By invitation from Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, President of RHU Board of Trustees and President of Rafik Hariri Foundation, and under the patronage of the President of the Council of Ministers, HE Mr. Saad Hariri, RHU celebrated its 16th Commencement Ceremony on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 24, 2017. A cohort of 220 graduates who earned the right to join a growing body of RHU Alumni shared with their parents and friends a joyful evening in the RHU splendid campus in the heart of nature.
RHU President, Dr. Ahmad Smaili, deans, chairs, and faculty and senior staff members led the procession of class of 2017 amid joyful applause from family, friends and guests. After a moment of silence in memory of the late Prime Minister Martyr Rafik Hariri, the Master of Ceremony, Dr. Marwan Wahbi, a Marketing Professor at RHU, introduced the ceremony speakers, award recipient graduates and distinguished alumnus.
Ms. Marwa Stouhi presented her graduating class and delivered the graduates speech on their behalf and urging them never to give up regardless of any doubt planted in their way.
RHU President, Dr. Ahmad Smaili, delivered a speech on the meaning of “Excellence” in a challenging world and urged graduates to adhere to the unchanging principles as they pursue their dreams and career goals.
HE Mrs. Bahia Hariri, representing HE Saad Hariri, delivered the keynote address and affirmed commitment to the continuity of Rafik Hariri’s passion for quality affordable education as a way for the nation to thrive.
Dr. Mahmoud Ismail, Class of 2006, received the Alumni of the Year award. Dr. Ismail, currently in charge of the team of Disruptive Innovation at Infineon, Germany, expressed his happiness to be back to the place that prepared him for a successful career and promising life’s journey.
During the ceremony Ms. Marwa Ziad Stouhi and Ms. Yasmine Tarek Nassab were announced as the winners of Nazek Rafik Hariri Graduate Studies Award for their outstanding academic performance.
The ceremony ended with a beautiful display of lights and fireworks after diplomas were handed out to graduates.