The Lebanese German University (LGU) celebrated the graduation of its fifteenth graduating class during a ceremony held at the Ambassadors Hall at Casino du Liban under the patronage of H.E. Minister of Industry Eng. Joe Issa- El-Khoury, represented by the Director General of the Ministry of Industry, Mr. Adel Al-Shabab.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Monsignor Paolo Borgia; His Excellency Bishop Hanna Alwan, representing His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Raï, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East; Dr. Antoine Romanos, representing H.E. Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nassereddine; Ms. Ria Boustany, representing H.E. Minister of Telecommunications Mr. Charles Hajj; and Ms. Yasmin Raya, Chargée d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lebanon.
Also in attendance were MP Neemat Frem; Dr. Dani Ghosoub, representing Kataeb Party President MP Sami Gemayel; Dr. Roland Chahwan, representing MP Nada Boustani; Brigadier Abdel Karim Asaad, representing the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Rodolphe Haykal; Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Constantine, representing the Director General of the Lebanese General Security, Major General Hassan Choucair; Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Khoury, representing the Director General of State Security, Major General Edgar Lawandos; and Mr. Charbel El Msen, Head of the North Mount Lebanon Regional Center, representing the Director General of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Imad Khreish.
The ceremony was further attended by syndicate presidents, mayors, directors of public and private schools, business and association leaders, hospital directors, members of the University's Board of Trustees, the University President, Vice President, deans, faculty and administrative staff, members of the LGU Alumni Association, and the graduates' families and friends.
The ceremony commenced with the procession of graduates to the Lebanese and German national anthems. It was hosted by media personality and university lecturer Jessy Tannous, before the official addresses began with remarks by the President of the Lebanese German University, Professor Samir Matar.
In his address, Pr. Matar noted that the graduation of the University's fifteenth class coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the institution, describing the occasion as a celebration of five decades dedicated to advancing higher education and preparing generations of graduates who have contributed across diverse sectors. He stressed that graduation is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new responsibility, encouraging graduates to remain intellectually curious, uphold integrity throughout their careers, and give back to society by sharing knowledge and investing in future generations. He also reaffirmed the University's continued support for its alumni and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to Lebanon's future.
For his part, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Alexandre Najjar emphasized that LGU continues to fulfill its academic mission as a bridge between Lebanon and Germany while preparing graduates capable of contributing to the development of various sectors, particularly industry, despite the challenges facing Lebanon. He encouraged graduates to place their knowledge and talents at the service of their country and to play an active role in its reform and development.
Mr. Adel Al-Shabab, Director General of the Ministry of Industry, then delivered the address of H.E. Minister of Industry Eng. Joe Issa-El-Khoury, conveying the Minister's congratulations to the graduates. He emphasized that true investment begins with education and that universities are essential partners in preparing the qualified professionals needed by the national economy. He also highlighted the importance of fostering innovation and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to build a more competitive economy.
In her remarks, Ms. Yasmin Raya, Chargée d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lebanon, emphasized that education represents confidence to invest in the future. She reaffirmed Germany's long-term commitment to Lebanon, expressing confidence that the graduating generation will play a decisive role in shaping the country's future. In this context, she highlighted the Lebanese German University as embodying the strong connection between Germany and Lebanon, extending beyond political and diplomatic relations to education, culture, science, business, and personal relationships. She concluded by noting that quality education is essential in today's fast-paced and interconnected world, where increasingly complex challenges call for innovative and creative solutions.
The ceremony also featured a piano performance by student Elio Otayek, followed by the presentation of diplomas to graduates of the Faculties of Public Health, Business Administration and Tourism, and Education and Arts.
Diplomas were presented by University President Professor Samir Matar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Alexandre Najjar, Chargée d'Affaires Ms. Yasmin Raya, Director General of the Ministry of Industry Mr. Adel Al-Shabab, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Dr. Gilbert Assi, and Dean of the Faculties of Business Administration and Tourism and Education and Arts Dr. Gaby Bejjani.
Reflecting the University's commitment to maintaining strong ties with its graduates, Dr. Roger Ziadeh, President of the LGU Alumni Association, presented each graduate with the Association's lapel pin, officially welcoming them into the University's alumni community.
Following the screening of a documentary celebrating the Class of 2026's journey at LGU, Valedictorian Michel Reaidy, Marketing graduate from the Faculty of Business Administration and Tourism, delivered an address on behalf of the graduating class, expressing gratitude to the University, faculty members, and families. The Professional Oath was then led by Ralph Daou, a graduate of the Physical Therapy program, representing the graduates of Physical Therapy and Nursing.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, University President Professor Samir Matar, Vice President Dr. Marianne Haddad Adaimi, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Alexandre Najjar presented a commemorative shield to Mr. Adel Al-Shabab, Director General of the Ministry of Industry, in recognition of the patronage of H.E. Minister of Industry Eng. Joe Issa-El-Khoury and his representation at the ceremony.
The ceremony concluded with the official declaration of the graduation of the University's fifteenth graduating class by the President. Graduates then celebrated by tossing their graduation caps into the air, followed by the ceremonial cake-cutting and commemorative photographs, bringing the celebration to a joyful close shared by graduates, their families, and the University community.
