Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Novelus, a Lebanese-based company with expertise in global outsourcing and consulting in Telecommunication, Software development and Project Management in Lebanon, the MENA and Europe, with the aim of supporting the NDU students and helping them find ways to establish a promising career in Lebanon.
Present in the meeting were Fr. Bechara Khoury, NDU President, Mr. Samer Kehdy, Managing Director of Novelus Offshore SAL. Dr. Michel El Hayek, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at NDU (VPAA), Mr. Elie Fares, Director of Engineering and Field Services, Mr. Bassem Wakim, Director of Engineering, Mrs. Karen Njeim, People and Culture Director, Ms. Lea Khalife, Talent Acquisition and Development Lead, Dr. Elias Nassar, Chairperson Department of Electrical, Computer and Communication Engineering, Ms. Karla Sfeir, Head Department of Career and Placement, Ms. Emma Chacar, former Director Office of Communications, and Mr. Andre Fahed, Director of Communications.
Fr. Khoury welcomed Novelus team and expressed his strong belief in the potential of this cooperation as it provides a wide window of opportunities for the NDU students. He highlighted the heavy weight that the critical economic situation has imposed on everyone and all industries. He added, “one positive outlook resulting from these times is the rising unity because together, we can devise synergies and combined solutions.”
Mr. Samer Kehdy reiterated the importance of uniting in times of crisis and shared his gratitude and excitement to be working with NDU. He also expressed his appreciation for NDU’s flexibility and highlighted the hardworking, professional, and solid foundation of the NDU Alumni with whom they often work.
“We want our students to be active and efficient, and we are glad to be cooperating with Novelus since our top priority is our students,” stated Dr. Michel El Hayek, VPAA.
Dr. Nassar reassured the attendees that the faculty of engineering at NDU is ready to cooperate and to amend any course as needed to meet the market requirements as long as it benefits the students.
“I owe this University a lot”, said Lea Khalife, (BA’14, MBA’16). She added that the academic background she acquired from NDU as a student, from communication skills and analytical thinking to technical skills, were highly valued and useful in her professional life.
Soft skills differentiate NDU students from others said Mr. Kehdy. According to him, technical skills can be taught and trained, but soft skills are innate and essential.
From her end, Ms. Sfeir, mentioned that the Department of Career and Placement is in the process of organizing continuous trainings to enhance students’ soft skills.
The meeting concluded with a group picture and the promise of establishing a strong and promising partnership between these two institutions.