Held under the patronage of Dr. Nazik Rafik Hariri, Chairperson of the RHU Board of Trustees and President of the Rafik Hariri Foundation, and represented by RHU Trustee Mr. Ahmad Hijazi, RHU proudly celebrated its 24th Annual Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Saturday, June 27, at its university campus in Mechref.

The ceremony brought together graduates, their families, faculty, staff, trustees, and a distinguished audience of government officials, members of parliament, representatives of judicial, diplomatic, military, and security institutions, municipal leaders, business and community leaders, and members of the RHU community to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of the University's newest alumni.

The ceremony, emceed by RHU Provost Dr. Mahmoud Halablab, opened with the Lebanese National Anthem and the RHU Anthem, setting a tone of pride and unity. It was followed by a short documentary honoring RHU's founder, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, highlighting his enduring commitment to education and his vision of empowering future generations through learning. The documentary also featured remarks from Dr. Nazek Rafik Hariri on the transformative power of education and the University's enduring mission to prepare future leaders.

In his Commencement address, RHU President Dr. Said Ladki celebrated the University’s 25-year legacy of resilience, innovation, and academic excellence, emphasizing its enduring commitment to educating future leaders despite Lebanon’s challenges.

Addressing the Class of 2026, he reminded graduates that success is earned through hard work, determination, and integrity. Echoing the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, he said, “Success is not a product of luck or privilege. It is the result of hard work, effort, and unwavering commitment.”

Dr. Ladki also highlighted RHU’s continued growth and innovation, including its pursuit of institutional accreditation, the integration of AI and future-ready skills into its curricula, and the expansion of academic programs aligned with the evolving needs of the global workforce. He concluded by encouraging graduates to embrace lifelong learning, lead with purpose, and serve as proud ambassadors of RHU.

The University was honored to welcome Dr. Antoine Sfeir, Advisor to the President of the Lebanese Republic on Constitutional and International Law, as the keynote speaker. In his inspiring address, Dr. Sfeir emphasized the vital role of young people in shaping Lebanon's future and affirmed that education and knowledge are the foundation for rebuilding the nation and restoring its regional and international standing.

He conveyed the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun's, greetings and congratulations to the graduates, their families, and the University community. Reaffirming Lebanon's commitment to reclaiming its place in the Arab world and the international community, Dr. Sfeir encouraged graduates to uphold truth, faith, and hard work, to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence, and to recognize that Lebanon's future rests in the minds, creativity, and innovation of its youth.

Dr. Sfeir also paid tribute to the legacy of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, whose vision made education a national mission and a lasting investment in people, shaping generations of distinguished graduates. He concluded by expressing his appreciation to Dr. Nazek Rafik Hariri for her continued support of the University and commended First Lady Nehmat Aoun's "School of Citizenship" initiative, underscoring the importance of fostering citizenship, national belonging, and service to the nation.

A highlight of this year’s ceremony was the recognition of Dr. Amani Alabed, Class of 2015, as the 2026 RHU Alumni Honors Program Award recipient. An Assistant Professor and AI researcher at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, she was honored for her outstanding contributions to artificial intelligence, research, and innovation. Reflecting on her journey from an RHU scholarship recipient to an internationally recognized AI researcher, she expressed gratitude to RHU and her mentors for believing in her potential and inspiring her passion for lifelong learning. Encouraging graduates to embrace continuous learning, she remarked, “Do not confuse graduation with completion. The degree you receive today is not proof that your learning is finished. It is proof that you now know how to learn.”

Ms. Dana Saba’Ayon, a Marketing and Advertising graduate and recipient of the Nazek Rafik Hariri Graduate Study Award, and Ms. Jana Soussi, a Graphic Design graduate with distinction, delivered the student welcome address on behalf of the graduating class. Their reflections celebrated the resilience, friendships, and aspirations that defined the Class of 2026 and encouraged their peers to embrace the future with confidence and purpose.

During the ceremony, RHU also announced Ms. Dana Saba’Ayon (CBA) and Ms. Angy Chehade (CE) as recipients of the 2026 Nazek Rafik Hariri Graduate Study Award, in recognition of their highest GPAs in their respective colleges.

The ceremony also included moments of recognition and appreciation, including the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Mr. Hisham Kobrosli, Vice President for Development and IT, in recognition of his remarkable 64 years of dedicated service. Appreciation plaques were also presented to keynote speaker Dr. Antoine Sfeir and alumna Dr. Amani Alabed.

As graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees, the ceremony marked not only the culmination of their academic journey but also the start of new opportunities and lifelong connections within the RHU community.

The 24th Annual Commencement Ceremony reaffirmed Rafik Hariri University’s mission to prepare graduates to become innovative professionals, responsible citizens, and compassionate leaders capable of making meaningful contributions locally, regionally, and globally.

RHU extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026 and wishes its newest alumni continued success as they begin the next chapter of their journeys, with resilience, purpose, and limitless ambition.