DETROIT — On Tuesday, November, 9, 2010, Wassim Mahfouz, executive director of the Lebanese American Heritage Club and executive assistant to Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, and and Fr. George Shalhoub, religious leader at the Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia.were inducted into the Heritage Hall of Fame with four other community leaders at a reception at the Marriott Hotel in the Renaissance Center.

Father George Shalhoub (L-sitting) and Wassim Mahfouz (R-sitting) were inducted into the Hertage Hall of Fame on November 9, 2010.

The Heritage Hall of Fame was founded in 1984 by the International Institute Foundation. Its purpose is to honor recognized leaders from various ethnic backgrounds, who have made outstanding contributions to the American way of life and have demonstrated their concerned commitment to multiculturalism and generously supported ethnic and cultural traditions.  

Honorees come from many walks of life and are nominated by their peers. Past honorees include doctors, educators, lawyers, scientists, journalists and entrepreneurs as well as government, community, industry, labor and religious leaders.

The other community leaders honored this year were Subir Chowshur, Chairman and CEO of ASI Consulting Group, LLC; Judge Robert Colombo, Jr., Wayne County Circuit Court; Stephanie Germack-Kerzic, Detroit activist and community leader; and Antonio Fransisco Rugiero, Sr. (posthumously), founder Roman Village & Antonio’s Cucina Italiana; 

Mahfouz is the youngest and first person in the history of the Heritage Hall of Fame to ever receive the Emerging Leader Award at the age of 32.

An honoree procession commenced the event as the honorees were escorted by the International Institute Board of Trustees and Representatives of the Consular Corp.  Master of Ceremonies, John Akouri, president and CEO of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce, recognized those in attendance while welcoming remarks were given by Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tarik Daoud. 

“We are pleased to induct into the Heritage Hall of Fame gallery Subir Choedhury, Fr. George Shalhoub, Antonio Rugerio, Sr., Hon. Robert Colombo Jr., Stephanie Germak-Kerzic and for the first time we honor an Emerging Leader, Wassim Mahfouz. I salute each of these extraordinary honorees, both for their accomplishments and their remarkable contributions to our community,” said Daoud.

Mahfouz was deeply humbled by the honor, stating, “Except for the birth of my son, this is the happiest moment in my life; and except for the birth of my son, this is an overwhelming moment in my life. Thrilled and honored as I am with the confidence you have showed in me by presenting me with this prestigious award, I am profoundly aware of the great responsibilities you are entrusting to me and I humbly and gratefully accept it on behalf of all young individuals who are trying to make a difference in their community.”

“Wassim Mahfouz is a great asset to the entire Arab American community,” statedAli Jawad, founder of the Lebanese American Heritage Club.  “Over the years he has dedicated his time and efforts to move the LAHC forward in a variety of aspects, working unremittingly to provide our youth with the funding necessary to continue their higher education and is committed to working on programs to benefit the younger generation.” 

“I’m honored,” Shalhoub said. “I did not expect this. It really makes you live up to the responsibilities and expectations everyone has for you,” Shalhoub said.

Portraits of the inductees are on permanent display in the second floor atrium of Detroit’s Cobo Center.