Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) and Diageo have signed a Cooperation Agreement in the presence of a delegation from Diageo along with Colonel Michel Moutran, President of the Lebanese Road Safety Observatory. From NDU’s top administration, NDU President, Fr. Bechara Khoury; Dr. Michel El Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA); Fr. Pierre Ghsoub, Acting Vice President for Finance; Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA); Dr. Charbel Zgheib, Dean of Students; and Dr. Maria Njaim, Head of the Department of Community Service and Awareness were also present.
The signing began with expressions of gratitude from both parties, as Diageo’s representative conveyed his appreciation to the University for its gracious welcome and unwavering dedication. He proceeded to mention the importance of consuming alcoholic beverages in moderation when going out, stating that having fun does not solely or necessarily amount to excessive drinking. Similarly, Diageo representatives’ consistent efforts were reverently acknowledged, particularly considering that the agreement’s purpose and clauses align with the University’s framework and core values. In his address, Moutran recognized the significant milestone that the signing represented for NDU, noting that the latter was a pioneering educational institution in terms of prioritizing road safety issues and treating them on the basis of a data-driven approach, specifically amidst the presence of minimal governmental intervention and response.
In his turn, NDU President Fr. Khoury highlighted the University’s commitment to quality education and students’ well-being. He recounted NDU's previous involvement in similar initiatives, noting that the University was encouraged to sign the agreement based on students' active involvement and readiness during a recent event promoting responsible drinking. According to the agreement, Diageo would assist the Department of Community Service and Awareness (CSA) by launching a Defensive Driving Course to enhance the driving skills of NDU students. Additionally, Diageo would support the CSA in their projects, awareness sessions, and workshops, aligning with the University's mission to cultivate responsible citizens for the future.
The ceremony also saw the attendees sharing their own experiences and thoughts on the current driving situation in the country, citing the detrimental risks associated with exhibiting dangerous driving behavior or not adhering to driving regulations. Accordingly, they welcomed the initiative, considering it a crucial and pivotal step towards raising an upcoming generation of model citizens and responsible members of society. Furthermore, participants reiterated the multifaceted challenges inherent in Lebanon's driving culture, including unlicensed driving and the prevalent consumption of alcohol before taking the wheel. They concluded by mentioning the significance of such initiatives, underscoring the University’s readiness to be involved in future events aimed at ensuring students’ safety.
As a final note, NDU and Diageo representatives restated the necessity of launching initiatives that tackle issues concerning students’ well-being, reaffirming the University’s long-standing commitment to instilling ethical values and moral integrity within the future generation. Diageo representatives were thanked once again for their visit, which opened the door for future initiatives and collaborations related to road safety awareness.