The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation proudly announce the naming of the Descon Auditorium, a state-of-the-art 100-seat facility situated in the upcoming Yusuf H. Shirazi Complex at LUMS. This milestone, made possible through the BARD Foundation’s generous support, reflects a shared commitment to advancing education and fostering intellectual exchange.
The BARD Foundation, founded by Abdul Razak Dawood and Bilquis Dawood, has long been a key partner in LUMS’ journey to becoming a premier higher education institution. The Dawood family’s contributions have significantly shaped the university’s growth, including the establishment of the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), the creation of two endowed chairs, and the naming of student housing facilities, among other philanthropic efforts. The Descon Auditorium is yet another testament to their dedication, providing a dynamic space for lectures, discussions, and student activities.
During the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, Abdul Razak Dawood expressed his gratitude, stating, “I want to thank our [Descon] executives—your efforts have made so much possible for LUMS. InshaAllah, we will continue to support LUMS for generations to come. As Syed Babar Ali always says, by giving, we never become poor. I also want to thank my family for their support in making this auditorium a reality—it will truly be a beautiful space.”
The event was attended by the founders of the BARD Foundation, as well as its Board of Governors members, including Faisal Dawood and Mehreen Dawood. Representing LUMS were Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor; Dr Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor; and Shahid Hussain, Rector, all of whom acknowledged the Dawood family’s invaluable contributions to the university’s development.
Reflecting on the Dawood family’s enduring support, Syed Babar Ali remarked, “I would like to thank everyone and express my deep appreciation for the generosity of Mr. Razak and his family. It is truly remarkable the amount of time he has dedicated to LUMS. I am pleased to see the next generation of the Dawood family here today. This institution will always need your contributions.”
The dedication of the Descon Auditorium underscores the power of strategic partnerships and the crucial role of philanthropy in higher education. Speaking on the significance of this initiative, Dr Ali Cheema stated, “The Dawood family’s support has been fundamental to the development of education in our country. With the university’s expanding focus on academics, film, and theatre, our events and convocations can now carry even more significance. I would like to extend my gratitude to Descon, the Dawood family, and the BARD Foundation for their generous support and for making this naming possible.”
As LUMS continues to evolve, the contributions of the Dawood family serve as a beacon of inspiration, ensuring that future generations benefit from world-class learning environments and opportunities for academic excellence.