Jere L. Bacharach Service Award
Ann Mosely Lesch
American University in Cairo
2016 Recipient
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of Middle East studies. With deep appreciation for the dedicated care and development of educational institutions in the US and the Middle East (Villanova, AUC, LAU) and her service to MESA as President (1995), editor of the MESA Bulletin (1997-99), Chair of MESA's Committee on Academic Freedom (1991-94), and Chair of the Albert Hourani Book Award committee (2003); The vision and energy that fueled the creation of the Palestinian-American Research Center and the Sudan Studies Association; The unceasing efforts to foster international Middle East studies networks such as the World Congress for Middle East studies and the Japan-USA area studies initiative; Her pivotal role in the creation of MESA's Committee on Academic Freedom and as founding member of the Middle East program of Human Rights Watch and her service on its Middle East advisory committee from 1989-2010. It is an honor to recognize Ann Mosely Lesch for her commitment to core principles, her unstinting cultivation of scholarly and educational networks and accomplished institution building.