The Department of Media Studies (DMS) in the Faculty of Humanities (FH) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) and the International Advertising Association (IAA) Advertising Club at NDU organized on June 6, 2018, the "4th IAA Diploma Ceremony" in Issam Fares Hall, NDU Zouk Campus.
NDU graduates with a B. A. in Advertising and Marketing were granted the “Certificate of Accredited Course Completion” from the IAA.
In attendance were guest of honor, Chairman and CEO of RizkGroup Communications, André Rizk; IAA Chairman and World President Felix Tataru; IAA Lebanon Chapter President Joe Ayache; Vice-President for Academic Affairs at NDU Dr. Elie Badr as well as University deans, faculty, and staff.
Assistant Professor at the FH Dr. Jessica el-Khoury delivered the welcome note.
IAA Diploma Ceremony Founder and faculty member at NDU Melhem Rechdan highlighted the important achievements of Advertising and Marketing students on the global level. He said, “To our Advertising and Marketing graduates, NDU is proud to inform you that we are fully onboard the IAA Global Chapter through the IAA Advertising Club.”
FH Dean Dr. Kamal Abou Chedid said, “Today we are here to celebrate the 4th IAA Diploma Ceremony in recognition of the quality of our Advertising and Marketing program at NDU.”
For his part, Dr. Badr said, “Tonight we celebrate an important milestone; tonight marks eighty years of creativity and excellence. We are proud to be the only institution of higher education with IAA Accreditation in Lebanon.” He added, “NDU is known to have the best Advertising and Marketing program, period.”
Tataru unveiled IAA’s new identity and mission, symbolized by the introduction of a new logo that signifies its transformation and culture of leadership built over the association’s 80-year history through a short video. He said, “The IAA believes in freedom of speech and in being a force for good. Creativity has the power to make the world a better place.”
Rizk congratulated the students on their achievement, and he invited them to develop their strengths and skills. He said, “Today and after fifty-three years in the industry, I still learn something new every day. The most important thing I have learned over the years is the philosophy of RizkGroup: ‘It’s Not Creative Unless It Sells.’ “
He added, “The challenges facing the advertising profession in the digital age are the biggest it has ever confronted. You are so lucky to have graduated from NDU. Be advertisers, not businessmen.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the screening of a touching and inspiring video produced by NDU, celebrating the life and career of Rizk. A musical piece performed by NDU students Nour Berberi and Dany Atallah also brought the house down. Dr. Badr presented Rizk with an "Award of Excellence" in recognition of his valuable contribution to the Lebanese advertising Industry.
The IAA certificates were then distributed to graduates and two honorary shields were presented; one went to Ayache in recognition of his continuous support and the other went to Tataru for his valuable contribution to the success of the IAA.