The Debbane Foundation Gift

The Debbane Foundation Gift

A Transformational Investment in LAU New York

A landmark philanthropic commitment advancing scholarships, academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and LAU’s global presence in New York.

A Landmark Commitment

Advancing LAU New York’s Global Mission

In 2026, LAU announced a landmark philanthropic commitment from Trustee and longtime supporter Ray Debbane to advance the LAU New York campus, expand scholarship opportunities, and strengthen the university’s role as a bridge between Lebanon, the diaspora, and the world.

Ray Debbane’s gift through the Debbane Foundation represents a significant milestone in the growth of LAU New York and Lebanese American University’s global presence.

This landmark philanthropic commitment supports the development of the LAU New York Debbane Campus as a dynamic hub connecting students, faculty, alumni, and partners across Lebanon, New York, and the world.

Expanding Opportunity

Grounded in a shared belief in the transformative power of education, the gift expands opportunities for students, strengthens academic excellence, fosters entrepreneurship, and advances LAU’s mission on an international stage.

A Lasting Impact

Advancing Access, Innovation, and Academic Excellence

The Debbane Foundation Gift supports key initiatives that will shape the future of LAU New York.

Student Scholarships

The gift expands access to an LAU education through scholarships for talented and deserving students. By helping students pursue their academic ambitions in New York, these scholarships reinforce LAU’s longstanding commitment to educational access, excellence, and opportunity.

The Debbane Enterprise Hub

The Debbane Enterprise Hub brings together education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry engagement. Designed as a collaborative platform for students, alumni, faculty, and partners, the hub provides opportunities to develop ideas, build connections, explore ventures, and engage with the professional ecosystem of New York City.

The Debbane Endowed Distinguished Business Chair

The gift establishes the Debbane Endowed Distinguished Business Chair, further strengthening LAU’s academic leadership and the visibility of its business education in New York. The endowed chair will advance teaching, scholarship, thought leadership, and engagement with industry in areas relevant to an evolving global economy.

The Debbane Campus

A Campus Named for a Global Vision

In recognition of this historic commitment, LAU’s New York campus has been named the LAU New York Debbane Campus.

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the campus places LAU at the heart of one of the world’s leading centers for business, culture, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The Debbane Foundation Gift strengthens the campus as a platform for academic excellence, experiential learning, professional engagement, and meaningful connections between Lebanon and the wider world.

Global Connections

Connecting Lebanon to the World

Ray Debbane’s gift reflects a vision for an LAU that is deeply rooted in Lebanon while creating opportunities that extend across borders.

Through scholarships, academic leadership, entrepreneurship, and an expanded presence in New York, the gift is helping LAU prepare the next generation of students to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in an increasingly connected world.

Explore LAU New York

Discover the Opportunities at LAU New York

Explore LAU New York’s academic programs and learn how to become part of its growing global community.