Thursday, September 12, 2024
Antoine Tayar (BA Political Studies '89) was recently awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his “inspiring" devotion to the community. The medal, which commemorates the coronation of King Charles as king of Canada on May 6, 2023, is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation, and recognizes recipients for their social commitment, volunteerism, and public service.
A member of the Worldwide Alumni Association of AUB (WAAAUB) Advisory Board, Tayar is a city councilor and acting mayor of Mount Royal in Quebec. He is also a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Canada - Lebanon (since 2021), an early supporter of the Outerpond.com initiative, former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Quebec (2017-19), and former national board member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (2017-21). He previously worked at the Coca-Cola Company.
“I am very humbled and honored to receive this unique medal celebrating the King Charles III Coronation," said Tayar. “Throughout my personal and professional life, across various geographic regions, I have always been a firm believer in the importance of giving back to local communities where I lived. I am inspired by the wise words of Sir Winston Churchill: 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.' I encourage all emigrants to get involved in their community and offer their time as volunteers."
Remarkably, Tayar only immigrated to Canada in 2015. He very quickly got involved with the social, community and political aspects of life in his new home country. He became a Canadian citizen and was elected municipal councillor in 2019. He has been acting mayor of Mount Royal since 2021. Tayar is deeply engaged in his community and volunteers with several social and charitable associations. He has also been active with several professional associations and chambers of commerce as a member of their board or as president. “I would like to dedicate this medal to all those who, like me, have become proud citizens, by choice and conviction, and have succeeded in endorsing Canada's values while continuing to respect their own as well," he says.
“All of us at the American University of Beirut, Antoine's alma mater, are very proud that he has been selected to receive this great honor," said Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations – North America and WAAAUB General Secretary Lina Jazi. “Like so many of our alumni in North America, Antoine has maintained strong ties to Lebanon while also embracing and making an important contribution to his community in North America."