LAHORE: On May 10, Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University (AU), was awarded the 2016-17 School of International Service (SIS) Scholar/Teacher of the Year award. As a leading faculty member of SIS, one of America’s top ten schools of international affairs, Ahmed received this award in recognition of his “innovative and important scholarship” and his “dedicated, rigorous, and inspiring mentoring of our students”. Joined by his family and two top assistants, Ahmed was presented this prestigious award before a standing ovation of SIS staff and faculty. University Dean James Goldgeier praised the tremendous impact of Ahmed’s quartet of studies examining relations between the West and the Muslim world, highlighting in particular Ahmed’s forthcoming book, Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigration, and Identity (Brookings Press). Dr Ahmed, started teaching at AU in Fall 2001. Since then he has written several books and plays, a collection of poetry, and countless articles in global media. He has also produced two films, regularly appeared in the global media, and delivered countless lectures around the world. Dr Ahmed is now a regular contributor at the Daily Times.