Dr. Rajai Muasher patronized on Thursday, May 9, the American University of Madaba (AUM) celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the blessing of its foundation stone by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
Present at the ceremony were Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan and the Chairman of the AUM Board of Trustees Bishop William Shomali, the governor of Madaba Hassan Al-Qiyam, First Counselor for the Apostolic Nunciature in Amman Monsignor Mauro Lalli, Patriarch Emeritus Fouad Twal, a number of Christian and Muslim clergymen, nuns, members of the administartive and academic staff, and students.
AUM President Dr. Nabil Ayoub pointed out that the AUM is moving steadily towards excellence with four batches of graduates so far who attain a high degree of efficiency and professionalism. He noted that the AUM maintains relations with universities worldwide through the agreements concluded with them which include exchange of students as this is designed to give the students more scientific and practical experience.
Chairman of the AUM Board of Trustees Bishop William Shomali said that the AUM is one of the academic institutions affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. He added that the AUM provides educational, cultural and social services to all students without discrimination relevant to race, religion, color or gender indicating that it is regarded one of the leading Jordanian academic institutions that provides scholarships and job opportunities to all Jordanians.
Dr. Muasher pointed out that the AUM plays a role in providing the local market with distinguished professional graduates, and helps create job opportunities for the Jordanian citizens. Muasher said that the AUM–with its board of trustees, educators, administrators and students– is capable of facing the mammoth future burdens armed with efficiency and expertise as well as serving as a beacon of education, knowledge and civilization in Jordan and the entire region. He continued that the AUM is one of the leading institutions in our Jordanian society, which has been taking steady steps over the past two decades in all fields, especially in the educational and academic ones which is attributed to the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ben Al Hussein.
The ceremony included a dialogue seminar moderated by Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader which dealt with the academic dimensions, the development of the local society, as well as the international dimensions and innovation. A CCSM documentary film was also screened on Pope Benedict XVI’s laying the foundation stone of the AUM.
At the end of the ceremony, an agreement was signed by the AUM and the Jordan Academy of Music, which aims at encouraging musical activities in both institutions by establishing a choir and an orchestra for the AUM. The agreement was signed by President of the AUM Board of Trustees Bishop Shomali, and by Dr. George As’ad on behalf of the academy. Mr. Mamdouh Bisharat and his wife were also honored by the Latin Bishop of Jordan with the Golden Holy Sepulcher Medal.
It is to be noted that Pope Benedict XVI was a guest of His Majesty the King and the Jordanian people from 8-11 May 2009. During the visit he met with His Majesty King Abdullah II Ben Al-Hussein, visited Our Lady of Peace Center, as well as met with youth and people with disabilities. He also visited King Hussein Ben Talal Mosque, and met with Muslim clergymen. He was welcomed by Prince Ghazi Ben Mohammed, laid the foundation stones of the AUM and the Latin Church in the Baptism Site. He also visited the Baptism Site and Mount Nebo in Madaba as well as celebrated Mass at Al Hussein Sports City.
