RHU celebrated its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on June 14 at its campus in Mechref, in a joyful and symbolic event that coincided with the university’s 25th anniversary. The occasion honored a quarter-century of academic excellence and reaffirmed the founding vision of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by the debut of RHU’s new university anthem, lyrics by artist Ahmad Kaabour, composed by RHU Professor Dr. Ahmad Shaaban, and performed by the university choir.

A host of prominent national, educational, and social figures were in attendance, including Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, President of the Rafik Hariri Foundation and Chair of RHU’s Board of Trustees, represented by Mrs. Huda Bahij Tabbara. Also present were H.E. Prime Minister Saad Hariri, represented by H.E. Ms. Bahia Hariri; Dr. Samir Geagea and MP Strida Geagea, represented by MP Antoine Zahra; MP Sami Gemayel, represented by Ms. Rita Boules; H.E. Dr. Mohammad Al-Hajjar; Mount Lebanon Governor Judge Mohammad Makawi; Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah, represented by Brigadier Fadi Al-Hajj; Captain Firas Trabeyeh representing Major General Elias Baysari, Director General of General Security; the Ambassador of Tunisia, represented by Mr. Mostafa Al-Asakri; Mrs. Mona Bawarshi, CEO of Gezairi Transport Group, President of the Mechref Municipality, Mr. Zahir Aoun; President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Council, Mr. Ali Al-Abdullah; RHU Board of Trustees members, Dr. Farah Tamim and Mr. Ahmad Hijazi, partner school and Co-op company representatives, faculty, staff, parents, and, above all, the graduates.

RHU Provost Dr. Mahmoud Halablab opened the ceremony with a welcoming address tribute to Mrs. Nazik Hariri’s leadership and service to education, stating: “Through her vision and tireless dedication, she carries forward the values of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment.”

In a moving address, RHU President Dr. Said Ladki reflected on RHU’s journey and the graduates’ accomplishments. “This year’s commencement is truly special,” he said. “You are graduating as RHU marks 25 years of academic rigor, integrity, and national service. You are world-class. You are RHU’s ambassadors and torchbearers of its future.”

He reminded graduates that RHU equips them not just with knowledge, but with responsibility and values. “Wherever you go, stand tall and tell the world you are a graduate of an ABET- and ACBSP-accredited university. But more importantly, live by RHU’s highest ethical principles.”

Dr. Ladki also unveiled RHU’s strategic vision for the years ahead, including the launch of a University Planning Office, NECHE institutional accreditation, and the integration of AI, digital literacy, and industry-aligned certifications into all programs. “RHU is reinventing itself to lead in a rapidly evolving world.”

He then announced the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters upon Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, honoring her unwavering commitment to education in Lebanon.

In a recorded message, Mrs. Hariri expressed pride in RHU’s evolution and reaffirmed her dedication to continuing the legacy of her husband, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. “Graduation is not an end, but a beginning,” she said. “This day celebrates your achievement and the 25th anniversary of a university founded on the values of justice, openness, and human development.”

She praised RHU President Dr. Said Ladki and the university’s leadership and expressed gratitude for the honorary degree, dedicating it to her late husband: “This generous gesture strengthens my resolve to continue the journey we began together. I dedicate this honor to his pure soul.”

Class of 2025 representatives also shared heartfelt messages. In English, graduate Ms. Nadine Shayya thanked RHU faculty and staff for their dedication, even during online classes interrupted by real-life explosions, saying their support left a lasting impact. In Arabic, graduate Mr. Jad Traboulsi described graduation as the beginning of life’s true journey, paying tribute to Mrs. Hariri as the guardian of the RHU mission and legacy.

The evening’s keynote speaker, renowned media figure Mr. Ricardo Karam, offered a stirring message of resilience and purpose. Speaking against the backdrop of regional conflict, he applauded the graduates for their determination through hardship—power cuts, lockdowns, and uncertainty, and called them “fighters in life, armed not with weapons but with values and dreams.”

Karam paid tribute to RHU’s founder, saying: “Rafik Hariri was a man who turned dreams into a national project. His name lives on in every RHU graduate.” Addressing Mrs. Hariri directly, he added: “This university and this celebration would not exist without your love and commitment to his legacy.” President Ladki presented him with a commemorative plaque in appreciation.

During the ceremony, graduate Rami Kronbi was named the recipient of the Nazik Rafik Hariri Graduate Studies Award for 2025, receiving a full scholarship to pursue his master’s degree at RHU.

Following the recitation of the RHU oath, degrees were officially conferred to the graduates by RHU President Dr. Said Ladki and Mrs. Huda Bahij Tabbara, representing Mrs. Hariri. Each graduate walked the stage to receive their diploma amid cheers and applause.

The evening concluded with music, celebration, and joy, marking both the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 and RHU’s 25-year journey of excellence, service, and enduring legacy.