On May 15, the Ramez G. Chagoury Faculty of Architecture, Arts and Design (FAAD) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) hosted its annual End-of-Year Exhibition under the theme “A Transitional Path.” The event showcased the impressive creative achievements and visionary designs of FAAD’s talented student body, marking a pivotal moment in their academic and professional journeys.
This much-anticipated exhibition welcomed distinguished guests, including NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michel El Hayek; Vice President for University Advancement, Dr. Antoine Farhat; and FAAD Dean, Dr. Karen BouJaoude. Renowned architect Marwan Zgheib served as guest of honor and keynote speaker. The event was moderated by Senior Lecturer Chadi Bteich and featured student presentations, engaging panel discussions, a dynamic fashion show by senior students, and the official launch of the student exhibition.
Opening the evening, Bteich delivered an energizing address, framing EYE’25 as far more than a celebration of final projects. “This is a platform where our students connect with industry leaders,” he said, “building their confidence and opening doors to future opportunities.” He also praised the exhibition’s concept and branding—entirely created by graphic design students—as a testament to their originality and skill.
Bteich concluded by highlighting two exciting developments: a new partnership with famed composer Oussama Rahbani, which will lead to the launch of a Music Production and Industrial Practices program this fall, and a creative collaboration with iconic fashion designer Georges Chakra. Both initiatives promise to deepen the relationship between academia and professional practice. He also commended the fashion students for their imaginative and professional work showcased during the evening.
In her welcoming remarks, Dean BouJaoude described the event as a defining chapter in the lives of FAAD students. She captured the emotional highs and lows of the creative process: “a place where dreams are born, unravel, and—often at the last moment—rise again.” Calling this moment a transitional one between the challenges of the past and the possibilities of the future, she applauded the individuality and depth reflected in each student’s work. Quoting Scott Adams, she reminded students: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which of those mistakes to keep.”
President Fr. Bechara Khoury followed with a stirring reflection on the essence of learning. “For every mountain we climb, another mountain appears,” he said, emphasizing that education is an ongoing journey of discovery. With vision and conviction, he urged students to pursue knowledge not as an end in itself, but as a path to transformation. “Lebanon’s future lies in your hands,” he affirmed. “You are not just students, you are builders of a new nation, driven by purpose, vision, and the unshakable belief that change begins with you.”
Architect Marwan Zgheib’s keynote speech invited attendees to consider the deeper meaning of architecture. “Not every building needs to be built to have meaning,” he began, offering a compelling look into the power of conceptual and unbuilt projects. Through a presentation of his work themed around “the sacred and nature,” Zgheib emphasized that architecture is not just about structures, but about the dialogue between space, spirit, and story.
He shared personal insights with senior students, encouraging them to embrace the transformative journey ahead. In recognition of his profound contribution, NDU presented him with a token of appreciation. In addition, graphic design student Chloe Al Hage was honored for winning the EYE’25 Branding Competition, commended for her creativity and dedication.
The evening’s fashion show, featuring the work of senior Fashion Design students, captured the spirit of the event: bold, refined, and deeply personal. Guests were then invited to tour the FAAD building, where student projects across disciplines were on display, transforming the faculty into a vibrant gallery of emerging talent.
The “Transitional Path” exhibition concluded on a high note, serving as a powerful reminder of the faculty’s mission: to nurture imagination, foster excellence, and prepare students not only for a career, but for a life of meaningful artistic and cultural contribution.