BAU Graduates the Class of Issam Houri
03 September 2016 Adawi: Disseminating the Culture of Knowledge that Saves the Homelands from the Abysses of IgnoranceMikati: We Do Not Interfere in the Judiciary but We Do Count on it to Establish Justice
Beirut Arab University graduated the third class of graduates of the Tripoli Branch, under the name of “Class of Issam Houri”. The class included 348 graduates from 5 faculties.
The event was attended by the Keynote Speaker of the ceremony, HE Najib Mikati, Minister Rachid Derbas, MP Samir Al Jisr, MP Dr. Ahmed Fatfat, MP Dr. Khaled Zahraman, MP Mohamed Kabbara, MP Badr Wannous, MP Mohamed Safadi represented by Ahmed Safadi, MP Robert Fadel represented by Saad El Din Fakhoury, ex-Minister Jean Obeid, represented by Elie Obeid, Dr. Malek Shaar, Mufti of Tripoli, Sheikh Khaled Ismail, representing Sheikh Zaid Zakareya, Mufti of Akkar, Pere Joseph Naffaah, the Patriarchy’s Assistant for the Maronite, ex-Minister Omar Maskawi, Dr. Said Jazayerli, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Bir wal Ihsan Society, Dr. Omar Houri, BAU Secretary General, the directors of the University, heads of orders, heads of municipalities, hospitals and social institutions, as well as a crowd of prominent figures in Tripoli and the North.
The event opened with the procession of graduates, the staff-members and the President, followed by the Lebanese National Anthem and the BAU Anthem. This was followed by a recitation of the Holy Quran and the screening of a short film that summarized the achievements of the Late Secretary General, Mr. Issam Houri, starting with the establishment of the University, through the challenges faced by the University during the wars, to the times of successes achieved.
Ms. Nala Makouk, the Public Relations Officer at Tripoli Campus, introduced the event, addressing the graduates: “We witness today the graduation of a special class that carries the name of a prominent figure and an exceptional personality in leadership and management, in giving to the institution he loved, to the University he had dedicated himself to. He had acted as the orchestrator and the watchful eye that noted every arcane detail at the University.”
The graduates’ speech was delivered by Mahmoud Abu Dallah, a student at the Faculty of Engineering, who said, “As I sorted the baggage of my memories, leaving this home, I cannot but express my gratitude. My eyes brimming with the tears of one who is reluctant to leave, a smile breaks through, to shine with hope in a better future. A smile that says, dear dreamers, with determination, patience and faith there is no impossible.”
Prof. Amr El Adawi, President of the University, stated that “There are great challenges in Lebanon and the Arab World, that can only be overcome through the dissemination of the culture of knowledge that saves the homelands from the abysses of ignorance. This will help establish a path towards peace and security.”
Prof. Adawi also added, “These challenges will make you believe that knowledge is not merely a certificate that you acquire, but rather a journey of quality that allows you to practice your professions with great confidence. This is what the University always aims at, especially through the adaptation of its programs to the job-market, and providing its students with a great amount of experiences.”
The Keynote Speaker of the event, HE Mr. Najib Mikati, stated that “The establishment of a BAU branch in Tripoli was a dream, and was not an easy matter. I am proud that I contributed in all directions to make this dream come true. In 2005 these efforts bore fruit, when I personally helped laying down the foundation stone for the construction of this edifice. For it is my firm belief that knowledge plays a major role in advancement and the education of new generations.”
His Excellency addressed the graduates, advising them to “Believe that the Arab and foreign initiatives, despite their significance, cannot serve as an alternative for the compatibility amongst us as Lebanese. You need to work on strengthening the mutual confidence amongst you, you the youth, to enhance the role you will play in creating the future of your country based on your aspirations and hopes.”
“You are this countries’ real wealth. Enough brain-drain and talent-drain. Immigration is a good thing, provided it does not become the sole resort. Enough exoduses of our youth. Do not leave upon the first obstacle you face. Try to overcome your frustrations by clinging to your aspirations and your roots, so it will not be easy to uproot you.”
Mikati also added, “Neither is the dependency upon other countries useful, nor is the obstinacy and inflexibility at home glorious. It is essential to establish a true cooperation based upon trust to manage the country’s affairs and resolve its crises. I am not about to discuss Lebanese politics, but it is difficult to overlook yesterday’s indictment in the case of the explosions of El Takwa and EL Salam Mosques in Tripoli last year. Like always, we are not interfering in the judiciary, but depend upon it to bring about justice and hold accountable all those who were involved in the crime. For there have been tens of martyrs and hundreds of wounded, who are still on our conscience. It is the duty and the national and ethical responsibility of the judiciary to discover and bring to trial all the perpetrators, for they are the most evil of people, no matter what sect they belong to. They targeted the believers in God’s house of worship. On the day of the explosions, Tripoli saved all of Lebanon from a sectarian strife, and it is the duty of the judiciary to establish justice for Tripoli and its martyrs.”
In conclusion, Mr. Mikati remembered the Late Issam Houri, who had dedicated much of his time and effort with utmost loyalty and dedication towards the success of the University.
Afterwards, the President of the University Prof. Amr El Adawi presented HE Najib Mikati the BAU Memorial Shield, which was followed by the distribution of the certificates to the graduates. The event concluded with the graduates’ oath, followed by fireworks and celebrations.