Why I Give: Ghassan Saab
Ghassan Saab is a believer in the power of education. He and his wife, Manal, established the Ghassan and Manal Saab Foundation, a charitable institution that, among other things, focuses on educational giving. He has said that “there is not a better gift to Arab and Lebanese youth than that of a good education” and his commitment to ensuring numerous deserving students from Lebanon have access to a good education runs very deep.
Saab’s involvement with LAU dates back to the early 1980s. Since then he has held the position of chairman of the Board of Trustees and established a scholarship fund honoring his late father, Mahmoud Khalil Saab, who was an educator for part of his career. In addition to his ongoing service to LAU and the Board, Saab is also committed to meeting the educational needs of students in his hometown of Flint, Michigan, where he serves in an advisory role to the chancellor, president and Board of Regents at the University of Michigan - Flint.
Saab’s commitment to supporting education at LAU stems from his “strong belief in the value of American higher education and its potential positive impact on Lebanese and Arab society.” Having attended AUB, he understands first-hand the value of an American education. After completing his degree in Civil Engineering, Saab moved to Michigan where he joined and later became the owner and CEO of Sorensen Gross Construction Services. While he lives in and operates the company out of Flint he remains deeply connected to Lebanon and LAU. Impressed with President Jabbra’s achievements since taking over the reigns of the University, he said recently, “Dr. Jabbra has taken the University forward in record time.” Having seen some of the more difficult periods LAU has experienced, Saab is now “looking at the brightest days of the University” under President Jabbra’s leadership.
