On Friday October 31, 2008, Notre Dame University welcomed Minister Ms. Leila El-Solh Hamadeh , Vice Chairperson of Al Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Association, for the occasion of receiving the equipment donation by the Association to the Faculty of Engineering.
After the opening speeches of Dr. Elias Nassar, Dean, FE, Fr. Walid Moussa, President and Mr. Abd El Salam Marini, Manager of the Educational Division in Prince Al Walid Bin Talal Association, President Moussa offered two commemorative gifts to Minister El Solh.

In his speech Dr. Nassar highlighted the different development stages of the Faculty of Engineering and its areas of excellence. He explained the type of equipment that was donated by the Association and indicated that this equipment will give the Engineering students new competencies and will help in increasing the Engineering services offered by the Faculty to the outside community. He finally thanked Dr. Ameen Rihani and Mr. Marini for their efforts in coordinating this donation and Ms. El Solh, and Prince Al Walid for their generosity and commitment to the education of the future generations.

In his speech Father Moussa said that Ms. Leila El Solh is a friend of NDU and express his willingness to continue this cooperation with Al Walid Association. He mentioned that growth of universities is measured today by its ability to keep up with the latest technologies and the help of AlWalid Bin Talal in this regard is greatly appreciated. Our challenge he said is to master technology without letting technology rule over us. He ended by thanking Ms. Leila Solh, Mr. Abd Salam Marini and Prince Al Walid Bin Talal affirming that with God’s strength and the efforts of all we shall not be afraid and we keep working for progress and for Lebanon.

In his turn, Mr. Abd El Salam Marini expressed his appreciation and admiration of NDU and its commitment to the education of students especially those who suffer from handicaps such as the deaf and mute. He hoped to continue the cooperation with NDU, which started with the Faculty of Engineering, since both Al Walid Bin Talal and NDU work for the same goal. He thanked NDU again for displaying the statute of President El Solh at its entrance.

The ceremony was followed by the unveiling of a commemorative sign and a tour of the Engineering Labs where the donated equipment was displayed.

The National Anthem

Ms. Leila El Solh receiving a gift featuring President El Solh and Prince Al Walid Bin Talal

Ms. Leila El Solh inaugurating the commemorative sign

Left to Right Mr. Abd ElSalam Marini, Dr. Ameen Rihani, Dr. Elias Nassar, Ms. Leila El Solh, Father Walid Moussa

Ms. Leila El Solh and President Moussa viewing the donated equipment

Dr. Elias Nassar, Dean, FE, explaining the operation of the different Engineering equipment