Sami Haj Business Memorial Scholarship

Joseph Haj presents the Sami Haj Business
Memorial Scholarship to Kyle Haugen

Sami George Haj was born on January 26, 1944 in Ibel-El-Saki, Lebanon, the son of George and Georgette (Accad) Haj. He attended High School and grew to adulthood in Lebanon. Sami came to the United States in 1961 and attended Mankato State University in Mankato, and Bethel College in St. Paul. He graduated from Bethel College in 1965, majoring in Chemistry.

While at Bethel College, Sami worked on campus in food service; he also worked as a head chef at a local country club and opened a pizza place in Mankato. Sami then moved to Saudi Arabia and worked for Abella Food Service Company, and was transferred to Libya and Lebanon. He became a manager with ARA, prepared food for the Vikings and several colleges in the Midwest.

He was a partner and manager of the Best Western in Marshall, from 1977-1981. He then moved to the U.A.E. from 1981-1982, and was transferred to Colombia, South America, from 1983-1985. He returned to the USA and operated a bakery with his brother Anis in Mankato, from 1985-1990. He then moved to Thief River Falls in 1990, and was owner and manager of the Best Western in Thief River Falls.

Sami passed away November 5, 2005. Sami’s wife, Fodda, and children have established the Sami Haj Memorial Scholarship in his honor.

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a Lincoln High School graduate who is pursuing a business degree with preference given to Restaurant/Motel Management.