Beiruting News

The Lebanese Canadian University (LCU) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 for the 2025–2026 academic year at its main campus in Aintoura, Keserwan, under the theme “From Legacy to Purpose.” The ceremony was held under the patronage of former Minister and lawyer Mr. Ziad Baroud and attended by a distinguished gathering of diplomatic, official, academic, and social figures, along with the graduates’ families and friends.

Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Gregory Galligan, Ambassador of Canada to Lebanon and Syria; His Excellency Dicky Yasin Kumaar, Ambassador of Indonesia to Lebanon; and Her Excellency Ester Lauferová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Lebanon. The ceremony also welcomed current and former ministers and members of parliament, representatives of political, security, and military leadership, as well as mayors and representatives of educational, professional, and social organizations.

The ceremony commenced with the academic procession of graduates, flag bearers, faculty members, and the Board of Trustees, followed by the Lebanese and Canadian national anthems and the university anthem.

In his keynote address, LCU Founder Dr. Rony Abi Nakhleh emphasized that the university was established on a profound belief in the ability of Lebanese youth to shape the future despite the challenges facing the nation. He stressed that LCU’s mission has never been limited to awarding academic degrees but rather to preparing future leaders and changemakers equipped with knowledge, responsibility, and strong human values.

Addresses were also delivered by the ceremony’s patron, Mr. Ziad Baroud, and Ambassador Gregory Galligan, both of whom highlighted the vital role of higher education in building individuals, fostering responsible citizenship, promoting innovation, and encouraging openness to the world.

For his part, LCU President Dr. Jalal Helouani announced that beginning with the next academic year, the university will integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies across its academic and administrative operations, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and educational excellence.

During the ceremony, LCU also proudly announced that it had been awarded accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to international standards of academic quality. In addition, the university announced the renewal of its cooperation protocols with the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), further strengthening its international academic partnerships and expanding opportunities for students and faculty.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Yolande Salem, presented honorary shields in recognition of outstanding contributions. Honorees included Ambassador Gregory Galligan, ceremony patron Mr. Ziad Baroud, and Dr. Fouad Choueifati, in appreciation of his significant role in supporting the university’s successful IACBE accreditation process.

The ceremony concluded with the conferral of degrees upon graduates from the university’s various faculties and academic programs, as well as the recognition of top-performing students. The celebration ended in an atmosphere of pride and joy as graduates shared this milestone with their families and loved ones, marking the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and achievement.