DETROIT —  The Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) celebrated its 42nd Annual Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, April 27 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.  

The event, which is known as the largest Arab American sit-down dinner in the entire country, attracted nearly two thousand guests and honored renowned surgeon, Dr. Marwan Abouljoud and syndicated National Public Radio talk show host, Diane Rehm with ACCESS’ coveted “Arab American of the Year” Award.

Dr. Abouljoud was born and raised in Lebanon, where he experienced the trauma of war firsthand. He immigrated to the United States in 1985, without a job, and barely any money. Despite facing economic hardship, he eventually managed to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a physician.  

L-R: ACCESS CFO Maha Freij, Awardee Dr. Marwan Abouljoud, Awardee Diane Rehm, ACCESS Executive Director Hassan Jaber and Mrs. Abouljoud. Photo Courtesy of ACCESS.

In 1996 the transplant surgeon performed the first split-liver transplant in the State of Michigan and, again, the first laparoscopic liver procedure in 2008. He says he initially decided to become a physician, so that he could give back to humanity. 

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Abouljoud encouraged attendees to continue to strive for their dreams, despite the immense challenges that may emerge along the way. 

Rehm, the daughter of Arab Christians, also shared her own personal experiences and challenges during her acceptance speech, including her diagnosis with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder, in 1998.   

Her radio career started when she became a volunteer producer for WAMU-FM, Washington’s NPR affiliate. Over the years, her career has soared.  Currently, more than 2.4 million people tune into her radio show every week. She has interviewed numerous U.S. presidents and, in 2010, was the recipient of the Peabody Award, one of the highest honors in broadcasting. 

The event also hosted video presentations, including a featured message from Governor Rick Snyder, and speeches by Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

Other event highlights included the presentation of Kettering University scholarships to four Arab American students and the recognition of members of the group “Join In to Revitalize Arab American Neighborhoods.”