At the first of three ceremonies celebrating its class of 2023, the university reveled in crossing yet another finish line, standing tall and victorious in defiance of a series of odds that have, since 2019, challenged its very mission. The message was loud and clear: LAU had not only survived but flourished.

The ceremony marked the opening of the university’s 98th commencement exercises on the Byblos campus, with two to follow in Beirut. The graduates marched to deafening cheers from overjoyed faculty, proud parents, and guests.

“Your LAU has withstood adversity, defeated crises, defied the pandemic and prevailed over obstacles of all sorts to emerge in full force stronger and more confident than ever before,” affirmed President Michel E. Mawad.

The university has provided close to $200 million in financial assistance that covered 85 percent of the student body since the outset of the crises in 2019, revealed Dr. Mawad. It pivoted to online delivery, launched two online graduate degrees, established a new medical center and health clinics, and took several steps to transform into a university without borders.

“Those major triumphs,” including others he mentioned, “should prepare us well to address the many challenges that loom on the horizon, among which are globalization, disruptive technologies and resource sustainability,” said Dr. Mawad. “We have to be ready for a paradigm shift that will make higher education horizontal and interactive, integrating students and faculty in one learning cycle.”

A longtime friend and champion of LAU, Antoine Frem received the LAU Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters at the ceremony in recognition of his illustrious achievements and service to the country as co-founder and vice-chairman of INDEVCO Group. The philanthropist and entrepreneur has also given generously to LAU in donations and through internships to students.

Frem expressed his pride in being honored by “a university that is very dear to my heart, and whose growth and development journey I have witnessed firsthand,” as an LAU trustee and board chairman. 

Addressing the graduates, he advised them not to be tempted by alluring job offers abroad. “Lebanon is in dire need today more than ever for its young human capital to be the agents of change who will revive and resurrect the country,” said Frem, adding: “You are the future leaders of tomorrow. Be a force of good for the world!”

Class valedictorian Lena-Maria Rizk spoke about the difficult external conditions she and her peers withstood in their university journey.

“Our class will forever be like no other. Instead of succumbing to the circumstances, we woke up every single day not knowing what was coming, yet we consciously chose determination over discouragement.” she said, inviting her fellow graduates to “never give up and forever have the audacity to dream big.”

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

Mariane Papazian, Youssef Dakramanji, Elie Nasr, Elie Aoun, Nour Chidiac and Alain El Hajj received the President Award, acknowledging their high-caliber leadership traits.

Charbel El Kossaifi, Cyrielle Saba, Antonio Chedid, Christelle Elias, Sarah Al Mallah and Iman El Hachem each received the Torch Award, in recognition of their service spirit.

For exemplifying dedication and service to others, Elissa Trad received the Rhoda Orme Award.

Based on his good academic standing and leadership skills, Nareg Mesrobian was given the Riyad Nassar Leadership Award, while Hanna Wannous earned the Charbel Khairallah Endowed Award, offered to a top engineering student in memory of the late engineering student Charbel Khairallah.

Nour Antoine Chidiac received the Sara Khatib Inspiration Award, which is awarded to a student who sustains a positive attitude and has made an impact on others by being a role model of courage, determination, endurance, and hope in the face of obstacles, while maintaining high academic standards.