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I have always consid-
ered writing an update
to my fellow IC class-
mates and to other
alumni. But this year,
the urge to chronicle
my experiences is
much stronger because
this year, I am also
writing to the newest
class of IC alumni—the
class of 2004—the
class that includes my
daughter, Batoul.
It is hard to believe
that it has been 23
years since my gradua-
tion from IC. As I
watch my daughter in
her last year of IC, it
reminds me of the ups
and downs and uncer-
tainties I experienced during my last year. I looked out to
that big, new world and felt both eagerness and indecision.
The world just beyond the IC gates was characterized by a
country at war, in the midst of an invasion, a divided socie-
ty. While I am now regarded by most to be a well-estab-
lished physician, it is precisely at times like these, as you
watch your own daughter begin to navigate her way in the
world, that you look back and try to make sense of your
own journey.
My daughter and her friends are standing where we all once
did and they are facing some of the same uncertainties, as
well as some challenges that are unprecedented for us all.
The world they are entering is already beginning to test their
faith in themselves, each other, and quite possibly the good-
ness of humanity. And while these new frontiers weigh
heavily on their minds and may even temporarily derail
them in the pursuit of their goals, it is also reassuring proof
that their IC education has taken hold. They are no longer
looking for answers to be given to them. They are begin-
ning to realize that they must struggle for clarity on their
own, using the tools that they have acquired at IC. And
over the years, as the changing times require, they will
make necessary modifications to how they view the world
and themselves. As we all know, this ongoing process can
be painful, confusing, and also exhilarating. But it's the
only way to find and fulfill your destiny.
We all stepped into our futures as we left IC, just as they are
stepping into theirs. And they are painfully aware of the
responsibilities being placed upon them in today's world.
This year's IC graduates, like the ones before them, are the
beneficiaries of a certain kind of academic, cultural, and
familial foundation. This privilege in turn requires them to
ward off what will be tempting feelings of indifference
toward the myriad problems and struggles that they will
encounter in the world. As we all become a part of the
past, they are becoming the future— our future. I am
pleased and proud to be a small part of their past and
eagerly await their contributions to our common future.
21
Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine ’80:
Passing the Torch
Batoul ‘04 & her mother Inaya ’80.
Special thanks and appreciation
from IC to all
alumni, friends,
parents, and trustees
for their support
through their financial
and kind assistance.
Your generous support is invaluable
in maintaining IC’s commitment
to excellence in education.
Wishing you a wonderful summer.