GC and the American University of Beirut Sign Memorandum of Understanding Establishing a Broad Educational Exchange Partnership

The agreement will cover a variety of study areas including the sciences, inequality, migration, theatre and Middle Eastern studies

NEW YORK, Nov. 20th, 2017 -- Representatives of the American University of Beirut (AUB) recently visited The Graduate Center (GC) of the City University of New York to complete a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will facilitate collaboration on teaching and research opportunities. The MOU covers multiple areas of study including the sciences, inequality, migration, theatre and Middle Eastern studies.

"Cross-cultural understanding and connections are increasingly critical assets as our world becomes more interdependent," said GC Provost and Senior Vice President Joy Connolly. "The Graduate Center is excited to be able to offer our faculty and students the kinds of educational experiences that will nurture and develop these skills."

Science and theatre will be among the first areas of study to benefit from the exchange agreement. The MOU will enhance an already established working relationship between researchers from the Graduate Center's Advanced Science Research Center and AUB. Additionally, leaders at both institutions are currently developing a plan for theatre training opportunities, which includes teaching intensives, student and artist exchanges, joint development of theatrical publications and research collaborations between faculty and students at the two institutions.

"We welcome the strengthening of ties with the Graduate Center, CUNY and we look forward to a long and impactful relationship. In higher education no institution ever corners the market in excellence and AUB is determined to seek synergy with partners where each side is outstanding in different ways," said AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri. "The Graduate Center is exactly such an institution and we are sure our partnership will have great impact on research and graduate education in Beirut, just as we hope AUB's contribution will have a positive impact on the outstanding students of the GC."


Seen in this photo during the MOU signing are (L-R) AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri and GC President Dr. Chase F. Robinson.


Joining Presidents Khuri and Robinson (center) following the MOU signing are (L-R) GC Legal Counsel and Labor Designee Lynnette Phillips, GC Professor of Theatre Peter Eckersall, GC Provost and Senior Vice President Joy Connolly, AUB Dean of Faculty of Arts and Sciences Nadia El Cheikh, GC Distinguished Professor Marvin Carlson and Martin E. Segal Theatre Executive Director Frank Hentschker.

For more information contact Tanya Domi, director of media relations, tdomi@gc.cuny.edu, 212-817-7283.

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About the Graduate Center, CUNY
The Graduate Center, CUNY, is the focal point for advanced teaching and research at The City University of New York (CUNY), the nation's largest urban public university. With over 35 doctoral and master's programs of the highest caliber, the Graduate Center fosters pioneering research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in universities and the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Graduate Center's commitment to research and scholarship for the public good is exemplified by its more than 30 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center, a 200,000 square-foot facility in upper Manhattan, designed to promote collaboration among scientists in five areas of global research and innovation: nanoscience, photonics, structural biology, neuroscience, and environmental sciences.

The Graduate Center benefits from highly ambitious and diverse students and alumni -- who in turn teach hundreds of thousands of undergraduates every year. Through its public programs, the Graduate Center enhances New York City's intellectual and cultural life.

About AUB
Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 700 full-time faculty members and a student body of about 8,500 students. AUB currently offers more than 130 programs leading to bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center that includes a full-service 420-bed hospital.