Rami Al-aref arrived on campus with the rest of his life already planned: to finish a biochemistry degree, get accepted at medical school and eventually become a doctor. Although Rami continued to be an academic all-star, he also discovered that there is more to college than hitting the books.

Rami regularly raises his hand to volunteer for tasks that promote campus life, enrich diversity and cultural understanding and provide mentorship and tutoring to fellow students. While president, he led the Muslim Students Association through a year of growth and transformation that has helped it become one of the University’s most active student organizations. As an Orientation Leader, he took great pride in learning about the University and sharing his knowledge with new students. He was also one of the first to volunteer as a leader in the Supplemental Instruction program, which helps students boost their performance in tough classes such as chemistry, biology and physics.

He has a passion for helping others and creating positive changes, both large and small. “I like taking challenges,” he says. “They serve to motivate me to play a role in improving campus.”

He credits Farhan Latif, former director of alumni engagement, for inspiring him to provide help whenever and wherever it is needed.  Says Rami, “He has helped guide me from a person inexperienced with the outside world to someone who has become more aware of everything that is going on. He has made me into someone who really wants to make a difference.”

IN MY OWN WORDS

"I was elected this year to serve as the President of the Muslim Student Association. When my executive board and I started earlier this year the organization was in shambles. We did not have much in the way of organizing events, and we did not have much of a presence on campus. Our general body was almost non-existent. This year, though, has truly been wonderful. I am proud to have served as the President during one of the organizations best years."