"You have spent a lot of time here, rising to the challenges presented and giving your work meaning. Today is a day to rejoice with your family." – Fr. Pierre Najem, NDU President
June 14, 2019 – The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) community came together at the end of another successful year, to celebrate the achievement of its graduating students during its 29th annual Commencement Ceremony, alongside guest of honor, Dr. Francois Simon Bassil, president of Byblos Bank Group, and member of NDU’s Emeritus Board of Trustees.
The ceremony began with a rendition of the Lebanese national anthem performed by the NDU choir, under the leadership of Fr. Khalil Rahme, an opening speech by the master of the ceremony, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Elie Badr, and a prayer from the Superior General of the Maronite Mariamite Order, Abbot Maroun Chidiac, who called upon the Holy Spirit to guide the graduates’ paths “towards truth, beauty, and the core of what it means to be human.”
Dr. Badr reflected on NDU’s status as a unique and diverse university “where we learn to respect other points of views and to find our own voices.” He went on to introduce NDU President, Fr. Pierre Najem as “a Father, with what this entire word means, and in case you are wondering what it means, it means Love yet reason, devotion yet assertion, sacrifice yet no compromise. A Father that helps us grow inward, outward and upward.”
In a heartfelt speech to the graduating students, Fr. Najem, expressed how proud he was, saying that they have become ambassadors of the University wherever they go, and that their achievements and successes will reflect NDU’s image across the world: "You are the children of a University that is always looking toward excellence. One that does not compromise on the quality of education despite the harsh conditions and the cost of this quality… You are the children of a University whose students have always been at the center of its strategies, because our students are the only reason for our existence. "
Fr. Najem also expressed his pride in "the quality of the education as certified by the New England Commission for Higher Education (NECHE). NDU is one of three universities in Lebanon with American accreditation and one of twelve universities in the world outside the United States with this accreditation and the only national university accredited to the United States in Lebanon."
Institutional accreditation is an essential step for all institutions of higher learning. With it, students are more readily able to pursue higher education around the world, as well begin careers in the most well-established global companies.
Fr. Najem then welcomed Dr. Bassil into the fold saying: "With you today, the number of our graduates comes to 20,001.”
This year’s Valedictorian, Medical Laboratory student, Pamela Moussa, from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, reflected on her time at NDU, and how it empowered her to pursue her dreams. "Today is a day to be inspired and to be thankful," said Moussa. "We’ve all made NDU our home. NDU has shaped, inspired, and challenged us, and introduced us to friends we will love for life." Moussa was then presented with the General Khalil Kanaan, by his wife, Mona Kanaan.
Another student, Eliane Zouein from the Faculty of Engineering, was presented with the Sarmad Rihani award, by Presided Fr. Najem.
Dr. Bassil spoke next, calling on the students to keep in mind the three main responsibilities: professional, civil, and national. Dr. Bassil highlighted "perseverance, seriousness, and keeping up to date with the latest developments in your area of expertise; engaging with one’s community, and solving the roots of societal problems in an effort to improve living conditions; and consolidating the concept of citizenship, based on the principle of equal rights and duties before the law, and the requirement of being held accountable for misconduct."
The ceremony concluded with NDU’s administration presenting Dr. Bassil with a token of appreciation for his continued support of education in Lebanon.