Al Maaref University held its fifth annual graduation ceremony on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the UNESCO Palace Theater in Beirut, celebrating a new cohort of graduates from seven faculties. The event was attended by a large number of political, educational, religious, syndical, and municipal figures. Notable attendees included the Minister of Education's representative, the Director General of Higher Education, Dr. Mazen Al-Khatib; the Minister of Culture's representative, Mr. Rony Alfa; the Minister of Labor, Mr. Mustafa Bayram; and the representative of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Tawfiq Samadi. Honorable Members of Parliament Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan, Ibrahim Al-Mousawi, Ihab Hamadeh, and Raed Berro were also present.

Additionally, representatives from military and security leadership, including Brigadier General Nidal Diab representing the President of the Higher Council of Customs, attended the event. Engineer Fadi Hanna, President of the Order of Engineers and Architects, along with his Deputy, Engineer Nazih Hilal, and the President of the Order of Nurses in Lebanon and the Mayor of Burj Al-Barajneh, were also present. The event was attended by presidents of various associations, institutions, and political parties, as well as educational and cultural figures. The Board of Trustees of Al Maaref University, members of the university council, and academic and administrative staff were also present, alongside a large crowd of the honored graduates’ families.

Opening

The ceremony began with the graduates' procession from the faculties of Engineering, Health Sciences, Sciences, Education, Business Administration, Religions and Human Sciences, and Mass Communication and Fine Arts, followed by the university council and the teaching staff. The procession moved to the sound of special music and the applause of the audience, leading to their designated seats.

After reciting verses from the Holy Quran and the Lebanese national anthem, Dr. Talih Hamdan opened the celebration by welcoming the attendees. This was followed by a corporate film about the university, introducing its faculties and student life. Then, a film showcasing the resilience of displaced students from southern Lebanon was shown, along with another film highlighting the strengthening of the academic level at the university.

University President's Speech

During the ceremony, the President of the University, Professor Ali Alaeddine, delivered a speech, beginning with a salute to "our steadfast people in Gaza and South Lebanon, and the brave fighters who, with their knowledge, creativity, and blood, are shaping a future of dignity and pride for a free Palestine and an independent Lebanon". He emphasized that "the unprecedented massacres and genocides carried out by the Zionist entity under the guise of the so-called free world constitute tyranny and a violation of all international, humanitarian, and religious laws and charters."

Alaeddine congratulated the students and their families on their success and excellence, stating, "On this day, we raise the banners of hope and optimism, confident in our ability to create a better tomorrow". He called on the graduates to hold on to "the values instilled by the university, including honesty, integrity, excellence, justice, resistance to oppression, respect for humanity, and upholding the banner of Al Maaref University high."

Alaeddine highlighted that "after commencing teaching in the Faculty of Education and integrating the Faculty of Health Sciences into the university's faculties, we are moving towards licensing master's programs and geographic branches". He noted that "since the onset of the economic and financial crisis, we have stood by our students, maintaining all the requirements for distinguished education with well-considered tuition fees, activating scholarship programs, grants, and educational support, and we will continue to do so."

The University President pointed out that the university "continuously works on establishing relationships and building partnerships. After joining the Association of Arab Universities, this year we became a member of the Francophone University Agency (AUF). We have also held international conferences, scientific, intellectual, and cultural seminars, and will conclude our research efforts for the 2023/24 academic year at the end of July 2024 with a specialized scientific day on artificial intelligence". He stressed that "the achievements of this academic year were exceptional on all fronts, including increasing the number of faculties from five to seven, establishing six research and specialized centers, and publishing dozens of peer-reviewed and original research papers, among others."

Alaeddine paid tribute "to the martyrs, especially the university professors and students, including those from Lebanese universities. We also extend our salute and gratitude to all conscientious and free individuals around the world who raise their voices against injustice and murder," calling for the expansion of the boycott movement and resistance against the enemy across global universities to keep the flame of knowledge, justice, and human values pure from any blemish.

Class of 2024 Speech

During the ceremony, the valedictory speech for the Class of 2024 was delivered by the top graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Manar Ayash. She emphasized that "the university, professors, and parents are partners in our success and excellence," and called on the graduates to remain "up to the responsibility, as messengers of knowledge and learning, to work diligently and sincerely to uplift our wounded nation, and to be faithful to the sacrifices and blood of the martyrs."

Ayash and her fellow graduates saluted Palestine, affirming that "the land of the south has been nourished by the blood of noble martyrs, heroes of the culture of life, and the source of our determination and perseverance." She stressed that "nations are built with knowledge as well as with blood, and thanks to them, we celebrate this great achievement."

Closing Ceremony

After the speeches concluded, the University President proceeded to the stage accompanied by the deans of the faculties, and the process of awarding diplomas to the graduates began. The graduates of the Faculty of Health Sciences, along with their Dean, Professor Hussein Al Hajj Hassan, recited the graduates' professional oath, pledging "...to abstain from all illegal and unethical practices, to dedicate ourselves to serving the community, and to ensure it receives proper and comprehensive healthcare..."

In the closing moments, the President of the University officially conferred the degrees upon the graduates. Caps were thrown into the air amid cheers and applause, and commemorative photos were taken.

Photo Gallery