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SUMMER
2012
7
structures that must be built around the
school’s existing educational program
– a move that would be changing the
standards in IC’s educational system.The
committee studied every aspect conceiv-
able. Was something missing? Do these
plans project the needs of the school for
the future? Do they preserve the natural
environment?
“The most difficult decision was actually
to agree on a conceptual design because
this was the defining moment,” said Ta-
her. “Once you accept the final design you
are hooked to that. It is irreversible.”
Finally, the design was deemed perfect.
The Board gave its approval. In November
2010, the ground was broken.There was
no going back.
And so began IC’s first major construc-
tion project since a century ago.
“Do I feel a little anticipation?” said Taher.
“Of course.There’s always a little ap-
prehension to see whether the result will
come out exactly as you had envisioned.
But I feel that we are watching a new
transformation for IC and these buildings
are the first landmarks of this big change.”
Money – lots of it - would help…
In 2009, the Partnership for Excellence
Campaign was launched.The goal was
to raise $55m not only to cover the cost
of the new elementary school, but also to
finance a master plan which would in-
clude the renovations of the IC’s histori-
cal buildings and the building of a new
middle school. Another master plan is
being drawn up for the Ain Aar campus.
Alumni, parents, and IC friends were ap-
proached. It was essentially up to them to
fund to the project.
Enter Vice President for Alumni and
Development, Moufid Beydoun.The 1964
alumnus, a public relations natural, was
tasked with the challenge.
And so the travels began and still continue.
Every few months, Beydoun - frequently
accompanied by IC President John Johnson
- heads to the US, Europe, and the Arab
countries. Many alumni reunions and meet-
ings are held. Speeches are given and pledges
collected (see Development section).
“It’s worth it,” said Beydoun, who despite
the hectic traveling schedule always seems
jovial. “This is something that I have
been dreaming about for a long time.
We worked on it so much that I never
thought it would actually happen.”
Far from being disturbed by the construc-
tion racket just beyond his office window,
Beydoun smiled contently.
“I’m very proud,” he said, “especially that
a good part of my work was to help secure
the financing of these buildings.They are
our babies.”
Thousands of hours later….
On the last floor in Thomson Hall, John-
son and Senior Vice President, Mishka
Mourani, are conferring in the president’s
office.The mundane budget talks aside,
they are continuing the never-ending
discussions about the new elementary
school. Over the past two years, Johnson
has become well versed in every detail of
the new buildings – he had to, seeing that
his speeches at various IC reunions are in-
strumental in soliciting the needed funds.
Recently, however, he’s been facing another
challenge: furnishing the three buildings.
For the past few weeks, directors and
interior architects (with the advice of
international school consultants) have
been trying to figure out and choose the
suitable fittings and equipment – a rather
overwhelming task.
“Relief ?” he said. “I won’t feel any relief
“This is something that I have been dreaming about
for a long time. We worked on it so much that I never
thought it would actually happen.”