On May 6, 2025, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) commemorated Martyrs’ Day by honoring the Lebanese media and martyrs of the press, while also announcing the winners of the schools’ video competition New Lebanon: Unity Through the Eyes of Youth during a distinguished dinner held at the main campus.
Under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information, the event brought together prominent figures from the media, political, and religious spheres. Attendees included the Most Reverend Abbot Edmond Rizk, Superior General of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary; H.E. Bishop Antoine Nabil Al Andary, Head of the Episcopal Commission for Media; H.E. Former Minister Dr. Ziyad Baroud; former Ministers of Information Ziad Makary and Georges Cordahi; Dr. Joe Moukarzel, Deputy Member of the French National Assembly and President of the Trans-Mediterranean Communication Research Network; Rafik Shalala, Director of the Information Office at the Presidential Palace; Jack El Kallassi, General Manager of Télé Lumière and Noursat media network; along with a host of influential journalists including Souad Karout Elachi, Michelle Tueni, Georges Salibi, and many others shaping today’s media landscape.
Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at NDU, welcomed the esteemed guests, stating:
“We gather tonight in absolute freedom at NDU, with H.E. Dr. Morcos, who did not hesitate to support this event in commemoration of the martyrs of the press and on the founding anniversary of the University.”
Following this, NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury addressed the audience, affirming his strong belief in the role of journalists and the University's commitment to cultivating meaningful initiatives—such as the video competition he launched during the same occasion in 2024. He highlighted that this initiative reflects NDU’s dedication to a brighter, more unified Lebanon shaped by the voices of the youth.
“The martyrdom of journalists is not a certification earned through a university exam, but through a heroic trial. Honoring them is akin to honoring soldiers who fight for truth or defend a just cause,” he remarked.
In his address, Dr. Morcos shared his pride in recently representing the Lebanese press in Marseille, where the international community recognized its strength and advanced standing—despite the country’s declining media freedom rankings due to factors beyond journalists’ control.
“I am hopeful that our hard work will yield a new and modern media regulation law, which we plan to announce at next year’s media gala dinner at NDU,” he stated.
He also announced that collaboration between the Ministry and NDU will result in the broadcasting of NDU students’ short films on Télé-Liban, in addition to offering numerous internship opportunities across major media outlets.
At the conclusion of the speeches, Fr. President Khoury presented commemorative gifts to H.E. Bishop Andary and H.E. Dr. Morcos, expressing gratitude for their presence and support.
Guests then enjoyed the screening of the four finalist submissions, each portraying a vision of a unified Lebanon inspired by the unique perspective of the participating students. The competition, organized by the Faculty of Humanities, concluded with the following awards:
- 1st Prize: Aya Hammoud, Makassed Khaled Bin Al Waleed High School – 100% full scholarship
- 2nd Prize: Tracy Nassif, Broumana High School – 75% scholarship
- 3rd Prize: Lynn Naim, Collège Notre Dame de Jamhour – 50% scholarship
- 4th Prize: Marina Mikhael, Collège des Sœurs du Rosaire, Cornet El Hamra – 25% scholarship
These scholarships are redeemable at the campus and faculty of the student’s choice upon graduation.
As the evening continued, guests—true to journalists’ instinct to engage—exchanged ideas, discussed current affairs, commended each other’s work, and shared their concerns with attending public figures. While enjoying a refined dinner, they were serenaded by the award-winning talents of the NDU Music Club.
NDU’s annual media gala dinner remains a highly anticipated occasion to honor, celebrate, and inspire. In a country where the press often faces adversity—from war to regulatory voids—NDU continues to uphold its mission of nurturing professional, ethical journalists whose highest goal is the unity and betterment of Lebanon.