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Commemorating the life of LAU Alumna and Supporter Marcelle Nassar Faris

The Lebanese American University (LAU) marks one year since the loss of a cherished member of its alumni donor community, Marcelle Nassar Faris, whose legacy at the institution runs deep. Sister of LAU’s eighth president, Dr. Salwa Chucri Nassar, Marcelle’s love for the institution was made clear throughout her many years of giving back to the institution up until her passing in spring 2020 at the age of 92.

“She was a hardworking, independent, and courageous woman. She will be missed and remembered fondly by all who knew and loved her,” her daughter, Samar Faris Mokaiesh, reflects.

Faris graduated from LAU in 1946, when it was still known as the Beirut College for Women (BCW), and went on to become a teacher, laboratory assistant, and journalist. Her impact on the university has been felt throughout the community, not only for the time she and her sister spent at the institution, but also for the constant support she has showed during the last several decades.

“The late Marcelle Nassar Faris was so enthusiastic and loyal to her alma mater. She passed her love for the institution that educated her to her beloved daughters, who are making every effort possible to carry on their mother’s support and love to LAU,” says Amal Abdel Massih, Executive Director of Advancement Services at the university.

Many of Faris’ donations to LAU were made towards the Salwa C. Nassar Memorial Fund, which was established in her late sister’s name in 1967. Faris and her daughters, have since been giving back to the fund, supporting student scholarships so that LAU’s brightest can continue to benefit from the excellent education that the institution gave to them.

“The lovely and countless memories of the years spent at LAU that Marcelle shared with her daughters are still alive and cherished in every way possible. She planted a great, loving seed within her daughters’ hearts, that can still be felt at LAU today,” Abdel Massih explains.

The entire community at LAU honors the life of Marcelle Nassar Faris, a loyal supporter to the institution, whose legacy on its campuses will never fade.