More than 400 members of the LAU athletics community gathered at the Byblos campus on May 19, 2026, for the Annual Athletics Awards Dinner honoring student-athletes, coaches, and graduating seniors for their dedication, teamwork, and outstanding sports performance throughout the year. 

Student-athletes from all varsity teams were joined by athletic trainers, team managers, administrative staff, the deans of students, and university leadership, underscoring a shared culture of discipline and collective ambition that extends beyond competition.

In the past year, varsity teams have continued to distinguish themselves on regional and international stages, including standout performances at the World InterUniversities Championships and the FISU World University Games, as well as medal-winning achievements in tournaments in Athens and Belgrade.

During the event, LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah spoke about what sport leaves behind long after competition ends. He pointed to the habits built through training and games—discipline, resilience, teamwork—and how they continue to shape students well beyond their time at university.

“The skills gained on the court are just as important, if not more important, than those learned in the classroom,” he said, exhorting the graduates to carry those lessons forward and remain connected to the university community. “You will always be anchored in LAU. I encourage you to become ambassadors for LAU athletics and for the values that this university has instilled in you.”

Dr. Raed Mohsen, interim VP for Student Development and Enrollment Management, and dean of students on the Beirut campus, followed with a focus on the university’s ongoing support for student-athletes. He noted that 227 students currently benefit from athletic scholarships, adding that LAU continues to work on expanding these opportunities with the backing of the administration.

Addressing the attendees, Athletics Director Joe Moujaes spoke to this year’s cohort of 79 graduates, asking them to hold on to what they built at LAU as they move forward.

“This is not a goodbye,” he said. “Stay anchored to your values, your memories, your friendships, and most importantly, to LAU.”

The night concluded with Dr. Jad Abdallah, dean of students on the Byblos campus, handing trophies to the recipients of Athletics Honors, which recognized achievement across different sports and leadership, closing the event on a note of shared pride.