Raja Alexander Helou

Professor Helou, you are still my hero. I will be forever indebted to you and your family. You pushed all the right buttons and taught us to think.

I will forever remember your last words to me, "“Dreams replenish the soul, focus the mind, and add meaning to life!”

I am still being inspired by you Prof. Helou :>)...I am so honored to have been touched by your words...for that I will always be appreciative.

Thanks for touching my soul!!!!!!!!

Dr. Helou was resilient, resourceful and the most rememberable teacher I had at UDC. Although I have been unable to complete my degree, he insisted that finishing my education would bring me greater satisfaction other than being a parent. He not only educated me, but my now pre-teen daughter. He allowed her to sit thru many of his classes as I attempted to balance my home and work schedules. For this I am truly indebted and appreciative for many teachers refused to allow children in the...

As I read all the entries, I just hear echos of my own heart. Dr. Helou was loved in this world and I'm sure he is inspiring people in his new world. I love you and miss you - your student and friend.

Professor Raja Helou was my hero and pushed me and many others to go back to school and complete our education.... He would call every semester with encouragement to sharpen our “already great minds and characters” to complete our university work..... Professor Helou helped make one dreams come true by encouraging you to go to school and do your best.

The University of the District of Columbia and his family has lost a great man. He was fair and a man of great intellect and integrity....

My niece in D.C. made me aware of the sad news. Even though I never met Prof. Helou, just reading all submitted entries in the guest book, bring tears of joy to my eyes. I am also an educator and understand how deeply lives can be touched by a great mentor. Prof. Helou exemplified with his own life the way of Mentor and Disciple and this transcends life and death. His dedication to limitless growth and self-improvement fostered all those he encountered. His life exists eternally and is...

Raja Helou was a great teacher, mentor and an inspiration to those of us who believe in the students at the University of the District of Columbia. His many thoughtful gestures and kind acts were products of his never ending crusade against injustice and discrimination. Sadly his presence will be missed but happily his spirit will be remembered.

Professor Helou had that ability-- to awaken something so deeply hidden within ones self that they didn't even know it existed. He lived in a remarkably connected mode-- one that drew you in and challenged you to seek a truer truth. Impassioned by life and always speaking so lovingly and proudly of his children-- he will be forever remembered.

As an alumna of the University of the District of Columbia I have had the privilege of interacting with several wonderful professors on campus. However, Professor Raja Helou was a rare soul. He was brilliant, compassionate, and patient, yet firm. He knew exactly what to say to inspire his students past their personal pain or any academic challenge. He always made time to speak with his students no matter what else he had on his plate.

His presence will be missed but his spirit will...