The Lebanese German University – LGU held its second commencement ceremony, class of 2013, that bears the name of General Jean Kahwaji at Palais des Congrès in Dbaye on July 23, 2013. The ceremony gathered 80 students graduating from the faculties of Business Administration, Public Health, and Arts and Education under its slogan “All for Nation, Education, and Exertion”.
A host of political and social figures attended the ceremony which took place in sumptuous surroundings. Among the guests figured the representative of General Jean Kahwaji, General Hussein Ayoub, Director of Orientation at the Ministry of Defense; the representative of General Abbas Ibrahim, General Director of Public Security, Colonel Walid Aoun; General Elie Darazi, Head of the Universities Securities at the Intelligence Office; General David Akoury; the representative of President Amin Gemayel, Mr. Sami Khoueiry, Head of the Kataeb party in Ftouh Kesrouwan; Mr. Ziad Baroud, former Interior Minister; Deputy Riad Rahal; Dr. Khalil Karam, the Lebanese Ambassador to UNESCO; the representative of Mrs. Brigitte Siefker-Eberle, the German Ambassador in Lebanon, Mr. Sebastian Dam, the cultural attaché; the representative of General Michel Aoun, Mr. Kamil Habib, responsible of the Free Patriotic Movement in Kesrouwan; the representative of Dr. Samir Geagea, Mr. George Saade, responsible of students’ affairs for the Lebanese Forces ; Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, Head of the National Dialogue Party; Mr. Alexander Najjar, President of LGU Board of Trustees. Also present were members of the Board of Trustees, as well as Dr. Faouzi Adaimi, President of LGU; Mr. Elias Assouad, President of the Lebanese German Association for Business, Father George Sakr, President of Social Mutuality Fund; Mr. Ghassan Daou, President of Mutuality Funds in Lebanon; Mr. Antoine Frem, Head of the Municipality of Jounieh; Father Louis Ferkh, President of the Alumni Association at USEK; Mr. Elias Aoun, Head of the Lebanese Journalists’ Union as well as many political, religious, economic and industrial figures in addition to the deans of the various faculties, heads of departments, the administrative staff and students’ parents.
Following the Lebanese and German national anthems played by “Ensemble Baroque” and a word of welcome by journalist Georges Bachir, Dr. Faouzi Adaimi, President of LGU, spoke about the achievements that have been realized so far by the Lebanese German Association for the Promotion of Culture, the latest of which was the Lebanese German University and the various cooperation agreements it has signed with different European universities. He also talked about how the University developed and how its role has been enhanced under the guidance of the German Embassy and the Ministry of Higher Education. He reminded the audience that the role of a university goes beyond educating its students to urging them to pursue culture throughout their life.
In turn, Attorney Alexander Najjar, President of the Board of Trustees, addressed the young graduates calling on them to build the Lebanon of the future based on forgiveness and brotherhood and quoting Gibran’s famous saying “Do not ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” He also urged them to remain loyal to their country and be exemplary citizens who are armed with faith when confronted with the adversities of life.
Former Minister Ziad Baroud also addressed the young graduates comparing them to soldiers as they have learned the value of honor on their school seats and that of sacrifice in their parents’ conduct. Now they are expressing their loyalty to their school, parents, university, and nation where every citizen would wish it to be as strong and wise as its army through its determination and patriotism. Mr. Baroud also acknowledged the wisdom and firmness of General Jean Kahwaji who has led the country through its most terrible ordeals when reluctance would be most improper, for “Either you pledge allegiance to your army, or you stand against it… and as Lebanese we are all behind our soldiers and their families…”
General Kahwaji’s speech was then pronounced by General Hussein Ayoub who congratulated the graduates comparing them to soldiers, for they spend their nights seeking knowledge while soldiers spend their whole life watching over the nation’s security. He also spoke about the soldier’s mission that requires huge sacrifices that often claim his life so that citizens could enjoy peace and security. Therefore, it is the student’s duty to do his best to succeed and contribute to the development and progress of his nation and ensure the soldier’s sacrifices are not wasted. Ayoub reminded the audience that a soldier’s most effective weapon is his faith in Lebanon as a sovereign country and his deep belief in the unity of its army that should overcome conflicts resulting from tension between religions and various confessions.
Following, General Ayoub’s speech, Dr. Fawzi Adaimi handed in a saber to General Kahwaji, received by his representative General Ayoub. Then the young graduates filed to receive their diplomas that were handed them by their respective faculty dean. Marie-Therese Akiki delivered the alumni’s speech and the valedictorian of the ceremony, graduate Christelle Farah, made her speech in the name of all new graduates, while student Rania Hachach read out the oath meant for all graduates in the Nursing and Physical Therapy Departments.
The ceremony ended with a cocktail party.