The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) proudly celebrated a historic opening ceremony on September 4, 2024, marking the start of the 2024-25 academic year and the official inauguration of its new campus in Paphos. The event, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, as well as by the American University of Beirut (AUB) president and trustees, esteemed guests, faculty, students, and community members, represents a significant milestone in AUB’s expansion and its commitment to the region.
During the ceremony, President Christodoulides stressed the importance of educational collaboration in fostering regional development: “The establishment of AUB Mediterraneo in Paphos is an important step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education. It is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to promoting a brighter future for our countries and the region through education and cooperation.”
Chair of the AUB Board of Trustees, Abdo George Kadifa, emphasised the university’s mission: “At AUB Mediterraneo, we are committed to balancing technical and humanistic advancement to create the right future. Together, we will build a brighter future for our students, for Cyprus, and for the wider Mediterranean region.”
AUB President, Dr Fadlo R. Khuri, made reference to “the deep ties that have long bound the United States, Lebanon, and Cyprus, in particular, through the generations of Cypriot citizens who were educated at AUB, generations that include our admirable alumni who are here today to bear witness to this magnificent new campus.” Dr Khuri went on to highlight the significance of AUB Mediterraneo as a hub for innovation and cultural exchange: “We are here to work in partnership with Cyprus to help educate and empower the best and brightest of Cyprus, the region, and the world, that they may help lift their societies to more abundant and more inclusive destinies.”
Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos noted that the establishment of AUB Mediterraneo “will put Paphos and Cyprus on the world map of university education, and will act as an authoritative transmitter of the values and ideals of peace, coexistence, and cooperation.”
US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher spoke about AUB’s vision and the importance of the university in Paphos: “In a region often marked by turmoil, the presence of this campus is a beacon of hope and stability, demonstrating AUB’s long-term commitment to academic excellence and fostering opportunities for students across the region.”
AUB Mediterraneo Rector Wassim El Hajj spoke about the mission and values of AUB Mediterraneo: “As a twin campus of the American University of Beirut, all of us at AUB Mediterraneo are guided and inspired by the same values that inspired the founders of the American University of Beirut 158 years ago – commitment to excellence, understanding and overcoming fear of the other, always seeking to make the world a better place, especially for those less fortunate.” Rector El Hajj also highlighted the rapid growth and international reach of AUB Mediterraneo noting that “AUB Mediterraneo’s student body had increased dramatically ‘from 53 students from 12 countries just a year ago to more than 150 students from 26 nationalities today.”
The ceremony also included a parade of current AUB Mediterraneo students, featuring one student from each of the 27 nationalities represented in the student body; a tribute to senior AUB Cypriot alumni; a musical performance by AUB alumna Katie Economidou.
The opening ceremony on September 4, 2024 took place at AUB Mediterraneo’s new campus in Paphos, which will serve as a vibrant centre for academic and cultural exchange, reinforcing AUB’s values of knowledge, innovation and service. This new chapter in the university’s history marks a significant expansion of AUB’s impact in the region and beyond.
For more information about AUB Mediterraneo, please visit: www.aubmed.ac.cy
