Another group of graduates tossed their caps to the open sky at the conclusion of the distribution of degrees at RHU’s 15th annual commencement on Wednesday, June 1st, 2016. Held under the patronage of Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, President of RHU Board of Trustees, the ceremony had named Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, former Palestinian minister, as graduation keynote speaker. It also announced the two winners of Nazek Rafik Hariri Graduate Studies Award, Ms. Aya Nabih Zaidan (CBA, Management) and Mr. Noureddine Abdulraouf Barake (CE, Computer and Communication Engineering).

The ceremony witnessed for the second year, the recognition of two RHU alumni for their exceptional leadership and career achievements. Dr. Mona Zanhour and Mr. Rachad Fakhoury were bestowed their well-deserved honorary awards and expressed their feelings and thoughts to be back to where the same place which witnessed their embarkation into an accomplished career life.

The reverend procession of the class of 2016 led by RHU President, Dr. Riad Chedid, crossed its way amid loud applause from family and friends. Dr. Mirvat Abdallah, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, welcomed the attendees as master of ceremony of this celebrated occasion, asking them to stand a moment of silence in memory of the founder of RHU, H.E. late prime minister Martyr Rafik Hariri.

In his word RHU President, Dr. Riad Chedid, transferred the greetings of Mrs. Nazik Hariri to the graduates and faculty members saying: "When we speak about the importance of nations’ development, we recall the memory of Martyr Rafik Hariri. Realizing his dream is a noble goal that the university community works to achieve with the support of the President of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri.

Addressing the graduates, he added: "As young people you need someone to protect you from people who push you in wrong directions and draw you into issues you have nothing to do with. You need the right people who urge you to work hard and allow you to blend into your national melting pot. I am convinced that your love for life is enough to take us towards a more stable and creative world.”

He thanked on behalf of the university, Dr. Ashrawi for contributing to the success of the celebration.

Ms. Aya Zaidan presented her graduating class and delivered the graduates speech on their behalf.
In her word of million meanings, her Excellency Dr. Hanan Ashrawi expressed her gladness to be the keynote speaker as she said “we must remember today to exacerbate our loyalty and appreciation to the founder of this university, the late Prime Minister brother and dear friend Rafik Hariri, the man who realized that the reconstruction of the country lies in building the citizen, and that the future lies in creating individuals immunized with knowledge as the real wealth of a nation.”

RHU Registrar, Ms. Nidal Khalaf, announced the official distribution of degrees. It was time for the graduating students, armed with a big grin, to march across the stage and grab an important possession for their journey.