Welcome to the American University of Beirut’s New York Office, the Debs Center, the University’s administrative and cultural headquarters in North America located in the heart of midtown Manhattan in New York, New York. The Debs Center is the executive office of North America where the Board of Trustees meets three times a year. The office is dedicated to promoting AUB’s wealth of knowledge through cultural and social events including the monthly Beirut Briefings, and strengthening connections between AUB and the Americas through its Alumni Chapters.
If you are a potential student, alumnus, donor, friend, researcher, or new to our university community and curious about Lebanon and the Middle East,
contact us or attend one of our events in the Debs Center or around the country.
New York Office Timeline:
Before 1919, University affairs in New York City are conducted out of the offices of the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
1919
In 1919, the office is established at 18 East 41st Street. It shares space with the Near East College Association (NECA), which includes The Constantinople Women's College and Robert's College, Constantinople. The office is headed by Albert W. Staub.
1930s
In the 1930s, the office shares services and space with the NECA and moves to 50 West 50th Street.
1960s
By the 1960s, the office has grown to the point of needing an independent space. NECA changes its name to International Institutional Services (IIS), located at 548 Fifth Avenue. In 1964, the office moves to its first standalone space at 555 Fifth Avenue.
1970s
In the early 1970s the office is located at 305 East 45th Street. A gas leak explosion caused a fire destroys the office. For the next several years, the office is located at 380 Madison Avenue.
1988 - 2003
The NYO relocates to a larger space at 850 Third Avenue. IIS (International Institutional Services) is dissolved in the 1990s.
2003 - present
AUB purchases the condominium at 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (aka 305 East 47th Street), and in 2005, it names the office in honor of Dr. Richard A. Debs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (1995-2005). Eileen F. O'Connor is the first director of the office under its new name, the Debs Center.
-----
Architectural photo: Lobby and boardroom