Published: June 26, 2008 11:58 pm            

FLASHPOINT: Indiana State-Moroccan group collaboration a winning prospect

Last month, an important event happened in our community that, in my opinion, did not receive adequate local press coverage. For the first time in its history, a local public university was openly challenged by a capable and financially solid private group to help it start a not-for-profit university and come up with a plan within six months. The parties involved are Indiana State University and the Chaabi Group of Morocco.

Since I closely follow the news and events of my native country, I was aware of Haj Miloud Chaabi’s reputation and accomplishments. I also had the opportunity to meet and briefly interact with him during his May visit to ISU. I would like to share some biographical information and my impressions of this gentleman with Tribune-Star readers because his story is a familiar American story — a poor boy with humble origins who worked his way to wealth — and his challenge is one that ISU and the Terre Haute community should take seriously.

Haj Miloud Chaabi, 78, is a pious and successful self-made billionaire whose business interests span three continents. Chaabi Group includes companies involved in tourism, cable and ceramic production, rechargeable batteries, commercial centers, water distribution, paper production, real estate, and industrial and petrochemical industries.

Chaabi is an icon of modern compassionate Moroccan capitalism. For most his countrymen, he is known for his highly successful social housing programs and management skills. He recently was elected to the Moroccan Parliament and plays a prominent role in his country’s political and economic life.

Chaabi’s philanthropy is legendary. Many thousands of indigent and low-income families and retirees receive complimentary monthly stipends from his Chaabi Foundation. Thousands of students live and study in secure and comfortable dormitories throughout campuses in Moroccan universities thanks to his Group and Foundation. Needy students are exempted from paying rent. Talented students get scholarships. The Foundation runs orphanages and charities throughout the country. It generously donates money to the Moroccan Cancer Society, Dialysis Society and other charitable organizations.

(There is no full biography of Chaabi in English, but I would be happy to provide a translated version to anyone who is interested. E-mail Atlas@AtlasLaboratory.com.)

I met Chaabi, his son Omar (fluent in English since he went to college in San Francisco), and their business associate, Abdessadek Belfquih, when Dean Tad Foster and Associate Dean Jeff McNabb of ISU’s College of Technology invited me to join their scheduled tour segment. I happily obliged because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet this mythical entrepreneur.

Haj Miloud is a vigorous 5 feet 5 inches tall septuagenarian who is in charge and commands respect without being overbearing. This magnate had a very down to earth demeanor and did not display any ostentatious signs of wealth; he looked more like a loving grandfather. His manners were gentle and respectful. His mind is very sharp and his questions and comments were intelligent and insightful. He seemed genuinely interested in getting to know people and made everyone feel at ease. He looked radiant and at peace, even youthful, listening to his son translate the process of a flight simulator demonstration.

I was completely charmed by Haj Miloud’s demeanor and wit. I smiled when I realized that, here he was, a man with no formal education, who already has built and financed two universities and will now build and finance a third, this one based on the American educational system, with its first class to graduate in seven years. What a national treasure! He is a truly universal inspiration and a living role model for all entrepreneurs from any cultural or ethnic background.

Haj Miloud Chaabi’s bold philanthropical project is this: A 60-acre campus that will be home to a not-for-profit, quality, comprehensive university, where tuition would not be an obstacle for deserving students. He is paying for it and he is asking ISU for help to establish it within six months.

At this juncture of ISU’s history, while a new president is being put in place, the ISU community should rally behind Provost Jack Maynard, who will be leading the voyage in these never-before-charted waters. It will be an interesting learning experience to see how a tax-dependent institution (ISU) adapts to and collaborates with an immediate results-driven private group (Chaabi). The odds for success will dramatically improve if understood and supported by a wider segment of the Terre Haute population and Indiana business community. Then, it is a winning situation for everybody.

— Fouad Nassiri

Terre Haute

        

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