January 18, 1984
It was with the greatest shock and sadness that we learned early this morning of the death of Dr.
Malcolm Kerr, the president of the American University of Beirut. He was a highly respected
member of the academic world who, as president of the American institution in Lebanon, worked
tirelessly and courageously to maintain the principles of academic freedom and excellence in
education. His work strengthened the historical, cultural, and academic ties between the United
States and Lebanon and other countries of the Middle East. Dr. Kerr carried on a family tradition
-- he himself was born in Beirut to parents also dedicated to the service of mankind.
Dr. Kerr's untimely and tragic death at the hands of these despicable assassins must strengthen our
resolve not to give in to the acts of terrorists. Terrorism must not be allowed to take control of
the lives, actions, or future of ourselves and our friends.