Rajai Khouri: A Legacy of Leadership, Unity, and Unwavering Support for Alumni Communities

As a Founding Member of the IC Alumni Association in Lebanon in the early 1980s, alongside President Alton Reynolds, Mr. Rajai (Class of 1962 and 1963), played a key role in establishing a global network of alumni that continues to thrive today. His visionary leadership extended beyond borders, and in 1988, he became a Founding Member of the IC Alumni Committee in London, responding to the call from IC’s administration in Lebanon to facilitate visits from President Gerrit Keator during a time of political turmoil in Beirut. In a remarkable display of ingenuity and unity, they both orchestrated the recording of the IC Alma Mater during one of these visits, ensuring it reached Beirut, where many students were unfamiliar with it due to the war. This act of cultural preservation exemplifies Mr. Rajai’s unwavering commitment to keeping the spirit of IC alive, even in the face of adversity.

Mr. Rajai became a Founding Member of the AUB Alumni Association in the U.K., uniting alumni from both institutions for networking and support. IC honored him for his key role in establishing the Alumni Association in Lebanon, recognizing his dedication to strengthening alumni ties.

Mr. Rajai’s vision for the ICAA UK Chapter, shared with Lebanese Ambassador Rami Mortada, an IC alumnus, focused on creating a strong alumni community. He advised the committee to define key objectives, envisioning the Chapter as a space for networking and a bridge for collaboration with other alumni chapters. His goal was to foster relationships and promote knowledge-sharing and career development across the global IC community.

At the “Meat the Fish” Valentine event, Mr. Rajai highlighted his commitment to supporting alumni, offering his assistance to IC alumni in London, as well as alumni from AUB and LAU. He stated, “I strongly believe that we should help each other. That is why, as mentioned in our recent gathering—thanks to Paula Haddad ’96 and Zeina El Abed ’92—I expressed my willingness to assist any IC alumni in London, as well as alumni from AUB and LAU, in any matter where my experience can be of value.”

Today, Mr. Rajai continues to inspire IC, AUB, and LAU alumni through his dedication to fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. His efforts highlight the strength of community and the bonds that unite us.