Rafa Khansa

DEARBORN— Every year, thousands of college students enthusiastically return their textbooks and dispose of their notes in anticipation of graduation. As the Arab American population continues to establish itself in local communities, the names of an increasing number of Arab American graduates are read out loud at commencement ceremonies.

Universities have graciously accepted the ethnic group, as diversity has become a vital lifeblood to the prosperity of these institutions. 

John Corvino, professor and chair of the philosophy department at Wayne State University, who read the names of walking graduates during this spring’s commencement, said diversity is the university’s greatest strength.

“The strong, visible presence of Arab American students is one of our distinctive strengths,” Corvino said. “That strength is increasingly noticeable at commencement.”

David Strauss, dean of students at WSU, said “the Arab American student community adds so much vibrancy and involvement to campus life and campus activities.”

Hashim Altawil, chair of the art history department and advisor to the Arab Student Union at Henry Ford College, said while the school does not track Arab American students, he estimates that 30 percent of the college’s students are of Arab descent. 

“I feel very proud when I see my students who are handling a job or two and coming to college and doing very well,” Altawil said. 

“I also see female Arab American students, many of them are mothers and have children and are doing just excellent, taking classes. There is something in the culture of Arab American student that pushes them to excel in academics.”

“My father graduated from AUB (American University of Beirut) with an M.D., came to the U.S. and completed his master’s at Yale; and my mother has a psychology degree right here from Wayne State University. One tough act to follow, right?

“Like most parents, my parents wanted to equip my sisters and I with the tools to succeed; and today, that means a college education.

“I tried my best to make these last five years more than just memorizing and regurgitating information for the next exam, but instead about appreciating the opportunities to be a part of something greater than myself while expanding my knowledge.

“I think we as a Dearborn community are very blessed to have each other. We don’t feel the discrimination that other Arabs around the country feel. I think we are equipped with the opportunities to go far and I am proud to be a part of such a community that has utilized these tools to make amazing changes in our community to help the next generation attain comparable, if not more, success.

“Don’t skip a single class. Respect your professors and the time and energy they put into teaching you. Answer at least three questions every lecture, whether you are certain your answer is right or not. Become more than just a grade beside a student ID number to each of your professors. Study with friends after you have studied alone. Read your textbook! Don’t Snapchat or tweet that you are studying, just study and then enjoy stress free social media after you get that A! Don’t take the easy way out in any class; be thankful for the opportunity to learn from someone with more information than you that will not judge or humiliate you. This opportunity will unfortunately not always be available to you.”