First General Body Meeting of UAFAANA

Date: April 5, 2025

Time: 11 am to 3 pm

Location: Shinwari, 6654 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042

Agenda: Tilawat, introduction of members, UAFAANA structure and 2 year plan, open discussion, lunch, & group photo.

List of Participants: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19tDnso0AMEIyYAeCTl9-1Kz6EWH4nPI1/view

Meeting Summary – April 5, 2025 | Falls Church, Virginia

The inaugural gathering of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) Alumni Association of North America was held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Falls Church, Virginia. This landmark event brought together 35 proud alumni, representing a wide range of graduating classes from 1960 to 2015. While most attendees came from the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), others traveled from as far as North Carolina, Florida, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Missouri to be part of this memorable occasion.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and nostalgia as old classmates, friends, and even former professors reconnected—some after several decades. Heartwarming reunions and moments of reflection underscored the strength of the UAF bond. Notably, a few attendees overcame mobility challenges to join in, demonstrating the deep emotional connection to their alma mater.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by participant introductions. Among the guests were several retired professors and university administrators—some now residing in the U.S., others visiting family. Although the introduction session ran long, it was filled with engaging and inspirational stories that highlighted the diverse accomplishments of the alumni community.

Due to some late arrivals, especially from out-of-state, the program began later than scheduled. However, most agenda items were successfully covered, and meaningful discussions continued informally over a shared meal, strengthening camaraderie among participants.

Key Discussions and Proposals:

• A recurring theme was the desire to give back to UAF. Many emphasized the importance of supporting scholarship programs and contributing to the university’s development.

• A young participant highlighted UAF’s evolution from an agriculture-focused institution to a multidisciplinary university, stressing the growing importance of vocational and skill-based training. The Executive Committee (EC) committed to exploring support in this area.

• Several alumni suggested collaborating with other UAF-related initiatives in Pakistan to maximize impact.

• Some senior members offered to help the EC establish direct contact with key university officials and proposed the idea of signing an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with UAF.

Organizational Updates:

• Attendees were informed about the association’s functional website: www.uafaana.org, where alumni can:

  • Join the association (membership is currently free)

  • View the member directory

  • Contribute

  • Submit feedback or suggestions

• There was an informal discussion about introducing annual dues ($100/year), though no decision was finalized.

Acknowledgments:

The success of this first-ever meeting owes much to the tireless efforts of Dr. M. Rafiq Chaudhry, Membership Coordinator. Despite a few last-minute cancellations, reaching 35 attendees out of the 40-person goal was a commendable achievement. Dr. Chaudhry’s leadership was widely appreciated, as were the efforts of all Executive Committee members, who helped plan and host this meaningful event.

Closing Thoughts:

This inaugural meeting was a promising step toward building a strong, engaged, and vibrant alumni network. With continued dedication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose, we look forward to expanding this association and enhancing our support for one another—and for our beloved alma mater.

Executive Committee
UAF Alumni Association of North America