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Lakeview man earns his 4th degree from UNO
Source:
blog.nola.com
- Sep 18, 2012
[edit from Larry's Income Tax: Congratulations, Ali!]
When 41-year-old Ali Chehab finished his last class for a master’s of business administration degree at the University of New Orleans this summer, he joined some exclusive company — especially considering he did not speak English when he came to New Orleans 20 years ago. Chehab is one of just a few dozen people who have earned four degrees from UNO in the past 15 years. He earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering in 1998, a master’s in mechanical engineering in 1999, a master’s in engineering management in 2001 and now he has earned an MBA, all while working full-time.
Despite the hours of homework and lack of sleep, Chehab said it was worth it. “It was a lot of sacrifice,” he said. “There is nothing in the world that will make someone do something that they don’t want to do. I’m the kind of guy who is willing and a believer in what he does.”
The Lebanese immigrant needed that positive attitude when he first came to the United States. With little knowledge of English, he worked and attended classes at Tulane University and Delgado Community College to basically “learn the ABC’s,” he said. After that, he settled in for his bachelor’s degree at UNO.
Along the way, he married Keiko Uehara Chehab, 38, who works as a registered nurse. Keiko said her husband has always been hard-working. “I’ve always been supportive of him going to school,” she said. “I was happy for him to get his first master’s degree and now he has his third. He has always managed to spend time with the children while going to school. We’re very proud of him.”
UNO spokesman Adam Norris said Ali’s academic degrees are an unusual accomplishment. “Obtaining four degrees from the same institution is a rare achievement,” Norris said. “His academic credentials are a testament to his work ethic, dedication and scholastic ability. His story also demonstrates a strong belief in the enduring power of education.”
Ali Chehab rose through the ranks with several companies, thanks to his increasing academic credentials, and he now works for Valero Refining Co. as manager of project engineering.
Besides work and school, Chehab said he tries to work out three or four days a week. He enjoys fishing and hunting and playing golf, soccer and volleyball. “I don’t like to be slow,” he said. “I don’t watch TV much, and when I watch TV, I like to watch sports like college football. I don’t go out late, drink or smoke. I do all the work around the house. I just don’t like to stay put.”
Chehab rebuilt his Lakeview home after it was flooded in the levee breaks following Hurricane Katrina. Despite everything on his plate through the years, he continued to pursue his academic degrees.
“The motivation comes from within,” he said. “I came here to pursue a dream in this country. I appreciate the opportunity the United States had offered me and the friendship with everyone. I feel like I need to pay people back for the opportunity. I feel like I’ve been blessed. Never say that you’re too young or too old to do something. If you can do it, do it.”
The Chehabs have three children: Diana, 17; Jad, 4; and Isa, 3. Diana is a senior at Benjamin Franklin High School, and is planning to major in pre-med in college. She said her dad, who helps with her math homework, sets a great example.
“I’m proud of him, but at the same time, it’s difficult to live up to what he has done,” she said. “He definitely inspires me to work harder in school, especially because it will benefit me as well.”
Chehab added that his key to success is quite simple. “Do what you like because that is the only way that you can succeed,” he said. “Every person in this world is different, and every person has a niche. So find that niche and just go with it. I tell my daughter all the time that if you want to do something, do it well. Be good and be happy at what you do. If you want to quit school and go be a plumber, that’s fine by me, but you have to do it well.”
Category: General Business
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