May 24, 2019 – Under the patronage of His Beatitude and Eminence Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Raï Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, The Board of Trustees of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) in cooperation with the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs organized its first Gala Dinner at the Salle des Ambassadeurs - Casino du Liban, to support student Financial Aid.
The dinner was attended by the representative of His Beatitude, His Excellency Bishop Rafiq Al-Warsha, the representative of the Very Reverend Abbot Maroun Chidiac, Superior General of the Maronite Mariamite Order, Ronald Farra, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University, Rose Choueiri, Chair of the Board Advancement Committee, Mona Kanaan, Hayat Frem, Board of Trustees members, Her Excellency Minister Violette Khairallah Safadi, and Nesrine Sfeir, as well as leading entrepreneurs and institutions, a number of the university's educational and administrative bodies, and a group of graduates.
The meeting started with a welcoming speech by Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Majid Bou Hadair. The President of the University, Father Pierre Najm, said that the gathering was "about the value of our greatest treasure, the hope of our future and the reason for our university: our students, the builders of tomorrow's society; and about our intention to stand by them and to provide education for all.”
Farra discussed the importance of this fundraising dinner to support the University's financial aid program and the talented students who do not have the financial resources to continue their university education, and reiterated NDU’s promise to stand by its students and support them in all fields.
His Eminence Bishop Al-Warsha highlighted the need for increasing financial aid, particularly in light of Lebanon’s economic situation.
The meeting included a documentary about the value of financial aid at NDU and how the University stands by its students, in addition to a musical performance by NDU graduate Tenor Marc Reaidy Baz.