Friday, May 9, 2025 marked the much-anticipated annual celebration, Notre Dame University-Louaize’s Founders’ Day, building on decades of challenges yet more accomplishments. Under the theme Turath, or heritage, student clubs displayed wonderful setups reflecting our Lebanese identity, each in its unique style, and ended the evening on a cheerful and united Dabkeh.
Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at NDU inaugurated the event, thanking Dr. Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Tourism for her support and national efforts, and greeting her representative and consultant Ghassan Haddad. Introducing the NDU President Father Bechara Khoury, he recalled the President’s message during the noon mass: “anyone who belongs to NDU belongs to a family who seeks to fulfill a mission that knows no limits”.
Comparing NDU to a fine lady who is receiving the best gifts on her birthday: our commitment to her, the President saluted the students’ clearly hard work in making this event happen, driving him as their leader to stay ahead while remaining by their side. “Dr. Lahoud and the new Ministry of Tourism are officially represented by Mr. Haddad tonight, and artistically represented by our special guest Oussama El Rahbani, with whom we recently built an ambitious and inspirational partnership. Last but not least, our alumna Jessica Azar honored us with her presence tonight and her solid support for the American Friends of NDU”. Summing up his words, Fr. Khoury confirmed that NDU does not forget its roots, hence this year’s guests and theme: Turath.
As the speeches brightened the audience’s hearts, sparkling candles lit the stage around the University’s President, Vice Presidents and Deans, who all joined hands to cut a large cake for the occasion. Then the Founders’ Day’s Masters of Ceremony students Roudy Khalil and Maria Moussa took to the stage, announcing the special achievements of NDU students who received an appreciation trophy.
The evening then took a cultural tone, celebrating Mansour Rahbani’s 100th anniversary through one of his poems, emotionally recited by student Rebecca Abou Assi who was nominated among the top 3 in the Classical Arabic Recitation Competition, and on Mansour’s most famous melodies played by the NDU Music Club. Oussama Rahbani was then invited to address the audience: “You are our future, our oil and gas. Develop your own potential regardless of political distractions”, he advised students, warmly thanking Dr. Karen BouJaoude, Dean of the Ramez G. Chagoury Faculty of Architecture, Arts, and Design; and Dolcy Lawoun, Chairperson of the Department of Music for their insistence to upgrade the youth’s musical knowledge while honoring the Rahbani legacy.
The floor was completely left to students next, specifically the 2nd year Fashion Design ones whose creative works strolled on the catwalk under the applause of friends, teachers and family members. In conclusion of the show, fashion designer Jeanne Feghali was honored, sharing her delight in being present at NDU among such talented students, who reminded her of her own dreams.
Kicking off the celebrations, the students’ clubs paraded with the Lebanese flags, followed by live performances by DJ Alain Majdalani, Jemli band, Aswar band, and the Bamboo Syndrome. The night’s main entertainers Carlos Hikri, Mario Hadchiti and Clara Rihani joined next, gathering the crowd on their new songs as well as old, timeless Lebanese tunes that got everyone dancing and singing along. Finally, a tombola draw took place offering lucky winners many valuable prizes, after which the Magnolia band ended the program.
Since its inception, NDU evidently matured and achieved international academic standards, while keeping the focus on its community and the values instilled in each student. This night did not only celebrate the University’s founders’ efforts, but also the ongoing efforts of those who are continuously developing it today, with the sole and common vision of a brighter future.