The Women's League of the American University of Beirut honored First Lady Wafaa Sleiman, who is also president of the National Commission for Women in Lebanon, in recognition of her role in "improving the status of women in Lebanon and helping them secure their rights."
Sleiman was given the league emblem during the annual Annual Garden Party of the Women's League, held in the garden of Marquand House, residence of AUB's president, on June 7, 2010.
The party wrapped up a year of activities and service to the AUB community with the donation of a $10,500 check towards a scholarship fund for students with special needs at AUB.
Founded in 1919 by a group of women including current AUB President Peter Dorman's grandmother, Mary Dale Dorman, the league has been promoting acquaintance among women from various nationalities through their common interest in the welfare of Lebanon and the Near East.
The league organizes a series of monthly cultural events and trips to various parts of Lebanon, in order to raise funds for an annual scholarship for students with special needs at AUB.
This year's garden party consisted of a musical flamenco show, entitled "From Sevilla to Beirut," sponsored by the Embassy of Spain in Lebanon. The show featured a magnificent performance by Toni El Fenicio y Su Grupo," with their Spanish guitar tunes and flamenco dances.
In addition to the first lady, a host of dignitaries attended the event, including President Dorman and his wife, Kathy, Provost Ahmad Dallal, Spanish Ambassador Juan Carlos Gafo, Spanish First Counselor Luis Covarrubias Prado, South Korean Ambassador Young-ha Lee, Liu Zhimming, the wife of Chinese Ambassador, Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen, German Ambassador Birgitta Siefker-Eberle, Egyptian ambassador Ahmad Bidawi, General Consul of Ecuador Karam Doumit, league members and friends.
League President Leila Ghantous thanked the distinguished guests for having participated in the league's activities over the years and highlighted the role AUB has historically played in maintaining standards of excellence. "AUB has kept the course of knowledge progressing mightily, thus allowing students to aspire to a higher education," said Ghantous.
Dorman commended the efforts of the league members who are "committed to cultural exchange and civic service." The activities of the Women's League have contributed to the invigoration of life on and off campus, noted Dorman. It is important to foster understanding with institutions outside AUB's walls, added Dorman.
