On June 11, 2025 Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) held its annual Pinning Ceremony, in the presence of NDU President, Fr. Bechara Khoury; the Alumni Association Members; Alain Abou Jaoudeh, Director at the Office of Business Strategy and Advancement; Fadi Masaad, NDU Alumni Association Board Secretary; as well as the University staff and graduates. The event featured guest of honor Charles Sarkis, the founder and CEO of MOTION Supply Chain.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Alain Abou Jaoudeh, who welcomed the audience and extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class. Speaking with warmth and clarity, he acknowledged the years of hard work, perseverance, and growth that had led to this moment. “Tonight is a celebration of your efforts, your resilience, and the futures you are about to shape,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to see this milestone not as a finish line, but as a major step toward new beginnings. “Write your story, but never forget: your chapters begin right here,” he told the students, reflecting on their impactful time at NDU. “Take the values you've gained here, and carry them with you into the world. Congratulations, graduates. The best is yet to come.”
Following him, Fadi Masaad, NDU Alumni Association Board Secretary, addressed the students with personal words of encouragement. “I extend my warmest congratulations. Today marks the culmination of your determination, passion, and countless hours of hard work,” he said. “But more than that: it’s a gateway to your future—one built on the values you’ve cultivated here at NDU: integrity, purpose, and perseverance.”
Masaad took a moment to recognize the dedication of the faculty and academic staff, stating, “To our professors and academic staff: thank you. Every success story starts here.” He also paid tribute to NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury for his leadership, saying, “Thank you, Fr. Khoury, for guiding this institution with vision, compassion, and commitment to excellence.”
As part of the event, Sarkis delivered a heartfelt address to the graduating students. “What an honor to be here and witness how much NDU has grown since I graduated,” he began, expressing admiration for the University’s development and the sense of community it continues to shape.
Encouraging the soon-to-be graduates to take pride in their alma mater, Sarkis reflected on his own journey. He candidly shared the many obstacles he faced along the way, emphasizing that success is rarely linear and that resilience is often forged through hardship. “Having a strong support system, whether friends, family, or colleagues, is what kept me going,” he said. “They were the ones who pushed me forward when things got tough.”
As a gesture of appreciation and recognition, Fr. Khoury presented a commemorative trophy to Charles Sarkis, honoring his accomplishments, his commitment to innovation, and his firm connection to the NDU community.
To close the ceremony, NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury delivered a message that echoed the spirit of the evening. “This University will not shape you into ordinary individuals. Each one of you graduates will become a leader once you step out of NDU,” he declared. Fr. Khoury also reminded students of the true meaning of leadership: “True leadership isn’t defined by titles or ranks, but by the ambition you hold, the vision you pursue, and the mindset you carry into the world.”
After Fr. Khoury’s speech, the evening moved into a defining moment: the Pinning and Alumni Pledge. As each graduate received the NDU pin, a quiet shift took place: they were no longer just students, but part of a growing alumni community. Standing together, they recited the pledge, officially joining the ranks of NDU Alumni.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Sarkis joined University leadership in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDU and MOTION Supply Chain, the company he founded and currently leads as CEO. The MoU marks the launch of a new scholarship fund established by Sarkis to support undergraduate students in the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, with a focus on those specializing in Distribution and Logistics Management or International Business Management. This fund will provide financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year, offering not only tuition assistance but also mentorship and access to internship and job opportunities within Sarkis’s professional network.
The Pinning Ceremony marked a proud milestone for the graduates, officially welcoming them into the NDU alumni community. The signing of the MoU with Charles Sarkis and MOTION Supply Chain added a new layer of opportunity, connecting alumni to mentorship and career pathways that will help them grow. These moments reflect what NDU stands for: preparing graduates to lead with purpose and make a difference beyond the campus. Here’s to the Class of 2025 and all the possibilities ahead.