As part of the University Mission to accompany our students both throughout their years of study and after graduating as Ambassadors, the Graduate Office at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) organized its annual Alumni Gala Dinner in the United Arab Emirates.
Notable NDU faculty in attendance were: NDU President, Father Pierre Najem, Vice President for Administration, Fr. Samir Ghsoub, and Director of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Nesrine Sfeir. The event also hosted two honored guests: Minister of State for Administrative Development and Assistant Professor at the Department of Media Studies – Faculty of Humanities at NDU, Dr. May Chidiac, and Deputy of Parliament, and NDU alum Dr. Ali Darwish, were presented with awards celebrating their achievements at the UAE Alumni Gala Dinner.
NDU alumna Nicole Bardawil welcomed the crowd, followed by a speech by alum Toni Cid, President of the UAE Alumni Chapter.
Fr. Najem expressed how proud the University is of its Ambassadors who raise the name and image of NDU around the world, with their great achievements and successes, and reaffirmed NDU’s desire to build bridges with its students wherever they may be. He also expressed his pride in NDU having received accreditation from the “New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)", as NDU is one of three universities in Lebanon with American accreditation, and one of twelve universities in the world outside the United States and the only University registered in Lebanon to have attained accreditation. The President thanked the attending alumni who, through their fundraising initiative, help "relieve the burden of parents who provide everything they have to their children’s education."
Dr. Chidiac praised the University’s belief in the principles of faith in freedom. "I invite you today to remain free and defend your country and your people wherever you are, no matter how much it costs, and I am sure that you will remain free wherever you are in Lebanon, Dubai or any other city in the world." She also encouraged unity between NDU alumni and students saying: "Let us work together, gather ideas and help each other build a better future for tomorrow's students to live free with heads held high.”
Dr. Darwish added: "Our alumni are a great example, and invited them to be always active and good examples of the best Lebanon has to offer.”
The event was an excellent chance for old hands to catch up with each other, and the latest news from their Alma Mater.