A group of alumni from the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences (FAFS) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) celebrated the 90th birthday of Dean Emeritus Dr. Nouhad Daghir on Monday, February 24, 2025. The event, coordinated with the dean, Dr. Ammar Olabi and the FAFS Chapter of the Worldwide Alumni Association of AUB (WAAAUB), was held at Feluka Restaurant at the Sporting Club in Beirut. Several alumni joined the celebration virtually from the United States, Australia, and Portugal.
Dr. Daghir was accompanied by his wife, Mona, and his son, Dr. Nabil. The celebration highlighted his academic contributions and unwavering support for his students, whose successes he inspired both at home and abroad.
Notable attendees included Dr. Sabbah Al-Hajj, a lifelong colleague, Dr. Issam Bashour, and the President of the Poultry Producers Syndicate, Mr. William Boutros. We sincerely apologize for not mentioning each esteemed attendee by name, as the list is long, but please know that your presence is deeply valued and appreciated.
The event featured touching speeches, particularly from his colleagues and lifelong companions, including engineers Moussa Freiji and Antoine Sayegh, whose words encapsulated Dr. Daghir’s legacy and remarkable journey.
Dr. Nada Usayran Al-Khatib, Secretary of the Poultry Science Association, managed the online communication from Australia. Speakers included Doctors Nasri Kawar, Mamdouh Sifri, Nabil Saud, Nadim Khury, Jihad Douglas, and engineers Hoda Haddad Khouri and Halima Itani Abreu.
The in-person speakers were moderated by engineer Ghassan Sayegh, General Manager of the publishing house "MEAP."
Dr. Daghir was honored on behalf of the FAFS alumni by the President and the Secretary of the FAFS Chapter of the WAAAUB, Mr. Marc Metni and Mrs. Najah Jarush Al Abduni, respectively, in presence of the FAFS Dean Dr. Ammar Olabi. They presented him with a shield featuring a cedar tree with 90 branches, symbolizing his 90 years of proud, dignified, and noble giving—a representation of Lebanon’s eternal cedars.
In his speech, Dr. Daghir expressed gratitude to everyone, affirming that the greatest honor for him was the achievements of his students around the world.
Some photos from the dinner:
