NDU: A Legacy of Enlightenment and a Vision for Shaping the Future
Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) is more than just an institution of higher education; it is a living testament to a visionary dream. In 1736, our Maronite forefathers at the Louaize convent declared a revolutionary idea: mandatory and free education for all children, regardless of gender. This progressive concept, centuries ahead of its time, ignited a torch of hope that continues to illuminate our lives.
Today, NDU carries forward this mission, determined to provide world-class education to a diverse student body. Our commitment to academic excellence, rooted in our rich heritage, is evident in our prestigious institutional and programmatic international accreditations. However, in an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving societal needs, sustaining this level of quality and impact requires significant development.
The socio-technological revolution has reshaped the landscape of higher education. To remain competitive in the global knowledge economy while staying true to its values, NDU must adapt to these changes. This necessitates substantial investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, faculty development, innovative pedagogy, impactful research, and scholarship programs to support talented students from diverse backgrounds in accessing quality education—an imperative for social advancement.
Preserving NDU's status demands a collective effort from all stakeholders. The university, students, industry partners, and philanthropists must collaborate to ensure adequate funding, explore innovative financing methods, prioritize academic excellence, sustain a supportive learning environment, and strengthen industry partnerships. Ultimately, this united endeavor aims to safeguard Lebanon's intellectual capital and empower talented individuals who might otherwise be lost to society.
Over the past three decades, NDU has grown in faith, numbers, geography, and stature. The role of this Office is to preserve and uphold the University’s mission, aligning with the University’s vision, values, and the best practices characteristic of outstanding higher education institutions. Additionally, the Office collaborates closely across NDU’s three campuses—Zouk Campus, North Lebanon Campus (NLC), and Shouf Campus (SC)—and works in partnership with the NDU Alumni Association, as well as with representative entities outside Lebanon, including the American Friends of NDU and the Friends of NDU Foundation - Canada.
The Office safeguards the University’s image and positioning through an integrated approach across all branches. The Office of University Advancement strives to achieve a higher non-financial valuation for the institution, enhance the quality of education, boost enrollment levels, expand its network, increase partnerships with public and private sector entities, and grow funds from diverse sources.
By participating in NDU, we are not only investing in the future of the university but also contributing to the development of Lebanon and the region. Together, we can honor the legacy of our ancestors and build a brighter tomorrow.
Dr. Antoine Farhat
Vice President for University Advancement