Following an elegant ceremony that honored the graduating class of 2023 on the Byblos campus, the LAU Beirut campus was abuzz with jubilation at the commencements of the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Architecture and Design graduates on the evening of June 16, and the graduates of the Adnan Kassar School of Business on June 17.

At both ceremonies, LAU President Michel E. Mawad underscored how the university had withstood extreme testing times. “In your moments of doubt and uncertainty, please recall the example of the institution you come from and its ability to overcome odds, ride storms, defeat adversity and keep its faith against the mightiest of odds,” he advised the graduates.

Touching on fast-changing technologies, Dr. Mawad urged the class of 2023 to become lifelong learners, as “reinventing yourselves through upskilling is your ticket to continued competence, for what is cutting-edge today will be obsolete in a few years, and obsolescence is the prime enemy of every professional.”

On June 16, LAU conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters on Canada’s Chief Science Advisor Mona Nemer in recognition of her many contributions to molecular cardiology.

Reflecting on her return to Lebanon, which had initially inspired her “to embark on a journey of scientific discovery and self-discovery,” Dr. Nemer remarked how change is the only constant.

She spoke about her early university years in Beirut that, like students of her generation, had coincided with the Lebanese Civil War. “I came to recognize that the strife and hardship that surrounded me did not define me. That I could still set a course for my own life that would touch the lives of others for the better,” she said.

Drawing a parallel between those years and the current crises in Lebanon, she urged the graduates not to let the prevailing circumstances define them either, saying: “This is a testament to this university, which has been a wellspring of ideas and a catalyst for change for 99 years. There is no reason for any of us to succumb to defeatism. Not today. Not tomorrow, either.”

Closing on a positive note, Dr. Nemer affirmed that “the status quo is not of your making, but you will be the ones to change it – to set the course of Lebanon’s institutions, its science, its culture, its economy, its environment and its civic life.”

Another parallel was drawn to the years that immediately followed the Lebanese Civil War, during the ceremony on June 17, when Honorary Doctorate recipient Dr. Ogarit Younan spoke about how she and her late partner of 40 years Walid Slaiby had taken the initiative to train Lebanese youth on non-violence and anti-sectarianism.

She shared an anecdote from a time when they had planned a gathering at LAU back in 1991 when the university’s theater and adjacent outdoor areas overflowed with attendees.

“This preceded the age of the cell phone and social media, and the heavy attendance was a testimony to their rejection of violence and sectarianism – in fact, some of them are still working with us as activists today,” said Dr. Younan.

A pioneer of the Culture of Non-Violence in the Arab World, Dr. Younan co-founded the Academic University for Non-Violence and Human Rights in the Arab World, a first for Lebanon and the region. At the ceremony, she asserted her longing for a non-corrupt, non-violent and just Lebanon: “Injustice is bound to end, and oppressors will not be here forever. We want a more humane Lebanon, and the role of universities is crucial.”

Addressing the graduates, she asked: “Lebanon has a lot of virtue, creativity and potential, but it also has the exact opposite – what will you choose?”

The answer came loud and clear from the two class speakers at both events.

Valedictorian Sara Ajami called on her peers to never give up and assume responsibility to bring about positive change, during the ceremony on June 16.

“You weathered storms of exams, deadlines and projects as you were adapting to online learning, and while the country faced a harsh virus and an economic crisis,” said Ajami.

“Through it all, you learned how to rise again wiser and stronger, and developed the skills needed to face hardships – and these are the skills that will help you in lifting the country back to its feet,” she added.

On June 17, valedictorian Adnan Marrouche noted how “failure is part of the process, and it should never stop us from dreaming big and reaching our fullest potential. Each one of us has grown and is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.”

Speaking to his graduating class, he encouraged them to “remember that success is not only measured by titles or wealth,” but “by the positive impact we have on the lives of others.”

Special awards were given to excelling graduates from the class of 2023.

Reef Aman Eddine, Carol El Farraji and Mariam Zeineddine received the President Award for their high-caliber leadership traits.

Nour El Bizri, Zayna Youssef and Sallama Seif Eddine each received the Torch Award, in recognition of their service spirit.

For exemplifying dedication and service to others, Tatiana Chaiban received the Rhoda Orme Award.

Based on his good academic standing and leadership skills, Anhal Kozhaya was given the Riyad Nassar Leadership Award, while Aya Safa earned the General Mahmoud Tay Abou Dargham Award.

Tony Wehbe also received the Sarah Huntington Smith Achievement Award.