Welcome to this special edition of Habitus, where we share exciting updates on our community’s developments from January to February 2025. In this newsletter, we proudly honor our brilliant alumni who are making significant strides in their professional and graduate journeys. We also celebrate the milestone of achieving full professorships for the first time in our institution’s history. Additionally, we highlight our growing global community dedicated to our philanthropic mission and recognize our students for their outstanding academic achievements. We hope you enjoy reading this edition!
SOARING SUCCESS
HU TOPS Scholar Osama Yousuf Successfully Defends PhD at George Washington University
With his trailblazing discoveries in cutting-edge AI research, HU TOPS scholar Osama Yousuf has earned his PhD from George Washington University in just four years! His dissertation explores the acceleration of artificial neural networks through innovative neuromorphic and in-memory computing architectures, with a focus on memristor technology. Reflecting on his journey, Osama credits his transformative years at Habib University for equipping him with the skills and vision to excel in graduate studies and beyond.
Awards and Honors: Celebrating Student Academic Excellence
Habib University celebrated academic excellence at the Awards and Honors Ceremony, recognizing students on the Dean’s List and President’s List. Top achievers received High Academic Achievement and High Academic Leap Scholarships. Habib University takes immense pride in celebrating student accomplishments and success at every stage of their academic journey. Congratulations to all honorees for their dedication and remarkable achievements!
Excelling Worldwide: Alumni Success Stories
Habib University alumni are making significant strides both locally and internationally, showcasing the value of the university’s intellectual experience. Their success stories highlight the innovative skills and knowledge they have gained, which have the potential to make a positive impact on the world and give back meaningfully to the community. From bringing innovation in industry, becoming trailblazers in research, and achieving academic milestones, our alumni excel in their fields.
A Historic First: Faculty Members Gain Full Professorship
Habib University celebrates a remarkable milestone: six outstanding faculty members have ascended to senior ranks, with a majority from the Electrical and Computer Engineering program. In a historic first for the institution, three professors have achieved full professorship. The promotion highlights their excellence in teaching, innovative contributions, and steadfast commitment to Habib University’s strategic mission and vision.
FOSTERING INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
Habib University Featured in Forbes: Redefining Higher Education in Pakistan
Featured in Forbes by Bryan Penprase, Habib University exemplifies a paradigm shift in higher education, challenging entrenched systems and reclaiming intellectual autonomy. The University offers a humanistic, critically engaged education rooted in its own historical and epistemic traditions, representing a revolution in what education can and should be. This is not just an institution; it‘s a transformative force in the educational landscape.
Habib University hosts second lecture in Imam Ali (A.S) Endowed Faculty Chair Lecture Series featuring Dr Purohit
Habib University hosted the second lecture in the Imam Ali (A.S.) Lecture Series, exploring the charismatic paradigm in Islamic thought. The creation of the Imam Ali (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and Humanities marks a significant milestone in advancing the intellectual pursuits of Habib University. Moderated by Basharat Issa, the event featured Dr. Teena Purohit from Boston University, who discussed leadership, religiosity, and modernity, highlighting Imam Ali’s (A.S.) legacy that transcends sectarian and religious boundaries.
Wujuud-i-Zan Conference: Advancing Gender Equity and Feminist Scholarship
The Wujuud–i-Zan Conference at Habib University fostered critical discourse on gender, history, and equity. Aligning with the institution’s reparative mission, it challenged colonial legacies, amplified feminist scholarship, and reimagined societal structures. The dialogues laid blueprints for a future where women play influential roles in society.
Cultivating connections, nurturing community growth
Zakat for Change: Strengthening Institutions, Shaping Futures
For centuries, Islamic Philanthropy shaped civilizations, yet Zakat remains untapped for long-term transformation. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics underscores the importance of inclusive institutions. So why hasn’t Zakat fueled lasting change? At Habib University, Zakat builds knowledge, empowers students, and transforms societies. Zakat for Change: Strengthening Institutions, Shaping Futures challenges us to rethink Islamic giving.
Empowering Through Waqf: Dr. Bullock's Lecture on Islamic Philanthropy
On February 22, 2025, Dr. Katherine Bullock, lecturer in Islamic Politics at University of Toronto, lectured at Habib University on waqf’s historical and contemporary significance, highlighting its transformative impact on education and society. This event was part of the Reshaping Philanthropy in the Islamic World series, aimed at reimagining charitable giving for higher education and knowledge creation.
Supporting Women in STEM, Honoring South Asian Music: Muhammad Rafi Scholarship
Habib University proudly announced the Muhammad Rafi Scholarship Grant, honoring Mr. Ashraf Habibullah’s contributions. This scholarship supports women in STEM and preserves South Asian musical heritage. It bridges art and science, ensuring Rafi’s melodies and Mr. Habibullah’s designs inspire future generations. The grant reinforces interdisciplinary inspiration, celebrating one of South Asia’s most celebrated voices.
Mee Raqsam: A Musical Homage to Ashraf Habibullah
Habib University presented Mee Raqsam, a musical theatre tribute to Ashraf Habibullah and his commitment to education through the Amtul Hafiz Habibullah Endowment Fund for Women in STEM. The event explored themes of home, identity, and generosity, bringing together a diverse audience and earning heartfelt ovations for its powerful performance. Through movement, music, and narrative, the performance explored home, belonging, identity, defiance, hope, and service, reflecting the impact of community and generosity in shaping futures.
Fostering Global Connections in Chicago and Houston
Habib University hosted its inaugural event in Chicago, USA, on February 5th, 2025, focused on raising awareness, and featuring a presentation by President Wasif Rizvi on the pressing challenges facing higher education in Pakistan. The following evening in Houston, Mr Shoukat Dhanani, member Board of Governors and an ardent supporter of the university, hosted an evening that brought together senior community members to discuss the role of waqf and religious giving in building enduring institutions.
Bridging the Gender Gap: Establishing the Amtul Hafiz Habibullah STEM scholarship
Habib University launched the Amtul Hafiz Habibullah Scholarship Fund, established by Ashraf Habibullah, to empower Pakistani women in STEM and humanities. Named after his mother, an esteemed educator, this fund aims to advance gender equity and transform Pakistan’s educational landscape.
