four American educational institutions in Lebanon: Lebanese American University, American University of Beirut, International College and the American Community School. He said: “These outstanding educational institutions, established by Americans more than a century ago, represent the enduring and long-term commitment of the United States to Lebanon and embody our belief in equal opportunity for all. Our support to LAU and other American educational institutions also underscores the importance the United States accords to education and its role in promoting a democratic and economically prosperous Lebanon.”
Five Lebanese LAU beneficiaries of U.S. scholarship funds spoke about their experience at LAU, as well as their studies and future career objectives. Assistant Secretary Welch expressed his pride that the United States had invested in the students. “Your energy, talents and commitment to Lebanon make me optimistic about the future of this country and the region.” The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. USAID’s program promotes economic opportunities, job creation, good governance and environmental policies and practices in rural Lebanon. USAID provides $40 million assistance a year and works in partnership with U.S. and Lebanese organizations throughout the country. USAID strengthens the relationship between the people of Lebanon and the people of the United States, and promotes a shared vision of democracy and socio-economic development.
For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s website www.usaidlebanon.org.lb.
