The AAEF Farouk Shami Graduate Colloquium Endowment was established by Palestinian-American businessman, philanthropist, and former Texas gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami to support national graduate colloquia in Arab Studies at the University of Houston. This endowment will empower several educational endeavors by providing graduate students with the opportunity to collaborate with other aspiring academics in spaces that are conducive to critical learning and scholarship.

The Center for Arab Studies is aiming to launch the inaugural AAEF Farouk Shami Graduate Colloquium in the Spring of 2022 if conditions permit in-person conferences and in accordance with local guidelines. Please stay tuned for future updates.