Under the inspiring theme “Legacy in Motion,” and the esteemed patronage of Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri, the Chairperson of the RHU Board of Trustee, Rafik Hariri University celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a grand ceremony on campus, honoring twenty-five years of excellence, innovation, and impact. The event highlighted the enduring vision of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, whose dedication to education, integrity, and service continues to shape RHU’s mission and community.
The evening began with a procession, followed by the Lebanese National Anthem and the RHU Alma Mater, composed by Dr. Ahmad Chaaban and written by the renowned artist Ahmad Kaabour. Guests watched an inspiring, specially produced video, “RHU, A Legacy in Motion,” highlighting the University’s 25-year journey and celebrating milestones, student and alumni achievements, and the vision guiding the University forward.
Following the video, in a heartfelt address delivered on her behalf by Dr. Farah Mekkawi, Director General of the Rafik Hariri Foundation, Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri, Chairperson of the RHU Board of Trustees, paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, describing him as “forever alive in our hearts and in the heart of Lebanon.” She reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to continuing his legacy, stating that education remains “the compass that guides our path,” as Rafik Hariri believed that “building people is the true gateway to building the nation.”
Mrs. Hariri emphasized that through Rafik Hariri University and the Foundation’s ongoing educational and humanitarian initiatives, “we continue to invest in the minds and dreams of future generations, ensuring that his vision of knowledge, unity, and progress endures.”
President Dr. Said Ladki addressed the audience, highlighting RHU’s transformative growth and ongoing innovation. “This milestone is not just a testament to the passage of time, but a reflection of the vision, integrity, and determination that have shaped our institution,” Dr. Ladki said. “We honor the pioneer, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who laid the foundation; the leader who carries the torch, our BOT Chairperson, Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri; and the community that gave this journey its soul. Our legacy continues in motion, purpose, and service to future generations. RHU stands as a beacon of excellence, a hub of intellectual curiosity, and a community united by a shared purpose, empowering generations to become global citizens.”
Dr. Ladki also highlighted key academic achievements, including RHU’s ranking as 36th worldwide in the World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI), ABET- and ACBSP-accredited programs, and the ongoing influence of initiatives like the Nazek Rafik Hariri Distinguished Lecture Series and the newly established Board of International Advisors (BIA).
The celebration included an inspiring speech by His Excellency Dr. Kamal Chehade, Lebanese Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, as the event’s Keynote Speaker. In his address, H.E. Dr. Kamal Chehade praised the enduring legacy of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, describing him as “a man of vision who believed that education is the foundation for building both the individual and the nation.” He commended Rafik Hariri University for “carrying forward this noble mission with excellence and responsibility,” emphasizing that RHU “stands today as a living pillar of this great legacy, a beacon of learning, innovation, and national renewal.”
To recognize his participation, RHU President Dr. Said Ladki presented an award plaque to HE Dr. Chehade, honoring his contribution to the 25th Anniversary Celebration and his support of RHU’s mission.
Then, Mr. Baker Halawi, an RHU alumnus and manager at KPMG Middle East, shared heartfelt reflections on his journey from student to professional success, stating, “Returning to RHU is not a visit, it’s a homecoming to the place that shaped who I am today. Twenty-five years of excellence is not just a number—it’s a story of success built on the vision of a great man, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who believed that education is the path to hope and building a nation.”
The event was gracefully hosted by Mr. Yazbek Wehbe, a journalist and news anchor at LBCI. It was attended by distinguished figures from academia, diplomacy, government, and civic life, including representatives of the Lebanese Presidency, the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces, the State Security Directorate, and ambassadors of Palestine and Tunisia, among others. Members of the RHU Board of Trustees, the Board of International Advisors, and the extended RHU community, along with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents, were also present.
Adding a creative touch, the RHU Design Department hosted a captivating fashion show that showcased RHU graphic design students' innovation, talent, and confidence. The evening ended with a closing show, a lively student performance representing all colleges and programs, an expression of pride, passion, and shared legacy, followed by a reception that brought the RHU community and guests together in a spirit of unity and pride.
RHU also distributed a 25th Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Booklet, highlighting the University’s journey, achievements, and future vision. The booklet serves as a keepsake for guests and showcases RHU’s legacy and influence over the past 25 years.
For 25 years, Rafik Hariri University has been a beacon of opportunity and progress, turning the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s vision into a growing legacy of learning and influence. As the university looks ahead, its commitment to empowering generations through education, innovation, and service stays strong. Here’s to the next 25 years of inspiration, innovation, and impact: RHU’s legacy in motion.