“We dream of a Lebanon as vibrant as its youth, as free as their dreams – one that is for them and for them only,” fervently proclaimed NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury, setting the tone for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
Friday, June 21 marked the joyous occasion of NDU's 34th Commencement Ceremony at its Main Campus in Zouk Mosbeh. Graduates celebrated the culmination of their academic journey in the company of peers, family, friends, professors, and staff. With a new chapter unfolding before them, the ceremony was honored by the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, the revered guest of honor.
Among the event’s attendees were H.E. the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, represented by H.E. Elias Bou Saab, his Deputy; H.E. Prime Minister Najib Mikati, represented by H.E. the Minister of Communications, Johnny Al-Qurm; H.E. former President Michel Sleiman, represented by Her Excellency Minister Alice Chabtini; H.E. former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, represented by Cynthia Gharib; H.E. the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Paolo Borgia, represented by Msgr. Giovanni Becceri; His Beatitude John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, represented by Archimandrite George Yacoub; Most Reverend Abbot Edmond Rizk, Superior General of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary and NDU's Supreme Chancellor; H.E. Former Minister Dr. Ziyad Baroud, Chairperson of NDU’s Board of Trustees and its members; the University Alumni Association, in addition to their excellencies the Bishops, their eminences, representatives of their Beatitudes, diplomatic, military, educational, political, religious, judicial, banking, and media figures, heads of municipal and elective councils, and the NDU community, along with its administrative and educational bodies.
The Ceremony began with a rendition of the Lebanese National Anthem, performed by the NDU Choir. Afterwards, Dr. Michel El Hayek, the Vice President for Academic Affairs declared the Ceremony open and invited Reverend Abbot Edmond Rizk, Superior General of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to recite the opening prayer, in which he implored the Blessed Virgin Mary to continue being the guiding star of the graduates as they confront new challenges.
Majed Bou Hadir, Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, then welcomed the guests. Dr. Michel El Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs, subsequently introduced Fr. Bechara Khoury, President of NDU, for his eagerly awaited speech.
In his speech, the NDU President touched down on several key points. Addressing first the honorable guest of honor, he proceeded to duly thank the Patriarch for his warm presence: “Your Beatitude , with your esteemed presence, you stand at the forefront of our celebration, not merely as a descendant of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cradle of this University, nor simply as its founder, but as the Supreme guardian of our nation’s essence, existence, and true Lebanese identity – all of which are under threat.”
With regards to education, the Father President insisted that the University will remain dedicated to the educational legacy it has created, protected, and spread for centuries. Rather than simply abandoning such a heritage amid infinite crises, he maintained that it shall be wielded as a weapon against growing ignorance and misinformation. Voicing his concern over the future of the youth, nevertheless, Fr. Khoury uttered sadly, “Amid times of uncertainty and a multitude of crises, our students unfortunately leave our University holding their diplomas in one hand and their passports in the other.”
In a more optimistic approach, however, Fr. Khoury reiterated that the University will not silently watch over as complacent authorities dictate the future of hardworking students.
“Tonight serves as a reminder of the Lebanon that we desire to have – one that is for the youth and for them only,” he lastly stated.
Turning to the graduates, Fr. Khoury imparted a final, resonant message: “Dear Graduates, there are those who have tried and continue to try to alter the essence of life in Lebanon. Your mission is to restore its true spirit and vibrancy. And if you must emigrate for work or education purposes, declare before you leave that you shall return to rebuild Lebanon one day.”
Following the Father President’s speech, Bou Hadir welcomed the guest of honor, His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, who in turn addressed the students and crowd, saying: “I am delighted to participate in the graduation ceremony of the esteemed and beloved Notre Dame University-Louaize. Congratulations to you and your proud families. I also extend my congratulations to the University president, the administration, and the faculty, whose dedication and hard work have contributed to this momentous day.”
“Young graduates”, His Beatitude proceeded to say, “You are the 'guardians of the morning,' echoing the spirit of Isaiah’s watchmen who herald the dawn of a new era. We have endured challenges even more formidable than those we face today, yet Lebanon has persisted. This Lebanon, rich in its saints, will not falter; it will remain steadfast through the determination of its people.
“Your University upholds key educational principles: providing quality education, integrating students with educational difficulties through the SKILD Foundation, and promoting comprehensive human development—academically, intellectually, scientifically, culturally, athletically, nationally, democratically, and spiritually.”
Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi concluded: “In the face of ongoing deterioration and crises, the University compensates for the absent state. Despite national challenges threatening our youth’s future, the higher education sector defends and fortifies. Today, you and the nation stand at a crucial crossroads. Our commitment to Lebanon’s identity is unwavering. Be steadfast. Your University and Church stand by you, armed with knowledge, perseverance, dialogue, and unity.”
The Class Valedictorian then took the stage to address the audience. Dany Bou Chebel, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a perfect GPA, detailed the support of others throughout his journey. He began by thanking the esteemed guest, Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi, and Father Bechara Khoury, the President of NDU, for their leadership and vision. Acknowledgment was also given to the members of the board of trustees, deans of faculties, the dean of students, directors, administrators, and the dedicated faculty and staff of NDU. The Valedictorian also took the time to extend special thanks to FNAS Dean Dr. Roger Nakad, as well as his own family, mentors, and professors whose guidance, dedication, and impactful teaching went a long way.
As Dany's speech unfolded, he infused it with a poignant message of resilience and hope. "As we stand at the threshold of a new beginning," he proclaimed, "let us remember that this moment marks not the end of our journey, but the dawn of a new chapter in our lives." With conviction, he urged his fellow graduates to embrace the challenges and opportunities awaiting them beyond the University's walls. "Believe in yourselves," he implored, "for within each of us lies the strength to overcome any obstacle and the wisdom to navigate the uncertainties ahead." Dany reminded his peers that failure is not a setback but rather a catalyst for growth and achievement. "Every stumble," he declared, "paves the way for a triumphant comeback."
During the evening, Dr. Hayek also announced that two awards will be presented. The Valedictorian received the “General Khalil Kanaan Award”, presented to him by Mona Kanaan. As for the “Sarmad Rihani Award”, it was presented to student Karim Youssef Hamady by the NDU President.
Preceding the commencement of degree conferral, a segment dedicated to award distribution was arranged. Taking the lead, Fr. Khoury orchestrated the proceedings, initiating with a heartfelt gesture of appreciation towards His Beatitude. He presented a meticulously crafted manuscript detailing the origins of the Maronite religion and its harmonious union with the Roman Church, symbolizing the everlasting bond between faith and scholarship within the institution.
Then came the moment every student was waiting for. As each of the graduates’ names echoed through the room, one after the other, they approached Fr. Khoury to accept their diplomas and embark on this new step in their professional journeys. With each handshake and diploma exchanged, a deep sense of accomplishment filled the air, mingling with the palpable pride of faculty, family, and friends who had supported them along the way. As they descended from the stage, diplomas in hand, they carried not only tangible proof of their academic achievements but also the promise of boundless opportunities awaiting them beyond the University gates. It was a moment of jubilation, reflection, and anticipation—a moment that marked the dawn of a new chapter in their lives.