Within the framework of its educational mission and expansive outreach efforts, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Lebanon (NDU) dispatched a delegation to the United States, as a means of establishing ties that transcend physical borders and disseminating the University’s mission abroad. The delegation was headed by NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury and included Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University Advancement, Ms. Cendrella Mjaes, Director at the Office of Human Resources, Mr. Alain Abou Jaoudeh, Director at the Office of Business Strategy and Advancement, as well as Mr. Majed Bou Hadir, Director of Public Affairs and Protocol. The visit encompassed numerous events, and an array of points were explored.
At the start of the visit, the delegation convened with The Consul General of Lebanon in New York, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abir T. Audi, and her husband, the author Dori Audi, who welcomed the delegation in the Consulate. During the meeting, Ambassador Dr. Audi restated the Consulate’s commitment to support NDU’s noble mission of aiding students struggling financially to cover their tuitions and pursue their higher education. Dr. Audi also noted that education will always be one of the pillars of a nation, highlighting the Consulate’s consistent efforts in that respect. On his end, Fr. Khoury expressed his deep gratitude towards the Lebanese community in New York and the North East, dedicating his appreciation in particular to Dr. Audi’s efforts, which constitute a driving force behind Lebanese expats’ success and NDU students’ innovative projects.
The delegation, accompanied by the American Friends of NDU (AFNDU), headed to a gathering organized by Dr. Christopher S. Hyland, President of Christopher Hyland Inc. The gathering, which sought to highlight NDU’s mission and cause, included a short speech by Fr. Bechara Khoury, where Fr. Khoury showcased the University’s recent achievements, particularly ones related to accreditations. NDU alumna, Jessica Azar, was also given the stage to delve into the valuable insight gained from her time at the University, detailing her unique experiences and the opportunities she was awarded to pursue her studies in top-tier institutions overseas.
Distinguished guests attended the event, including Mr. Imad El Hage, former President of the US Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and President of American Underwriters Group; Mr. Joseph Kallasi, President of Al Salam Club; Mr. Roger Hani, President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU-New York); Mr. Fadi Farhat, Secretary General of WLCU, along with Mr. John Abi Habib, the Honorary Consul of Lebanon in New Jersey, who hosted an alumni gathering the following day. Fr. Khoury took part in Abi Habib’s gathering, where he underscored the importance of engaging with NDU alumni. Former NDU students were honored with NDU pins and invited to recite the University Pledge, reaffirming their unwavering belonging to NDU. The gathering also provided opportunities for discussions on potential academic and business collaborations.
The NDU delegation team then traveled to Houston to explore opportunities for collaboration with renowned entrepreneurs and professionals in various sectors, including oil, medical, and business. The following day saw the delegation’s arrival to Houston, where the group was graciously hosted by Mr. Samih Baaklini, President of McKinney Construction Inc., in the presence of a gathering comprising 30 attendees, including medical professionals and prominent figures from the business community. Fr. Khoury took the opportunity to present NDU's overall mission and conveyed a sincere interest in fostering collaborative efforts across various domains.
The delegation, accompanied by Fr. Milad Yaghi, Pastor of Our Lady of The Cedars Maronite Catholic Church, Houston, Texas, subsequently attended a gathering organized by NDU Alumni Jack Fadi, whose family expressed interest in collaborating with the University on several future projects and fundraisers, notably ones aiming to assist current NDU students in their tuition fees.
On February 1, the delegation attended a gathering hosted by Dr. Philip Salem, Director Emeritus of Cancer Research at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston. The event encompassed a wide range of esteemed professionals in the medical field and laid the groundwork for future partnerships between NDU and US medical institutions.
NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury also gave an interview to Lebanon Times Magazine, discussing the purpose of the University's visit to New York City and reiterating NDU's core mission. Fr. Khoury’s interview was conducted by Nabil Habbaki and Julia Nader, and the interview article will be posted in the magazine’s March edition.
As their visit drew to a close, the delegation actively engaged with the NDU community in Houston. They attended an alumni gathering at Samih Baaklini’s Flo Restaurant, where a warm reception was given to the invitees. The delegation also participated in English and Arabic Holy Masses held at Our Lady of The Cedars Maronite Catholic Church and officiated by Fr. Khoury and Fr. Yaghi, who acknowledged NDU's presence in their prayers. Following the Masses, the delegation joined Lebanese expatriates for a reception hosted by the Houston community as a means of expressing gratitude for NDU's outreach efforts.
NDU’s latest initiative, however, albeit a significant milestone, constitutes a mere step in the University's broader efforts to advance strategically towards its future aspirations.