On May 9, 2025, coinciding with Notre Dame University-Louaize’s (NDU) Founder’s Day, the North Lebanon Campus (NLC) held a grand celebration to honor the winners of the Interschool Engineering Competition, originally organized by the Faculty of Engineering on April 4 and 5. More than a moment of recognition and prize awarding, this landmark event stood as a solemn homage to the Founders' enduring commitment to education, moral integrity, intellectual growth, and societal advancement in Lebanon and the region. Echoing these foundational ideals, this event was a profound reaffirmation of NDU’s mission and vision, and the values that underpin the University’s academic philosophy in championing educational excellence, fostering innovation, and cultivating a new generation of visionary leaders in North Lebanon and beyond.
The event brought together around two hundred attendees, including victorious students, their parents and siblings, school principals and directors, and the dedicated representatives who accompanied the students during the competition. The presence of these guests turned the occasion into a tribute to teamwork and commitment, shared in the warmth and pride of families.
After the National Anthem, Dr. Jacques Harb, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, offered a stirring keynote that celebrated the students’ exceptional talent and ingenuity. Building on this momentum, Reverend Father François Akl, Director of NDU-NLC, delivered an oration which resonated with profound insight and conviction.
Subsequently, Dr. Chady El Moucary, Faculty Coordinator at NDU-NLC, thanked all participating schools, applauding winners and participants alike. He also acknowledged the vital support of parents and school representatives. A video by NDU student George El Sous recapped the event’s highlights, capturing its energy for those who couldn't attend. Dr. El Moucary concluded with a presentation on NDU’s commitment to quality, the significance of NECHE and ABET accreditations, and the Faculty of Engineering’s integration of AI to equip graduates with competitive, future-ready skills.
A major highlight of the event was the awards and recognition segment. Each winning team was called forward to be publicly honored with their corresponding prize alongside official Certificates of Achievement. The moment was met with enthusiastic applause and celebratory photographs, capturing the pride and excitement shared by schools’ principles, students and their families.
Given the competition’s multidisciplinary scope, its success relied on the collaboration of dedicated faculty and staff. In appreciation, Dr. El Moucary honored several key contributors with tokens of recognition. Walid Zakhem and Sawsan Sleiman were commended for their vital roles in securing materials, mentoring, and judging. As for Raymond Khoury, Senior Admission Officer, he was thanked for his support and professionalism as Master of Ceremonies. Elsy Kfoury, Officer at the Office of University Advancement, was also recognized for coordinating sponsorship and hospitality, while Charbel Merheb, Head of IT, was praised as the event’s technical backbone. Dr. El Moucary also expressed deep appreciation for Senior Administrative Assistant, Rena Ayoub, calling her the “glue” that held the event together.
He gave special thanks to the NDU-NLC engineering students who volunteered as ushers, highlighting their tireless dedication, attentiveness, and warm hospitality throughout the two-day event. Their willingness to go above and beyond left a lasting impression on visiting schools. Dr. El Moucary proudly referred to them as “the knights and pride of NDU,” applauding their professionalism and team spirit as a true reflection of the University’s values.
Gratitude was also extended to the Faculty Dean and Department Chairs for their support and trust. Dr. El Moucary concluded by paying tribute to Reverend Father Francois Akl, NDU-NLC Campus Director, whose trust, generosity of spirit, and visionary leadership continue to inspire the NDU-NLC community.
Interwoven into the celebration were moments of artistic expression and entertainment, highlighted by captivating musical performances from Aline Saba, a renowned oriental singer and vocalist, whose music infused the event the atmosphere with a spirit of joy and achievement.
The evening concluded on a high note with a lavish buffet, featuring an elegant selection of expertly prepared dishes that delighted guests and added a touch of sophistication to the occasion. Every element of the May 9 celebration reflected NDU-NLC’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, youth empowerment, and regional progress. More than an awards ceremony, it was a heartfelt tribute to accomplishment and a forward-looking celebration of potential and promise.