Having assisted 34 LAU students since 2018, the Z. Moukahal Charitable Foundation established by Wissam Moukahal (BS ’95) continues to support the recipients of its “Rafeek Program Scholarship” even beyond graduation over the long haul through advice, opportunities, and career help.
In a meeting with 21 of the scholars September 27 in Beirut, he explained that the foundation’s mission was to help the Lebanese youth continue their education during these difficult times.
“My relationship with you started with a financial scholarship, but I do not want it to end there,” he said.
Over the years, Moukahal has created a bond with these future leaders, remaining in constant contact with the students and counseling them about their careers and plans beyond graduation. He has also helped some of the scholars secure jobs in prestigious regional and multinational companies.
The LAU alumnus, himself, had had to rely on LAU financial aid and family assistance to complete his degree when his father went bankrupt. Since then, Moukahal has acknowledged the value of quality education as a universal right. That is why in the face of economic challenges, Moukahal increased the budget to assist as many students as possible.
As he places a huge emphasis on empowering women through his foundation, one of his conditions is that at least 50 percent of the scholarship recipients be female.
Underscoring his love for LAU, the alumnus insisted that students keep their university in mind. His speech inspired the students, whom he praised and reminded of their responsibility as future leaders of the country.
“Being here with you today, I feel hope. In fact, you are the hope,” he said. “My generation failed, but we are here to support you and we want to help you succeed,” he added.
Noting the precipitous events afflicting Lebanon since the October 17 revolution, he urged the students to help rebuild their country. Whether from Lebanon or abroad, everyone, he said, should give back to their homeland.
“From the UAE, I’ve been an active advocate for Lebanon – I’m as involved as each one of you in what is happening,” he said.
Moukahal concluded his speech by advising his students to build up and work on the individual. Choosing to leave or stay was not the issue, but what mattered was how to channel and apply their success. The listeners could have no better example than the speaker himself.
