As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Arab world, the American University of Beirut offers an English language liberal arts program that aims to build a foundation for diversity and inclusion in a region rife with sectarian conflict. The university magazine, MainGate, seeks to highlight the ways in which AUB advances its twin missions of education and healthcare through its core values of free speech, critical thinking, and social justice. A national uprising of unprecedented unity occurred after the summer issue went to print but before fall issue was finalized. We had planned to introduce new design elements in the fall issue, and Lebanon’s vibrant street demonstrations provided the perfect opportunity to put these new ideas in place. While political and economic instability continue to disrupt daily life in Lebanon, the magazine illustrates the many ways in which the work of AUB continues.
From the Judges
MainGate Magazine is provocative, with content that captures the moment and is of interest to any reader. It’s a bold and brave output in a challenging situation, with solid photography capturing architectural elements, street imagery, and graffiti.
