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15
W
illiam H. Turner
has been the Chairman
of the Board since 1985. Before that, he
served as the Boards’ treasurer. Mr. Turn-
er lived briefly in Lebanon in the 1970’s when he was
introduced to the International College. Believing in
IC’s mission, he threw himself into serving the school
and has since been one of its strongest supporters.
After a long and successful career with Chemical
Banking Corporation (which later merged with
Chase Manhattan Corporation), Mr. Turner cur-
rently serves as a Director of Franklin Electronic
Publishers, Inc., Standard Motor Products, Inc., Volt
Information Sciences, Inc., New Jersey Resources,
Inc., and Ameriprise Financial, Inc. He is a Trustee
of New Jersey Network and Trinity College. He also
served as Chairman of the Atlantic Health System as
well as a Councilman in Montclair.
Q: How do you envision the mission and future of IC?
A:
In spite of the great uncertainty regarding the po-
litical situation in Lebanon and the region, I remain
optimistic about the future of IC. During the trying
situation of the late 70’s and early 80’s, IC was able to
maintain its focus by offering the best education pos-
sible. As in the past, our role continues to be to train
future leaders for the Middle East and elsewhere
from all religious faiths. As a non-sectarian school,
we are fortunate to have students from all religions
studying together at our great institution.
Q: Why are you launching a Capital Campaign?
A: We are launching a Capital Campaign for many
reasons. First, is the need for significant new build-
ings on our main campus. As we will now acquire
ownership of the land from AUB, this is an ideal time
to expand our facilities. We plan to move out of the
space at the old British Embassy to the lower campus.
In addition, the Capital Campaign will go toward
expanding our Ain Aar campus which clearly needs
additional space for athletics, auditorium, and ad-
ditional classrooms. Finally, all good schools need a
significant endowment to offset
tuition costs as well as offering
scholarship aid. Our Board
is very committed to as much
scholarship support as possible
particularly during these diffi-
cult times in Lebanon.
Q: What does IC mean to you?
A: I am entering my 33rd year
as trustee of IC and look for-
ward to continuing this involve-
ment. It is a great institution
which will continue to bridge
the gap between the East and
West. We have a strong dedi-
cated Board of Trustees, talent-
ed faculty and administrators as
well as a terrific student body.
This makes my job easy and rewarding.
Q: You are not an Alumni and not Lebanese and yet
you are known for your dedication to IC and your
belief in this institution. What is it that inspired you to
join the Board and become its Chairman and why do
you believe so strongly in Lebanon and in IC?
A: In 1974, I assumed new duties at Chemical Bank
with responsibility for the Middle East & Africa.
During that year, I lived in Beirut with my family and
came to know IC. Our Bank has always had strong
ties to both AUB and IC and, thus, I was asked to
become a Board member in 1975.
Due to my strong belief in the importance of educa-
tion and what we, as Americans, can offer, I have
continued my involvement since that time assuming
the Chairmanship in 1985. It is, personally, very
rewarding to see the results of a great IC education
on so many students (having always believed it is our
responsibility to “give back”).
IC represents a great example of close cooperation
between my country and Lebanon. I look forward to
serving for many years to come!
Q & A with William Turner
Capital Campaign