On Friday evening, July 14, 2023, Al Maaref University held its fourth commencement in Beirut, celebrating a new cohort of graduates, in the presence of a large number of political, educational, religious, syndical, and municipal figures, led by the Minister of Public Works and Transport in the caretaker government, Dr. Ali Hamie, member of the Parliamentary Education Committee, Representative Dr. Ehab Hemadeh, representative of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Ali Zeitoun, and a number of members of the Board; in addition to the members of the University Council and the academic and administrative bodies, as well as a large crowd of the celebrated graduates’ families.

The Opening of the Ceremony

On the beats of special music and attendees' applause, the celebration began with graduates marching down the hall towards the designated amphitheaters, followed by the university's council, and the academic body.

After reciting verses from the Holy Qur’an and playing the Lebanese national anthem, the master of the ceremony, Dr. Talih Hamdan, welcomed the attendees and then presented an institutional video showcasing the university and highlighting its faculties, recent developments, and future projects.

The University President's Speech

MU President, Professor Ali Alaeddine, delivered a speech as he started by congratulating graduating students and their parents,  and added to say, "We assure you that our students are well-immuned by distinguished academic diplomas and moral and professional values."

In addition, MU President urged the graduates to be "symbols of honesty, integrity, and professionalism" and encouraged them "to move forward toward making society and homeland a place of noble virtues and human values" stressing that  "hope rests upon you, as the country needs you, so contribute to its rebuilding and revival by using your knowledge, morals, and noble values."   

Yet, the university’s president pointed out that "the repercussions of the economic and financial crisis on the educational sector may extend for years or even decades, and will be costly to the future of Lebanon and its people, especially in the absence of a real plan to save public education and the national university, which is the pillar of higher education in Lebanon."

President Alaeddine indicated, "During the years of crisis, Al Maaref University embraced its students, provided them with a good education, skills, and the required competencies, in addition to helping them obtain decent work opportunities. Not to mention, that the rate of graduates employment exceeded seventy percent,” announced that the university is “preparing to start the teaching process in the Faculty of Education at the beginning of the academic year 2023/2024, and waiting to obtain the permission to start in the coming days."

Prof. Alaeddine concluded his speech by affirming "the commitment of Al Maaref University to support our students, our people, and our community, and continue to implement and activate scholarship programs, grants, and educational support for both current and new students.

Speech of the Class of 2023

In her speech as a distinguished graduate of the Faculty of Sciences, Fatima Khadra, the valedictorian of the Class of 2023, emphasized the profound significance of choosing Al Maaref University as the true and correct decision in her life. Fatima proudly declared, "We are, the graduates of Al Maaref University, the makers of life, equipped with knowledge, wisdom, and noble values, and we shall dedicate all that we have acquired in the service of humanity and in pursuit of the higher purpose."

Following the conclusion of the speeches, the MU President accompanied by the Deans of all faculties handed the diplomas to students amid applause and caps tosses. Lastly, memorial photos were taken.

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