LAU held its second annual fundraising gala dinner on March 16, where it formally launched the Elie Saab Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design.

The sold-out event drew over 900 people to BIEL, including a constellation of Lebanese dignitaries and international celebrities.

In his welcoming remarks, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra thanked those present, pointing out that LAU's ascent from a small girl's school to a major regional university had been made possible by the steadfast support of donors like them.

Such support empowered LAU to grow into a formidable university anchored by a commitment to serve the community. As part of that commitment, said Jabbra, LAU and Elie Saab are joining hands to provide what is tipped to become one of the region's most highly sought-after academic degrees. The Fashion Design program will be taught in collaboration with reputable fashion schools in the United Kingdom.

"Just as the first law school and the first Arab university was in Beirut, and because Beirut is always at the forefront of new disciplines, it is natural that the first academic fashion design program in the Arab world should be in Beirut too," said guest of honor Elie Saab.

"The fact that this degree will carry my name is both a tremendous honor and a great responsibility," he told the audience. "I will sign a degree when I myself never went to university. For that reason, I would love to open a door that was closed in my face for young people wishing to pursue careers in fashion."

Applications to the program, which will begin in Fall 2013, are being accepted now.

LAU's accomplishments in recent years have been a "dream come true," said Jabbra, noting that the university's 8,000 students will soon also have access to a third campus in the heart of New York City. The new mini-campus, which will be inaugurated in September 2013, will provide students with an opportunity to study in the U.S. It will also allow American students to draw upon LAU's unique expertise in Middle Eastern studies, Islamic banking, Arabic language and conflict resolution.

Fall 2013 will mark another milestone for LAU: The first class from the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing will graduate.

The gala dinner, which was organized by a committee chaired by Jabbra, was hosted by Joumana Bou Eid. Aileen Agopian, senior vice president and international senior specialist in contemporary art at Sotheby's, flew in from the U.S. to preside over an exciting auction of antique and contemporary artwork. The evening raised over $1 million towards scholarships for needy and deserving students.

Critically acclaimed opera singer Tania Kassis delivered beautiful renditions of the Lebanese national anthem and LAU's alma mater song, while Manal Mallat provided the evening's entertainment. A short film outlining LAU's vision for growth over the next few years was shown. As the evening drew to a close, guests were offered ELIE SAAB perfume.