Under the patronage of His Excellency Bishop Iyad Twal, the American University of Madaba (AUM), in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate Schools, launched special incentive scholarships for students of the Patriarchate schools. The initiative was announced during an official dinner gathering held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Church of Our Lady of Nazareth in Amman, in the presence of several bishops, reverend fathers, school principals, and teaching staff.

The gathering commenced with the Jordanian national anthem, followed by a blessing prayer delivered by Father Firas Nasrawin, General Director of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Jordan.

In his welcome speech, Eng. Azzam Shweihat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at AUM, expressed his pride in the university’s achievements over the past years. He emphasized that the university, through its clear vision and productive cooperation between its administration, board of trustees, and the Latin Patriarchate, has successfully transitioned from the establishment phase to a phase of empowerment. He noted that AUM follows well-studied plans aligned with national development priorities and market needs, reaffirming its commitment to preparing a distinguished generation of youth grounded in knowledge and values.

Eng. Shweihat added that the university continuously keeps pace with academic and scientific advancements and is committed to developing its programs in line with international standards. He proudly highlighted the university’s graduates, who are now actively contributing across various sectors and serving as outstanding models of leadership, innovation, and community engagement.

Following Eng. Shweihat’s reaffirming words, Professor Mamoun Akroush, President of AUM, expressed in his remarks the university's pride in being one of the institutions under the Latin Patriarchate, which has upheld the torch of education for over 170 years.. He highlighted AUM’s full readiness to support all institutions of the Patriarchate, rooted in its deep belief that the advancement of human beings lies at the heart of its mission.

Prof. Akroush emphasized that AUM was never just an academic institution since its founding, but has carried a national and spiritual mission that blends wisdom with knowledge.

Father Firas Nasrawin expressed his deep appreciation for what he described as a strategic partnership that ultimately serves students by opening up exceptional educational opportunities. He stressed that the collaboration with AUM aligns with the Patriarchate’s approach to empowering its students and providing them with real chances for academic excellence.

During the event, Eng. Majdi Dayyat, President Assistant for Accreditation and Quality Assurance, presented a detailed overview of the university’s key achievements and milestones. He noted that AUM has been officially licensed by the Higher Education Council and the Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research since 2005 and is also licensed by the state of New Hampshire in the United States to grant academic degrees. He shared that the university undergoes regular reviews to ensure quality and alignment with U.S. standards.

Eng. Dayyat highlighted that AUM has received official candidacy for accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of the oldest and most prestigious accrediting bodies in the U.S., which accredits world-class institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Yale, Boston University, and Dartmouth. He explained that this candidacy reflects the alignment of AUM’s programs with American higher education standards.

He also presented some of the university’s distinguished academic programs, including International Accounting and Finance, English Language, Culture and Communication, Nutrition and Health Psychology, and Digital Marketing and Innovation. He affirmed that these programs are designed to meet the latest academic and market demands and praised the university’s upgraded technological infrastructure and strategic plan aimed at excellence and innovation.

The gathering concluded with a comprehensive address by His Excellency Bishop Iyad Twal, who expressed his deep pride in the rich legacy of the Latin Patriarchate and its commitment to serving humanity and society. He emphasized that the Patriarchate’s institutions—whether educational, healthcare, social, or ecclesiastical—are founded on clear principles aimed at uplifting individuals, providing a safe environment that fosters creativity and learning, and promoting spiritual and national values.

Bishop Twal affirmed that AUM is not merely an academic institution but a vital part of the Latin Patriarchate’s mission in Jordan and the region. He noted that its academic achievements and international accreditations are clear evidence of the university’s high-quality education and dedication to preparing generations capable of contributing to the development of their communities with a spirit of openness, faith and excellence.

He also emphasized the importance of the newly announced incentive scholarships, describing them not just as financial support, but as a direct investment in the future of youth and their capabilities. He called on all schools to take advantage of these opportunities and immerse their students in a modern educational environment that embraces talents and opens doors for scientific and intellectual advancement.

Finally, he expressed his pride in all the efforts made by the university’s leadership and staff, confirming that the Latin Patriarchate will remain a key supporter of every institution that contributes to the development and empowerment of individuals. He concluded by stressing that knowledge and education are the true tools for building a bright future worthy of the youth of Jordan and the region.