The Office of Admissions at Notre Dame University, Deir El Qamar - Shouf campus held its annual dinner in honor of the principals of public and private high schools and technical institutes at L'Heritage Resort in Ain Al Remmaneh on Saturday, April 29, 2017. The Minister of Education and Higher Education in Lebanon, represented by consultant Mr. Anwar Daou, and Abbot Boutros Tarabay, Superior General of the Maronite Order of the Virgin Mary, represented by Father Joseph Zgheib were the guests of honors at the dinner. Also present were Father Walid Moussa, NDU President, and Father Hanna Tayar, Director of NDU-Shouf Campus, in addition to the heads of municipalities and university vice presidents, deans, professors and administrators.
Fr. Tayar welcomed the honored principals and commended their cooperation and support, calling upon them to renew the vows of trust with the University. He stated that the role of the Shouf Campus was not merely educational, but one of coexistence, togetherness and reconciliation. Fr. Tayar highlighted the need to establish an educational entity in the Shouf region whose main objective would be to pinpoint the actual needs of the youngsters and join hands to initiate a drastic change in mentalities and perceptions. “Changing the way we relate to our youth by bringing forth their potential is the sole means for us to secure continuity and success”. Fr. Tayar quoted Pope Francis, indicating that “through education we produce generations that embrace dialogue and renounce violence,” generations that are capable of building a better future for themselves and for Lebanon.
In his address, Father Moussa declared that the Shouf Campus is involved in a continuous and elaborate process of academic and cultural development. He invited the principals to come up with suggestions to enhance the Branch’s progress, stressing on the role of the University in preparing the students to become active members of society, regardless of their religious background.
Mr. Daou considered that Notre Dame University is a leader in its field, stating that the establishment of the Branch in Deir El Qamar forged the way to the national reconciliation process that took place in 2001. He said that NDU is a university for all the Lebanese - founded on the basis of love and respect for diversity and distinction. Mr. Daou added: "The Ministry of Education and Higher Education… is working on introducing curricula that promote respect for difference... Today’s value system is declining drastically, and it is our duty as Ministry, schools and University to reverse this trend”.
A documentary entitled "Shouf Campus Champions” followed. It featured the NDU-SC students who won first place at several university contests and public speaking competitions held at the national level.
Ms. Maya Abou Khzam, Admissions Officer, then presented the university scholarships that students can benefit from, upon admission and throughout the first academic year, with the possibility of maintaining the grants throughout the residency years based on the student's academic performance.
The dinner was concluded with an oriental singing performance, in a pleasant ambiance of mutual appreciation.