The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative Tomorrow’s Leaders (MEPI-TL) scholarship is not just financial support. To be selected into one of the programs, follow through with the required hours of leadership training and community service, and maintain excellent academic records are all exceptional feats that define a MEPI-TLer.

Marking the completion of their undergraduate (TLU) and graduate (TLG) programs, scholars celebrated their accomplishments at a joint ceremony held in partnership with the US Embassy and the American University of Beirut (AUB) on June 21 at AUB.

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduation Ceremony began with an address from AUB President Fadlo Khuri who expressed his pride in the 16-year collaboration with MEPI that has grown exponentially. He urged graduates to “become agents of change in a world that is in dire need of leadership that can better direct the change that we need,” inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders to champion change.

Representing LAU President Michel E. Mawad at the ceremony, Title IX Director Jennifer Skulte Ouaiss advised graduates to keep learning and “take seriously the duty to delight in the world around you,” through seeking out the challenges and grasping opportunities.

Building on the momentum of motivating speeches, US Ambassador Lisa Johnson invited the young graduates to challenge their assumptions and develop a love for lifelong learning. She encouraged them to “carry what you have learned at AUB and LAU and draw on these experiences as you make a difference for your families, communities and countries.”  

The inspiring tone continued as class speakers took the stage to reflect on the impactful moments from the TL program and emphasize the enriching experiences at both universities.

Drawing from her experience of leaving a war-torn town in Syria 11 years ago, LAU TLU valedictorian Zina Kamel delivered a powerful message that culminated in one connection all the scholars have in common: “We each have a story that proves how youth from this region have a tremendous level of resilience, dedication and patience that we can show the world in every opportunity we seize, and for us, receiving the MEPI scholarship was one of those opportunities.”

Continuing the idea that each TL graduate has the power to effect change, LAU TLG valedictorian Dana El Sammak asserted “Each and every one of you will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in your field, in our ongoing quest to make this world a brighter and more equitable place for us all.”

LAU MEPI-TL Executive Director Dina Abdul Rahman reminded graduates of one valuable lesson: “In a world defined by division, we learned through adaptive leadership that we can only make progress when we step out of ourselves to take in the worlds of others.” Driving this message home, she added: “The future is not a place that you are going to, but one that you are going to create.”

AUB MEPI-TL Executive Director Hani Hassan’s remarks, delivered by Assistant Director Melissa Ajamian in his absence, urged students to “embrace each challenge with the same vigor and commitment that brought you here today.”

AUB TLU valedictorian Mohamed Ben Fredj, reiterating the idea of embracing challenges shared his idea of leadership, “True leadership is defined by the core values we embody, not only in times of ease but, more importantly, in moments of adversity.”

Expanding on this idea, he said: “Leadership means having empathy, not just for those who resemble us, but especially for those who are most different from us. It requires listening, not in echo chambers, but to opinions that challenge our own.”

As the Graduation Ceremony concluded, the collective voices of speakers echoed a resounding message of resilience, inspiration, and the transformative experience of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program.