“Towards Higher Achievements” was this year’s theme for the NDU annual Commencement Ceremony, which was held on June 29, 2017, at the main campus. Today, 1,321 graduates have joined the ranks of the University alumni family. Parents proudly looked on as their children walked to the stage to receive their degrees.
Invited guests included H.E. Michel Aoun representative, Minister of State for Women's Affairs H.E. Jean Oguasabian, Prime Minister Saad Hariri representative H.E. Jamal Jarrah, Member of Parliament H.E. Farid Elias el-Khazen, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi as well as political, diplomatic, military, and religious figures, presidents and principals of universities and schools, and members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) at NDU.
Vice-President for Public Affairs and Communications at NDU Suheil Matar reminded the graduates that NDU was not simply the University that conferred them with a degree but a home where they were able to mature, evolve, learn, and experience treasured moments.
Rodrigue Rizk, who, with a 4.0 GPA, earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Communication (CCE), delivered the valedictorian speech for the Class of 2017. Rizk said, “NDU provided me not only with a place to learn but also a true home to grow and blossom! For those who do not know, NDU is like a big family, and that fact is what makes it special and different from other universities … We came to NDU a few years ago from different backgrounds and different life experiences. Today, we leave this University as one element – WE ARE THE CLASS OF 2017!”
For his part, NDU President Fr. Walid Moussa, congratulated the graduates. He said, "Starting today, you are responsible for what you do and what you want to do ... Starting today you are free to navigate the ship to your desired destination and find solutions to the problems that are strewn along your path. Young men and women, you should embrace your culture, gain experience, and learn more so that you can form your opinion in all matters related to life and society. "
Guest of Honor Maestro Abdel Halim Caracalla said, “Today, we need young people like you to tear down the restrictions and barriers … Today, you begin a new life. From here, you have to preserve the trust that the NDU has placed in you - this University that has expanded your minds and armed you with the values upon which to build your future.”
Finally, degrees were conferred and grants were given to outstanding graduates, including the ‘Sarmad Rihani Scholarship’ for the Faculty of Engineering (FE) course.
Following the conferring of degrees, graduates made their way to the Legend Venue where they enjoyed an all-night festive celebration, which has become a tradition for graduating seniors.
Congratulations, Class of 2017!