LUMS Annual Dinner Celebrates the Spirit of Giving
On February 21, under a star-studded sky in the central courtyard of the Academic Block, the LUMS community came together for an evening of celebration, empowerment, and gratitude. The LUMS Annual Dinner marked a moment of recognition for the extraordinary individuals and organisations whose generosity drives LUMS’ mission of educational access and excellence. The evening honoured the dedication of the alumni and donors who have steadfastly supported the University, driving transformation and shaping futures.
The event acknowledged the significance of LUMS’ esteemed patrons in enabling the achievements that define LUMS as a leading institution in Pakistan. Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor of LUMS, took the stage to expound upon LUMS’ contributions to the educational landscape in Pakistan, highlighting key areas that set it apart. “One thing that is rarely acknowledged is that LUMS has broken tremendous paths in learning and education in Pakistan,” he stated, adding that LUMS was conceived at a time when few institutions offered quality graduate education in Pakistan.
He explained that LUMS was the first university in the country to introduce an MBA programme that used the Socratic method and utilised case teaching. It also ushered in the shift from a two-year BA programme to a four-year one, marking a first in the region. Additionally, LUMS was one of the first two universities in South Asia to introduce the five-year BA-LL.B programme, integrating the study of the law with the humanities.
Dr. Cheema also acknowledged the unique ‘no-boundaries’ vision of the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) and the practicum-based pedagogy of the Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education that is revolutionising educational opportunities in Pakistan. He emphasised the role of LUMS’ partners in enabling its success, highlighting the importance of their support in defining its vision for the future.
Mr. Mian Mohammad Abdullah, Chairman of the Sapphire Group and longtime patron of LUMS, delivered a keynote address emphasising the need for educational reform in Pakistan. He appreciated LUMS’ contributions to the country and offered his continued support to its mission through the Abdullah Foundation, the philanthropic arm of his group of companies.
To showcase the diversity and depth of the research taking place at LUMS, two esteemed faculty members presented the audience with highlights of their projects.
Dr. Maryam Mustafa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Director of the Saida Waheed Gender Initiative (SWGI), introduced her initiative Awaz-e-Sehat, which uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to address gender-based inequities in Pakistan’s health sector.
Dr. Momin Ayub Uppal, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and the Director of the Centre for Urban Informatics, Technology, and Policy (CITY), shared some highlights of his research on urban mobility and climate change, focusing on his projects on waste management and traffic emergency services.
Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director of the Office of Advancement, then delivered a speech to thank the supporters who drive innovation at LUMS, sharing the inspirational stories of scholars directly impacted by their generosity. “Your unwavering support since inception, whether it's been for infrastructure, for research, for financial aid, or for funding our National Outreach Programme, has created opportunities, has given hope, and, most importantly, paved the way for the success of creative minds and young individuals who are eager to make a difference in this world,” she said.
This was followed by Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Pro Chancellor of LUMS, stepping onto the stage to share the inspiring beginnings of LUMS and its journey to success. “When we started, we knew we were not on a trip—it was a journey,” he said. “But actually, it turned out to be an adventure! An adventure to see greatness, and to think big.”
He added that LUMS was successfully on the path it had set for itself, and owed its thanks to its supporters.
“It is your generous donation, your generous support, your generous feelings and your passion that excites us and helps us keep moving forward," he said. "So I just want to say: thank you ever so much for everything you've done. We assure you that we will put our very best shoulder to the wheel to make sure that your support is not wasted, and your support gets the full leverage that it deserves.”
Concluding the event on this note of gratitude, an award ceremony honoured the unwavering commitment of LUMS’ partners in progress. Guests were applauded for their dedication to the cause of education and presented with shields as emblems of appreciation. Plants from the LUMS gardens were also gifted to guests to symbolise growth, transformation, and the futures LUMS nurtures alongside its supporters.
