On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Office of Human Resources at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) celebrated Mother’s Day by honoring a mother who never stops running, embodying all aspects of motherhood in both her professional and personal life: May El Khalil, Founder and President of the Beirut Marathon Association (BMA).
Attending the event were Mother Nazha El Khoury, Superior General of the Antonine Sisters; Mother Judith Haroun, Principal of the Antonine School in Ghazir; Jihane El Asmar, representing MP Sami Gemayel and serving as Head of Women’s Affairs in the Phalange Party; Alice Yammine Boueiz, Executive Director of the Union of Arab and Lebanese Hospitals; H.E. Ambassador Johnny Ibrahim; Hiam Boustany, General Manager of the Maronite Institution for the Diaspora; Cynthia Hadi Hobeich, President of Ajial for Development; Miss Lebanon and NDU alumna Nada Koussa; international lawyer and member of the Maronite League Nada Abdel Sater; and Cendrella Moujaes, HR Director at NDU.
“NDU comes forth each year to say that it walks hand in hand with every mother, embracing its students as their mothers do, with the continuous guiding love of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” began Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol, introducing NDU’s theme this year, “The Unstoppable,” which was illustrated in a video created by and for mothers at NDU.
Father Bechara Khoury, President of NDU, improvised on this touching occasion: “A mother builds institutions, a mother unites the family, a mother gives life—values that extend from NDU’s mission as well.” Then, addressing May El Khalil, he affirmed that NDU would continue to keep pace with her, navigating crises and maintaining a strong, closely-knit community.
Following a heartfelt performance by the prize-winning NDU Music Club, which celebrated mothers, the audience was surprised by a video featuring May El Khalil’s family members sharing their loving thoughts and wishes for her as a mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law. “Through the language of love, you have established the culture of running for a purpose. Like Beirut, you move from pain to healing, from despair to hope, from fear to trust. We thank God for your presence, and invite you to the starting line,” said Bou Hadir, welcoming the guest of honor to the moving piano melodies of Theo Mahfoud, an NDU student.
Overcome with emotion, May El Khalil began by sincerely thanking each person at NDU and at the BMA. Drawing from her own experiences, she shared that leadership begins at home, where values of patience, strength, and faith were instilled in her as a mother, runner, and businesswoman. Due to a tragic accident, May was forced to stop running, and chose to channel her energy into creating the Beirut Marathon Association, inspiring an entire nation to run for a cause. Since its founding, the marathon has promoted peace and unity, steering clear of political and sectarian slogans. In closing, she advised, ‘To you, students, today I say: never stop running towards your goals, with faith as your only weapon.”
The event ended with an informal Q&A held between Moujaes and May, triggering a friendly exchange with the audience, who shared their questions or expressed admiration. The Mother’s Day celebration at NDU was a heartfelt tribute to racing, loving mothers, and served as a beautiful reminder of the vital role they play in shaping lives, communities, and generations to come.