Habib University’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala ‘Al-Ihsan’ was a beautiful and inspiring evening filled with generosity and hope. Held on February 18, 2023 in Houston, TX, the event was dedicated to providing world-class liberal arts and sciences education to deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This mission is crucial in Pakistan, where only 9% of youth are enrolled in higher education due to a lack of accessibility.
The fundraiser was a resounding success, with donors, guests, and volunteers coming together to support Habib University‘s mission. The evening was themed “The Beauty of Generosity, Islam’s Profound Tradition of Giving,” highlighting the University’s dedication to accessibility and opportunities for highly skilled students. Habib University is a community-owned institution that is playing a pivotal role in reshaping philanthropy and higher education in Pakistan. Since its inception in 2014, the University has granted 100% scholarships through HU TOPS to 360 students. Today, 85% of the student body is on some sort of scholarship or financial aid.
The keynote speaker of the event, renowned author and Islamic scholar, Dr. Reza Aslan, spoke about the Islamic tradition of generosity with historical examples and urged the public to invest in higher education as a means of securing the future for all. Dr. Aslan is a huge proponent of liberal arts education and spoke about the transformative power of learning. Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi, the President of Habib University, also spoke passionately about the Institution’s mission and impact, emphasizing how Habib University is reshaping philanthropy and higher education in Pakistan.
The evening also featured two inspiring alumni, Syeda Areeba Kazmi and Osama Yousuf. Their achievements demonstrated the incredible impact of the University’s mission to provide world-class education to talented individuals regardless of their financial background.
Habib University’s commitment to accessibility and opportunities for highly skilled students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds is essential. The University’s focus on this vision is a beacon of hope for the future of education in Pakistan. The transformative power of the community of Mohsineen and the beauty of their generosity shaped the night, reaffirming the importance of providing opportunities to those who have been historically underrepresented.
In conclusion, Habib University’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala was a night to remember. It highlighted the University’s dedication to providing world-class education to deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The community-owned model of the University is reshaping philanthropy and higher education in Pakistan, and the generosity of donors, guests, and volunteers is helping to pave the way for a brighter future for the youth of Pakistan. Habib University is a shining example of how community ownership and a dedication to accessibility can create a brighter future for us all.
Donate your Zakat to Habib University in this Ramazan and become a staunch supporter of Higher Education in Pakistan.