RHU 3rd annual Founder’s Day event was a “peek into the mind and heart of an inspiring man whose words and deeds tell a story of an extraordinary, Martyr Rafik Hariri.” The event was celebrated under the patronage of Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, President of RHU Board of Trustees and President of Hariri Foundation and welcomed Mr. Salah Salam as the event’s keynote speaker on November 1 at 11:00 a.m. in the RHU MEA Conference Hall.
Following the Lebanese national anthem and a moment of silence in memory of H.E. late prime minister and RHU founder Martyr Rafik Hariri, RHU President, Dr. Ahmad Smaili, welcomed the exceptional assembly of dignitaries, faculty, staff and students who graced RHU’s Founder’s Day celebration, H.E. the Minister of Education Mr. Marwan Hamade, representing H.E. Saad Hariri, Mrs. Huda Tabbara representing Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, MP and Head of the Committee for Education, Ms. Bahia Hariri, MP Samir Jisr, Mr. Shafic Hariri, Mrs. Salwa Siniora Baasiri, Director General of Rafik Hariri Foundation, former and current ministers and members of parliament, and members of RHU Board of Trustees
“Lest we forget an extraordinary man,” was Dr. Smaili’s main message in his heartfelt speech that served to remind a world, floundering in absurd divisions and cheap wars, of a man who chose the path of goodness and sacrificed his life and his money for the sake of his country. He addressed Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri saying “present with us today, though remotely, is the martyr’s most faithful companion, who is keen on keeping the candles lit, who is patient enough to wait for the proclamation of justice, and who is best able to lead us into the depths of his humanity and shake off the dust and scars inflicted by the most ignorant on our memories.”
Dr. Smaili then invited all attendees to listen to a recorded broadcast of a word from Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, President of RHU Board of Trustees and President of Rafik Hariri Foundation. She said: "This dear occasion reunites us again and remind us of a beautiful past that is still thriving inside our hearts and minds. Another year elapses, fluctuating between risks and triumphs achieved by our army heroes who forfeited their lives for a free, independent and sovereign Lebanon. The challenges persist and we are all invited to commit to our national responsibilities and preserve our country and unity away from the political strife that threatens the security and stability of Lebanon. This is our promise to you beloved martyr Rafik Hariri.”
Dr. Smaili then welcomed Mr. Salah Salam, editor in chief of Aliwaa newspaper, as the event keynote speaker. Mr. Salam delivered a word on the occasion remunerating the achievements and contributions of Rafik Hariri to Lebanon. “When we talk about Rafik Hariri we reminisce the days of glory, achievement, and prosperity. Our hearts grieve over our current situation in Lebanon; Ever since martyr Rafik Hariri was gone, our country lurks in darkness. His eminent influence propagated to the five continents, but he kept saying ‘No one is larger than his country’.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Salah Salam received an award from Mrs. Huda Tabbara, Ms. Salwa Siniora Baasiri and RHU President, in appreciation for his participation in the event.
All were then invited to a reception outside the conference hall.