The new president, Dr. John Paul Leonard, and his wife; (at right) Dr. Constantine Zurayk — the acting president — (and at left) John Case, president of the Board, who conducted the installation of Dr. Leonard as the new president of the American University
The American University of Beirut held its eighty-eighth annual commencement on the evening of Monday, July 1, distributing diplomas and academic degrees to the graduates, who numbered about 400 students, men and women.
This ceremony was distinguished by the installation of the university's new president, Dr. John Leonard, who took over his duties from Dr. Constantine Zurayk, acting president of the university.
The speaker of the ceremony was the world-famous historian Dr. Arnold Toynbee.
Dr. Zurayk delivered an eloquent address directed to the graduates, which had the most telling effect upon the souls of the listeners. As for the presidential address delivered by John Paul Leonard, it was truly splendid; its theme was: "Give me men to match my mountains."
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the President of the Republic and his lady wife,
and by Messrs. Sami al-Solh, the Prime Minister, and Adel Osseiran, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, together with a great throng of the students' families and friends, so that the number present was estimated at ten thousand...
There arrived in Lebanon at the beginning of last month Mrs. Najla Aqrawi, of the editorial family of "The Woman's Voice," who is now writing the delightful series on the theater in Paris.
Mrs. Aqrawi is accompanied by her two sons, Sabah and Amin, to spend the summer in Souk el-Gharb; her husband, Dr. Matta Aqrawi, who works at UNESCO in Paris, is to join her later.
A hearty welcome to our friend, and to the dear family our warmest wishes for pleasant days...
On the twenty-ninth of June, at the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Beirut, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Elias Qalfat to the charming Miss Janette Tawfiq Rihan. The crowning was blessed by Their Graces the venerable prelates Elia Salibi, Metropolitan of Beirut, and Elia Karam, Metropolitan of Lebanon, among others...
A crowd of family and friends
took part in the ceremony, in view of the place Mr. Qalfat holds in the hearts of those who know him. The celebration united quietness, taste, and good order.
After the crowning, the bridal couple left us for Chtaura and from there to Turkey on their honeymoon journey; to them our congratulations and wishes for a happy married life.