Empowering Education: BARD Foundation’s Enduring Legacy at LUMS

LUMS and the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation are proud to announce the naming of the Descon Auditorium, a 100-seat facility located in the upcoming Yusuf H. Shirazi Complex at LUMS. Made possible through the Foundation’s generous support, the auditorium will serve as a dynamic venue for lectures, discussions, and student activities, fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration.

The BARD Foundation, established by Abdul Razak Dawood and Bilquis Dawood, has a longstanding association with LUMS, shaping its growth as a premier institution of higher learning. Since inception, the Dawood family has played a pivotal role in advancing education and supporting academic excellence at the University, that includes contributing to 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 philanthropy initiatives. The Descon Auditorium represents the family’s continued investment in education, creating a space that inspires learning, dialogue, and innovation for generations to come.

At the MoU signing ceremony, Abdul Razak Dawood said, “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 members of its Board of Governors, including Faisal Dawood, Mehreen Dawood, and Taimoor Dawood. Representing LUMS were Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor; Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor; and Shahid Hussain, Rector, who acknowledged the Dawood family’s exceptional contributions to the university’s growth and impact.

Expressing his gratitude for 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 naming of the Descon Auditorium highlights the power of strategic partnerships and the importance of philanthropy in the higher education space.

Acknowledging the Dawood family’s continuous generosity, Dr. Ali Cheema noted, “None of this would have been possible without the contributions of the Dawood family. Their support is 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.”