Dr Frank F Islam, United States of America based Entrepreneur, Investor, well known philanthropist and Aligarh Muslim University alumnus inaugurated the newly constructed Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex in the AMU Campus on Sunday, 12th February, 2017.
The First phase of the complex has been constructed at the cost of Rs 20 crore and it will serve as the Faculty of Management Studies and Research. The new complex is constructed in an area sprawling three acres in Sir Syed House Complex. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Islam expressed his gratitude towards the AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah (Veteran) and other people associated with the construction of the complex.
Highlighting the reason for the construction f the Complex, Dr Islam said: By Investing in the Management Complex, the emphasis will be on entrepreneurship and preparing the students at AMU to become entrepreneurial leaders, who will engage in economic development that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people in India and around the world.
He added that from this Management Complex, will come leaders, who will make India and world a better place. They will be leaders rather than managers, executives, business owners and entrepreneurs, said Dr Islam adding that as leaders play a special role in making society and the world a better place. During his speech, Dr Islam quoted an American saying, managers do things right and leaders do the right thing.
Dr Islam also praised the AMU alumni for extending their helping hand towards the development of AMU. He stated that AMU founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan saw AMU as a mighty tree with branches, which will spread all over the World.
Talking about the AMU Alumni, Dr Islam said that AMU alumni all over the world share a common characteristic of technical expertise and moral fortitude and this trait has enabled AMU graduates to make their mark in the world as positive role models.
AMU Vice Chancellor, General Shah said that when people were not sure about when this Management Complex will come into being, he told them that this Complex will soon become a reality. â??Later, with Godâ??s will, I met Dr Islam and told him that AMU has shaped his success story and he should contribute to his Alma Mater,â?? said General Shah adding that Dr Islam agreed to give all his support and the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex is today a reality.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor also informed that AMU alumnus, Dr Nadeem Tarin has agreed to construct the Phase II of this Management Complex. This is only a beginning of a journey, which will see many such developments in the campus, said General Shah.
The Vice Chancellor further said that he has assured the AMU alumni that their donated money will be spent in the development of the AMU campus in the best possible ways.
AMU alumnus, Dr Ameer Ahamed, Chairman, Manappat Group said that this Management Complex is sowing of a seed and there is a road ahead. He added that there was a time, when financial problems became a hurdle to make this Management Complex a reality but after the sustained efforts of the Vice Chancellor, these hurdles were taken care of.
Professor Abad Ahmad, former Chair Professor, Rafi Ahmad Kidwai Chair, Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia said this is a historic day for AMU and the Country as this Management Complex will produce future leaders. He further said that this establishment of the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex is also unique as there is no other example in India, where alumni have and donated and contributed this way.
While giving introduction of Dr Islam to the gathering, Mr Syed Ali Rizvi said that Dr Islam serves on many boards and advisory councils including: the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Brookings Institution, the Woodrow Wilson Center, Johns Hopkins University, and George Mason University. He added that Dr Frank provides targeted financial assistance to civic, educational and artistic causes and groups.
During the welcome address, Professor Parvez Talib said that Sir Syed perceived at the very outset the immeasurable potential of education as an effective instrument for changing and reforming the society and this Management Complex will take his dream forward.
Dr Fiza Azmi later invited the Vice Chancellor and Dr Islam to present mementoes. On the occasion, Dr Islam was also presented a memento by the Vice Chancellor.
Professor Valeed A Ansari, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies and Research proposed the vote of thanks. Ms Taleya Fatima Bilgrami conducted the programme.
On the occasion Dr S Farooque, President Himalaya Group, Dr Nadeem Tarin, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Prof Javed Akhtar, Registrar, Prof S M Javed Akhtar Finance Officer, AMU and Mr. Junaid Khan of Allana Group were also present.
After the conclusion of the programme, Dr Islam visited the Residential Coaching Academy, where his book, Frankly Speaking was released. After a keynote address by Dr Islam, AMU Vice Chancellor General Shah delivered the Presidential remarks while AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali (Veteran) proposed the vote of thanks.
During the book release function, Professor Kalimullah Ahmad, Director, RCA delivered the welcome address while Mr Saad Hameed, Training and Placement Officer (General), AMU introduced the guests to the gathering.
