The American University of Beirut has named the Renewable Energy Laboratory at the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering after engineer Issam Abu Hassan, in an effort to promote scientific research and academic studies, particularly in the field of renewable energy. The naming took place during a ceremony held at West Hall – Mahmoud Malhas Hall, under the patronage of University President Dr. Fadlo Khuri and in the presence of MP Hadi Abu Hassan and other notable figures.
The ceremony began with a video presentation about the American University of Beirut and its establishment in 1866, followed by a presentation on the Renewable Energy Laboratory, which featured testimonials from laboratory officials and doctoral students in the field. The laboratory was named after engineer Issam Abu Hassan in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the American University of Beirut in 1974, and it will provide opportunities for innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Khuri
Khuri spoke, saying: "I am happy to participate in honoring Dr. Issam Abu Hassan – the husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and philanthropist – fifty years after his graduation from the American University of Beirut, during which he achieved success in the real estate and construction sectors in Lebanon and the Arab world. Given his achievements in supporting the Faculty of Engineering, the university, and its students, it was natural to name the Renewable Energy Laboratory after him, especially in light of the repercussions of climate change and global warming, which, unfortunately, have manifested in the Hajj pilgrimage rituals with the death of hundreds of pilgrims."
He noted the "development of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture," adding: "With the development of the engineering faculty's departments and the creation of many new departments as science progresses, we celebrate today honoring Dr. Abu Hassan for his contributions to his alma mater by naming this laboratory specializing in renewable energy after him."
Abu Hassan
For his part, Abu Hassan said: "In the 50th year since my graduation from the university in 1974, my children's gift was to name the Renewable Energy Laboratory after me, in cooperation with my dear friend Dr. Imad Baalbaki, who was instrumental in the success of this endeavor, and with the blessing of President Dr. Fadlo Khuri." He pointed out that "this laboratory is for the future and for a better life for coming generations."
He added: "I thank the American University for preparing me and thousands of graduates over the course of 156 years to spread across the globe, carrying knowledge, culture, and a spirit of leadership, contributing to the renaissance of Lebanon and the Middle East." He noted that "the university has withstood all the crises that the Middle East has been subjected to, including the First and Second World Wars, the Nakba, and the Civil War."
He concluded: "Each time, the crises would pass and this university would remain steadfast through the men who succeeded one another, such as Dr. Fadlo Khuri. I hope this celebration will be an incentive for graduates to help the university remain a beacon of science in the Middle East."
Furthermore, both the Dean of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Dr. Alan Shihadeh, and Dr. Ghassan Aour highlighted the honoree's achievements in various fields.
Abu Hassan
Finally, the son of the honoree, Dr. Majd Issam Abu Hassan, delivered a speech in which he said: "Thank you all for joining us in this celebration and making it complete by your presence. Today we honor my father, but not only that, we honor the beliefs because of which his name was placed on the Renewable Energy Laboratory. Issam Abu Hassan believes in education, and that it is the greatest tool through which one can improve their standard of living. This laboratory may play a role for future generations of engineers seeking to improve their lives, their society, and the entire world. He believes in Lebanon as an economic leader free of corruption, and that this laboratory can contribute to the resurrection of Lebanon in the energy sector and the rebirth of the homeland he loves."
He added: "As a grandfather, Issam Abu Hassan believes that the greatest challenge we face today is to hand over a viable and safe world to future generations. This laboratory is his contribution to securing this better future for planet Earth and the generations to come."
He concluded: "Issam Abu Hassan believes that the only standard for success in life is the harmony and bonds between family members. It is our hope that this laboratory will be a witness and evidence that when it comes to family, he and my mother have achieved the highest levels of success. We will forever be grateful for the family you have led and supported closely; my father's name will remain forever on the Renewable Energy Laboratory. The memory of this event will be etched in us forever, so we thank you for being a part of this beautiful memory. You have all been part of my father's journey, and we are truly grateful for that."
Afterward, a dinner was held.
