The Lebanese American University in Byblos conducted its 77th commencement exercises Wednesday. Founded in 1924, the university inaugurated its Byblos campus 12 years ago.
Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony, where he was also awarded an honorary doctorate in human sciences. Addressing the 372 young graduates, Hariri said their achievements were symbolic of the country’s promising future.
“This is an occasion to be proud of,” said Hariri. “It proves that the Lebanese youth are still determined to develop society and contribute to its prosperity.”
Hariri was optimistic that Lebanon has reached a crossroads in a promising new era. He said sound infrastructure, an influx of Arab tourists, and a focus on regional stability would allow young graduates to remain here and thrive.
LAU president Riyad Nassar also spoke to graduates about the future, warning them about the impact of regional violence.
“This is a year which will go down in history as a year of violence, fear and frustration,” Nassar said. “The establishment of peace and justice requires a high level of tolerance and sacrifice, and the world should realize that the behavior of the individual in the 21st century differs greatly from that of the preceding centuries.
“You will have to be ready to make some sacrifices to achieve peace within and around you,” Nassar said. “But there is no doubt that the kind of life you will lead and the peaceful environment you will pass to your children and grand-children is worth the sacrifice.”
Nassar announced the recent establishment of a Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership at LAU, saying it would house an institute for peace and justice education as well as courses in democracy and human rights. “Through this center, the university will be playing a unique role, which we hope will be a model for other institutions around the world to follow,” he said.
The president congratulated this year’s Doctorate in Pharmacy graduates for having been part of a first: “The American council on Pharmaceutical Education accredited LAU’s program last week, and I’m glad to announce that this program at LAU is the first accredited program outside the United States of America.”
Nassar ended by urging the students not to forget their homeland. “In you we trust, and through you and the others who have had the chance to be exposed to this kind of education, we hope that peace and justice will one day prevail in this troubled world,” he said. “I wish you the best of luck in your efforts to shape your life and help others in your communities to see the light.”

Copyright © The Daily Star