1. MARRIOTT SCHOOL
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joseph Ogden (801) 422-8938 or 787-9989
Writer: Karianne Salisbury (801) 422-1153
Palestinian Graduate Pushes Himself to Excel
PROVO, Utah — July 31, 2007 — “Life is all about experiencing things, and I always want to strive to
be better,” says Hani Almadhoun who earned his MPA degree from the Marriott School in April. “I try to learn new
things, gain new talents, and not hold back.”
No matter the setting, Almadhoun is dedicated to his personal mantra: don’t be mediocre. Today he strives
to live up to his standard as assistant to the president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in
Washington, D.C. However, this isn’t the first time Almadhoun has found himself in a demanding situation. Seven
years ago, he traveled across the world to attend school on a BYU Jerusalem Center Scholarship and was suddenly
in an environment completely different from his own.
“I spoke a different language, belonged to a different religion, and came from a different culture,” says
Almadhoun, who grew up near the Gaza Strip. “Not too many Palestinians get the opportunity to come to a
university and learn, so I had to do well for myself, for the image I represent, and for my family.”
Although a four-year undergraduate scholarship was his initial incentive for coming to BYU, Almadhoun
connected with the place. He completed his undergraduate work, spent a year working in Washington, D.C., and
although was offered other opportunities, came back to BYU for his MPA degree.
“My boss in D.C. told me that she would pay my tuition if I went to a school out there,” he says. “But for
too many reasons I couldn’t stay; I wanted to be back at BYU. I loved that people take ethics and integrity seriously,
that people really want to do good.”
The decision to return to Provo may also reflect what Almadhoun believed was an accommodating
environment and a high-quality MPA program.
“I’m a business-oriented person and have always wanted to be involved with the government, so the cross
between those two is what interested me the most about the MPA program.” Almadhoun says. The program also has
a lot of international students, and the Marriott School is a great school. It has a good network of people who support
you, and you know the professors really care.”
Almadhoun’s commitment to avoid mediocrity was apparent both on and off campus. He served as
president of BYU’s Arabic club, completed research for the Kennedy Center, spoke at firesides, participated on
intramural sports teams, and, to reflect his comedic nature, performed stand-up comedy with BYU’s Humor U
comedy club.
490 TANNER BUILDING ⋅ BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY ⋅ PROVO, UTAH 84602
(801) 422-7696 ⋅ FAX (801) 422-0501 ⋅ MARRIOTTSCHOOL.BYU.EDU

2. MARRIOTT SCHOOL
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
“He was one of the most popular students in our program,” says Gary Cornia, director of the Romney
Institute of Public Management. “He is smart, insightful, enjoyable to be around, and a natural leader. I believe there
will be a time when all of us at BYU will proudly say we knew this guy when he was a graduate student.”
Almadhoun says his education has been a blessing, and he anticipates continuing to apply the skills and
knowledge he gained at BYU. While his plans to return home have indefinitely been postponed for security reasons,
he keeps his hopes for himself and his future strong.
“I look forward to returning home at some point and giving back to the community,” Almadhoun says. “I
want to work in some sort of management position and eventually do something with international diplomacy—
that’s where the MPA comes in handy.”
The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-
sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business
management, public management, information systems, organizational behavior and entrepreneurship. The school’s
mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership
throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School’s graduate and
undergraduate programs.
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Photo Link:
490 TANNER BUILDING ⋅ BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY ⋅ PROVO, UTAH 84602
(801) 422-7696 ⋅ FAX (801) 422-0501 ⋅ MARRIOTTSCHOOL.BYU.EDU