Sixty-six years have passed since the founding of Beirut Arab University, during which it has solidified its position as a pioneering academic institution that combines educational quality with openness to scientific development, and a nurturing environment for thousands of students from Lebanon and the region.
The university celebrated its 66th founding anniversary on its Debbieh campus in the presence of H.E President Dr. Nawaf Salam represented by H.E Minister Paul Morcos, H.E President Saad Hariri represented by H.E Mrs. Bahia Hariri, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Lebanon, H.E Mr. Alaa Moussa, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Lebanon, H.E Mr. Mohammad Al-Asaad, Members of Parliament H.E. Mr. Waddah Sadek and H.E Mr. Ibrahim Mneimneh, as well as university presidents, mayors, heads of hospital boards, heads of associations, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al Bir Wal Ihsan Waqf and Chairman of the BAU Board of Trustees Dr. Ammar Houry, University President Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, University Secretary-General Dr. Omar Houri, university deans, directors, academic and administrative staff, and the honorees: President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah Professor Bassam Alameddine, and alumni Mr. Mohammad Hammoud, Mr. Nabil Khalifa, and Mr. Ibrahim El Rashidi.
Initially, the Director of Public Relations and Communication Mrs. Zina Ariss, said: "This is the university that challenged and triumphed, competed and was competed against, fought and was fought against until it reached the ranks of the great institutions in disseminating knowledge in our Arab region, changing the face of our Arab society to launch a culture different from what higher education universities in Lebanon were accustomed to."
Mrs. Ariss continued, "On this occasion, and despite the circumstances surrounding us on all sides and afflicting our beloved country Lebanon, we do not forget every hand that extended to contribute to the university's successes, academics, administrators, graduates, and benefactors who propelled the university to the highest and most distinguished levels. For this occasion, we chose this year's slogan for Beirut Arab University: 'Belonging'.
Dr. Ammar Houry, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al Bir Wal Ihsan Waqf and Chairman of the BAU Board of Trustees, then spoke, mentioning that the university was launched on November 7, 1960. He stated, "Upon its opening, the university faced a series of fierce challenges, starting with a comprehensive strike by lawyers that led to the paralysis of the courts for nine months, in rejection of the opening of the Faculty of Law, and in absolute rejection of the university's opening. However, Al Bir Wal Ihsan Association and Beirut Arab University triumphed in this confrontation, the Faculty of Law was launched, the university was launched, and it won its first challenge. In this regard, we must commend the decisive and important role played by the late President Saeb Salam."
Dr. Houry added, "We have learned from these years that the best way to overcome difficulties is to break through them, that whoever possesses the will possesses the power, and that he who is confident in God and himself overcomes hardships and achieves much. We are confident in God, confident in you, confident in ourselves, and confident that tomorrow, God willing, will bring more successes. Dedication, determination, and success are our destiny. The founders succeeded, and God granted us success in continuing their journey of progress and accumulating achievements. Individuals pass away, but institutions, the Waqf, and the University remain".
Consequently, the University President Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, said: "Beirut Arab University has faced major challenges throughout its long journey: political, economic, and even academic. Yet, it has remained, as its founders intended, steadfast, open, and faithful to its identity and mission. It has maintained its academic standing, achieved international accreditations, secured first place in Lebanon in global rankings, and opened up to scientific cooperation with Arab and international universities."
Professor Abdel Salam continued: "Today, Beirut Arab University is not just a Lebanese university, but an Arab university with global ambition and message. Our responsibility today is greater than ever; we are called upon to graduate young men and women armed with knowledge, characterized by morality, and holding the values of openness and tolerance;young people who realize that the renaissance of the nation begins here, in the classrooms, and that individual success is the success of the entire society."
Next was the alumni speech by the President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah Professor Bassam Alameddine, who said, "I grew up as the son of a father with Arab nationalist affiliation, who believed in Lebanon as a homeland for all its people, a Lebanon that unites, not divides. This deep faith that was instilled in me from childhood taught me to love our homeland with openness, and clinging to our Arab identity and universal human values with belonging. I found these values alive here, in this university, in every corner and every meeting."
Professor Alameddine added: "A person never forgets the gateway to their life. This university was my gateway to knowledge, to the world, and to myself. Here I learned steadfastness, discipline, and passion, and here I began to believe that big dreams are possible. Without it, and without its values, I would not be standing before you today."
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of the university's commemorative shields to the honorees.
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