For the second consecutive year, the Financial Engineering students of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (FBAE) have captured First Place in the National Virtual Stock Exchange (VSE) Competition, organized in collaboration with BLOMINVEST Bank. This consecutive victory reflects the FBAE’s continuous pursuit of excellence and the exceptional quality of its programs, faculty, and students.
This year’s national champion, Jad Thebian from the Shouf Campus, distinguished himself through outstanding analytical, technical, and presentation skills, earning First Place among the top five finalists representing Lebanon’s leading universities. The final event took place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at BLOM Bank’s Zeituna Bay Branch, bringing together senior executives, academics, and top financial experts in an atmosphere of healthy competition and academic excellence.
The 8th edition of the competition gathered strong finalists, including LAU (Second Place), Université La Sagesse and Haigazian University (tied for Third), and the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (Fourth). According to BLOMINVEST’s senior management and the judging panel, the 2025 competition was one of the most competitive and technically demanding editions in recent years, particularly following the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and last year’s war.
Despite this challenging environment, Jad stood out through his clear financial reasoning, structured analysis, and highly professional delivery. His work demonstrated deep understanding of market behavior, effective risk management, and a strong ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world data. His winning presentation reflected his personal dedication and perseverance and the solid academic foundation and mentoring he received throughout his studies at NDU.
Jad’s achievement reinforces the FBAE’s leadership in finance and quantitative education and highlights the commitment of its students and faculty to continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence. His success also marks the second consecutive year that NDU wins First Place in the National VSE Competition, further confirming the University’s strong presence and reputation in Lebanon’s financial education landscape.
Reflecting on his success, Jad expressed his gratitude and pride in being part of the NDU community:
“I am extremely proud to be part of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). Joining NDU has been one of the best decisions of my academic life. The University constantly pushes us to excel, compete with confidence, and reach our full potential. What I value most is the exceptional education we receive—especially at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, which is proudly AACSB accredited. This accreditation reflects the quality and global standards that define our learning experience.”
The FBAE extends its appreciation to Dr. Talie Kassamany, Mentor of the Competition at NDU, for his excellent guidance and support, and to Mr. Ewan Bou Fakher, Campus Leader for this edition, for his coordination throughout the event.
This victory stands as a proud moment for NDU and the FBAE—one that celebrates individual excellence and collective commitment, teamwork, and the pursuit of knowledge that define the spirit of the Faculty.
Congratulations to Jad Thebian, the Department of Accounting and Finance, and the entire FBAE community for this remarkable national success.