Inaugural Chicago Event: Raising Awareness on Higher Education Challenges
In a landmark moment for Habib University, the institution hosted its inaugural event in Chicago on February 5th, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its global outreach. The event, which focused on raising awareness, featured an in-depth presentation by President Wasif Rizvi on the pressing challenges facing higher education in Pakistan.
President Rizvi identified three critical challenges: the narrowing of intellectual experiences due to a vocational approach to education, severely limited access to higher education, and the absence of community support for higher education. He highlighted how Pakistan’s historical emphasis on technical and vocational education has sidelined the humanities and social sciences, leaving students disengaged from their own cultural and historical realities. Furthermore, the privatization of education has deepened inequities, with elite private institutions largely inaccessible to public school students. Lastly, despite Pakistan’s strong philanthropic culture, very little of this generosity is directed towards higher education, further exacerbating accessibility issues.
The event was hosted by the founding members of the Habib University Chicago community: Mr. Haris Ahmed, Mr. Aamir Chalisa, Mr. Rafiq Mohammadi, and Mr. Ashraf Lakhany. Mr. Zain Jeewanjee, a prominent supporter from California, also attended and endorsed the university’s mission. The gathering attracted a distinguished audience of business leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs, all eager to learn more about Habib University’s vision and impact.
Houston Event: Reviving the Tradition of Islamic Philanthropy
The following evening, on February 6th, Habib University held a significant event in Houston, centering around the revival of Islamic philanthropy. Hosted by the member Board of Governors and an ardent supporter of the university, Mr. Shoukat Dhanani, the event brought together senior community members to discuss the role of waqf and religious giving in building enduring institutions. President Wasif Rizvi underscored the historical importance of religious endowments in supporting educational institutions and emphasized the need to reestablish higher education as a societal and community-driven cause.
A Call to Support Higher Education in Pakistan
President Rizvi also addressed a common misconception: while immediate causes such as primary education and healthcare receive significant philanthropic attention, higher education is often overlooked as a charitable cause. He emphasized that investment in universities like Habib is essential for long-term societal progress, as higher education plays a pivotal role in developing leaders, fostering critical thinking, and driving innovation.
These events in Chicago and Houston reflect Habib University’s growing influence in North America, strengthening its global community and reinforcing the crucial role of higher education in Pakistan’s progress.
