At the very same time of the year, we can still hear that loud clattering sound traveling back from the distance and experience that deep hollow feeling invading our souls. The dramatic events of that peace slamming day playing again in our minds and awakening us again to the brutal reality of the huge loss of Rafik Hariri.

On this occasion and for 14 years now, RHU commemorated boldly the profound martyrdom of His Excellency Late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Five seedlings of the Rafik Hariri white rose, a symbol of his purity and genuineness, were planted in the RHU campus main garden. They were a gift of deep yearning from Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, President of the RHU Board of Trustees and president of Rafik Hariri Foundation to the university that carries the name of an extraordinary man.  

RHU President, Dr. Makram Suidan, represented Mrs. Nazik Hariri in planting the roses in the presence of RHU Vice Presidents, Mr. Hisham Kobrosli and Mr. Naji Arabi, Engineer Rabah Fayed, RHU deans, chairpersons, faculty, staff, and students. A small sign that bears the image of martyr Rafik Hariri and a message from Mrs. Nazik Rafik was installed

Dr. Suidan delivered a word on the occasion saying: “Dare I imagine what Lebanon would be like had His Excellency Martyr Rafik Hariri been with us today. A flourishing economy, a vibrant infrastructure, law and order, an excellent educational system, and much more.  I dare imagine that because once we stop believing in his vision Lebanon is no more. The Martyr established this University as a beacon of knowledge and as a venue where people of all faiths and political affiliations can coexist.  We promise you that this institution will flourish, and we are well on our way to becoming a power house of knowledge, innovation, and research.

He added: ”Today we are planting the Rafik Hariri white rose on our campus.  A white rose that symbolizes serenity, peace, and innocence.  Looking at your pictures that adorn our Campus, one can see these qualities in you, and I hope that we will all absorb some of your goodness.  This University will ensure that you and what you did for Lebanon will never be forgotten.”