NNA - The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) unveiled its newly renovated faculty lounge, made possible through a generous donation from the family of Professor Said Elfakhani and dedicated in his honor. The ceremony brought together his family, AUB leadership, OSB faculty and staff, his former students, colleagues, and friends to celebrate his contributions to the school.
The Said Elfakhani Faculty Lounge at OSB provides a space to gather, exchange ideas, and strengthen the connections that contribute to the school's collaborative culture. Its dedication honors Elfakhani's enduring commitment to OSB and his belief in the importance of community and giving back to AUB.
A professor of finance, Elfakhani first joined AUB in 1998 and served until 2009. He returned in 2014 and continued at OSB until his retirement in August 2026. His academic and leadership roles at the school included associate dean for programs, associate dean of executive and continuing education, and convener of the finance, accounting, and managerial economics track, with contributions spanning teaching, research, program development, and service to the school.
Opening the ceremony, Professor Yusuf Sidani, OSB dean, spoke of his longstanding relationship with Elfakhani and thanked him for his commitment and contributions to the university and school. "I have known Dr. Said since 1998, and it has been a pleasure ever since," he said. "His support to the school, his passion for AUB, and his willingness to defend AUB and OSB at every instance is something to be emulated."
Professor Zaher Dawy, AUB provost, highlighted the role of physical spaces in sustaining a university community. "Buildings aren't just walls and windows. They are where our work lives. It's where our faculty, students, and staff grow, and where ideas flourish," he said. Dawy noted that naming the faculty lounge in Elfakhani's honor was particularly fitting given his dedication to bringing people together, mentoring generations of learners, and building a sense of community at AUB.
Dr. Imad Baalbaki, AUB senior vice president for advancement and business development, recalled recruiting Elfakhani while serving as director of the School of Business, as it was then called. He described the university as "extremely fortunate" to have welcomed Elfakhani and highlighted his role as OSB's first associate dean in helping establish the school's foundations.
AUB Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff Mary Jaber recognized Elfakhani's broader impact on the AUB community and the relationships he has built throughout his time at the university. "Life takes us on many journeys, and you have had such a wonderful impact at AUB," she said. "Always remember us, always visit us, and we thank you for everything you have done."
Professor Salim Chahine, former OSB dean, spoke about the lounge's lasting significance and the memories it would preserve for generations. "Organizations do not have memory, but people do, and today walls will have that memory," he said, thanking Elfakhani for his contributions and wishing him well in his next chapter.
In his remarks, Elfakhani reflected with humility and gratitude on his relationship with AUB. He acknowledged the time and dedication he had devoted to the university throughout his career while emphasizing how much it had given him in return. He spoke of the recognition and respect he had received and the deep personal connection he and his family share with AUB. Encouraging others to continue supporting the institution, he said, "I encourage everyone to always give back to AUB. This is our house, our home. And I'm proud of AUB."
The Said Elfakhani Faculty Lounge is a lasting tribute to his contributions to OSB. By offering future generations of faculty a place to connect and collaborate, it carries forward the spirit of community he nurtured throughout his years at the school.
