President, LULUA Group

No matter what I say it’s just the tip of the iceberg about my thoughts and feelings about Dr. Jabbra. Meeting him for the first time almost five years ago, I thought this man is different and I have not changed my mind since. He had come to see me, and little did I know that he wanted to personally make sure that the recommendations given to him for me joining the board were appropriate before submitting them to the BOT. It was the most interesting meeting and one I did not know at the time why it was happening, but I am so glad it resulted in me joining LAU during Joe’s term. He is a bigger than life and an inspirational person that I have had the extreme pleasure to learn so much from. His humility, coupled with an awesome grandeur personality, creates such an impact that makes most people listen to him intently and attentively. Lebanon and LAU will miss Dr. Jabbra and so will I. He has carved his name in our memories deeply and lovingly. Unstoppable Joe, you brightened my life, thank you for that.

CEO, Thayer Brook

I can’t count the hours I have spent with Dr. Jabbra in the work of LAU. He has been mentor, friend and leader. I picked a photograph of an occasion when he and I took a pause from LAU duties to visit the Qadisha Valley, to consider and wonder about this ancient and spiritual place, a special one among many in that magical and complicated world that is Lebanon.

Dr. Jabbra is a man of action, but on that day he was reflective, talking about the purpose of our short time on earth, how to bind our social fabric, what our duties are to one another and, as always, how that relates to LAU’s educational and social mission.

We joked about who should stand near the edge of the precipice. I said, “We can easily get another chairman of the board if I fall into the abyss, but it will be impossible to get another Dr. Jabbra.” He demurred, and of course prevailed.

We have been blessed with a good man, a great president, and a dear friend. Let us show our gratitude by continuing his good work, by caring for our community, and by persevering in these difficult times.

Engineer, National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon

Dr. Jabbra is a great leader who did a lot for the youth of Lebanon and the MENA region. His love and passion for students is remarkable. The most important thing for him is to ensure scholarship to needy students. In all Board meetings, this was the main issue that he emphasized. Also, last year when the match results for residency at US hospitals for LAU Med students were released, and most of LAU students did match for residency at US hospitals, he was full of joy and emailed Board members to inform them of the great news. Success stories of our students after they graduate are always told to the Board. Dr. Jabbra believes in investing in the youth. I remember in one of the commencement exercises, he addressed students saying: “There is nothing wrong in making money as long as you make it decently,” and really this is what we need in Lebanon – to implant the idea of anti-corruption in the minds of these students.

Last but not least, Dr. Jabbra in all commencement exercises reminds graduates that wherever they go and whatever they do, they do not forget LAU.

President, Northeastern University

Dear Joseph,

A few years back, you gave an address to a group of students in which you told them that individual success is unmeaningful unless it’s coupled with service. As on so many other occasions, you spoke with unforgettable ardor and sincerity. At the end of your speech, I am certain that every one of those young people departed with the conviction seared into their minds that excellence is indivisible from service to humankind.

My friend, in every aspect of your illustrious life, you personify this ideal. Throughout our collaboration on the Board of LAU, you have always brought the same unerring resolve to advancing the university, enriching the lives of our students, and building a better community. Over the years of our friendship, through our many intersections in higher education, the world has changed beyond recognition. But you have always held true to your dream of a peaceful, just, prosperous, and equitable Lebanon.

Although you are stepping aside from the daily labor of the university, you will always remain a beloved leader to our community and an inspiring humanitarian to the world. And you will always be a dear friend to me.