Helping others “while being far away”
Ahmad with his parents and brother after his LAU graduation ceremony.
The late Ahmad Finj receiving his diploma from former LAU president, Dr. Riyad Nassar, in 2003.
Ahmad's parents Hala and Mohammad Finj with Lana Abou Teen (left), associate director of Development at LAU.
Nothing speaks more love and patience than what Hala and Mohammad Finj showed to their late son and LAU alumnus, Ahmad Finj. The Finj’s have recently pledged to give back to the institution where Ahmad spent the best days of his life by establishing an Endowed Scholarship Fund in his name, as well as naming a bench after him on the Beirut campus.
Ahmad suffered from a rare bone disease that kept him disabled for the majority of his life, but that illness and continuous fractures did not stand in his way. During his four years at LAU, Ahmad made so many friends who truly loved him for who he was, and to this day he is missed and remembered well in the hearts of all who knew him. “LAU is a fruitful land and Ahmad was one of its fruits, and LAU equally was proud to have him as one of its graduates”, said Mohammad Finj. What set LAU apart from other universities is how they didn’t go by the book for Ahmad, he added. He is ever grateful for the physical changes and exceptions made by LAU to help Ahmad continue his studies smoothly and earn his degree. LAU officials went as far as changing the rooms where Ahmad’s classes were given if they fall on a floor that is far from his reach. Above all, LAU built a ramp around the Beirut campus for Ahmad, something which definitely helped a good number of disabled people join LAU and study here after Ahmad. “They would also have someone assist Ahmad during his exams to read questions for him and help him record his lectures due to his poor eyesight. This was a way to show that disabled people also have the chance to succeed academically,” Mrs. Finj said.
Hala Fanj, who now serves as a volunteer with LAU’s President Circle, published a book about him including memorable photos of his life with his colleagues at LAU, and his family and friends. The proceeds from the book went to help people with cases like Ahmad.
The special thing about Ahmad was that he was a very bright student, a great listener, and many say he was quite the comedian. People remember him as always telling jokes and making others laugh, not to mention how great he was at helping his friends overcome their personal issues. Regardless of his medical complications, his studies at the university were highly important to him and he always wanted to go to his classes even if he was feeling ill. “He loved life so much and never wanted to miss out on gaining knowledge and having fun!” Hala Fanj added.
He also enjoyed working at his father’s company, and was very successful at the job and wanted to eventually open up his own business. Ahmad never made us feel that we had a sick son because he knew how to live his life to the fullest, they both explained.
Ahmad passed away in 2006 after being in and out of hospital for so many times. He always wanted to thank LAU for all what this institution offered him. Last July, his parents named a bench after him; the bench is located on the upper gate area of the Beirut campus, a place where Ahmad preferred to hang around with his friends.
As part of their gratitude to LAU, the Finj family has recently established an endowed scholarship fund to help educate students in the name of Ahmad. “Ahmad’s name shall live at a place so dear to his heart, at LAU, and he will continue helping people even when he is far away. He is still to this day our passport to everything, and our inspiration to be patient, to love, and to always give, ” Ahmad’s mother concluded.
