Barbara Gunderson Stowe

“Greetings everyone!  It is a great honor for me to be part of this watershed celebration of the history of Abdul Latif Jameel and Community Jameel, and the vision and generosity of the Jameel family over 75 years.

I have known Mohammed for almost 30 of those 75 years.  Our paths first crossed at MIT where Mohammed received his undergraduate education, and where I worked for 25 years.

In my role at MIT, I had the good fortune to work with many philanthropists from around the world, and I can say without hesitation that the deep thinking and focused energy that Mohammed brings to understanding society’s challenges, to exploring ways to address those challenges, and then identifying the best institutions and individuals, is second to none.  He does this with equal intensity and curiosity whether in the worlds of science, engineering, health, humanities, or the arts – all, with the goal of expanding opportunity and access to a wider population of people around the world.

Everyone who knows Mohammed well, hears him speak often of his father, and the ethos and values Abdul Latif Jameel brought to his business life and to his family.  And one can see and feel the ways in which Mohammed exemplifies those values and has passed them along to his four children.  As the Company and the family maintain that strong tradition of service and generosity over many years, I believe that Community Jameel serves as a model that has inspired other philanthropists across the global community and will continue to do so.

I’m always heartened when Mohammed says that he is in conversation with other philanthropic leaders around the world.  There is much to be learned – and emulated – as we endeavor, and sometimes struggle, to build a better and fairer world.

So, it is with deep and abiding respect and affection that I join with all of you in saluting Mohammed and the Jameel family, along with the team of colleagues they have built at Abdul Latif Jameel and Community Jameel.

Today, as we honor the legacy of the past, we look to the promise of the future.  I very much look forward to seeing the fruits of the laborers and generosity that we celebrate today continue and grow in the years ahead.”

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