JOIN AFNDU IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Within the framework of its educational mission and expansive outreach  efforts, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Lebanon (NDU) dispatched a  delegation to the United States, as a means of establishing ties that  transcend physical borders and disseminating the University’s mission  abroad. The delegation was headed by NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury  and included Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University  Advancement, Ms. Cendrella Mjaes, Director at the Office of Human  Resources, Mr. Alain Abou Jaoudeh, Director at the Office of Business  Strategy and Advancement, as well as Mr. Majed Bou Hadir, Director of  Public Affairs and Protocol. The visit encompassed numerous events, and  an array of points were explored.
 

At the start of the visit, the delegation convened with The Consul  General of Lebanon in New York, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abir T. Audi, and  her husband, the author Dori Audi, who welcomed the delegation in the  Consulate. During the meeting, Ambassador Dr. Audi restated the  Consulate’s commitment to support NDU’s noble mission of aiding students  struggling financially to cover their tuitions and pursue their higher  education. Dr. Audi also noted that education will always be one of the  pillars of a nation, highlighting the Consulate’s consistent efforts in  that respect. On his end, Fr. Khoury expressed his deep gratitude  towards the Lebanese community in New York and the North East,  dedicating his appreciation in particular to Dr. Audi’s efforts, which  constitute a driving force behind Lebanese expats’ success and NDU  students’ innovative projects. 
 

The delegation, accompanied by the American Friends of NDU (AFNDU),  headed to a gathering organized by Dr. Christopher S. Hyland, President  of Christopher Hyland Inc. The gathering, which sought to highlight  NDU’s mission and cause, included a short speech by Fr. Bechara Khoury,  where Fr. Khoury showcased the University’s recent achievements,  particularly ones related to accreditations. NDU alumna, Jessica Azar,  was also given the stage to delve into the valuable insight gained from  her time at the University, detailing her unique experiences and the  opportunities she was awarded to pursue her studies in top-tier  institutions overseas. 
 

Distinguished guests attended the event, including Mr. Imad El Hage,  former President of the US Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and President of  American Underwriters Group; Mr. Joseph Kallasi, President of Al Salam  Club; Mr. Roger Hani, President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU-New York); Mr. Fadi Farhat, Secretary General of WLCU, along with  Mr. John Abi Habib, the Honorary Consul of Lebanon in New Jersey, who  hosted an alumni gathering the following day. Fr. Khoury took part in  Abi Habib’s gathering, where he underscored the importance of engaging  with NDU alumni. Former NDU students were honored with NDU pins and  invited to recite the University Pledge, reaffirming their unwavering  belonging to NDU. The gathering also provided opportunities for  discussions on potential academic and business collaborations.
 

The NDU delegation team then traveled to Houston to explore  opportunities for collaboration with renowned entrepreneurs and  professionals in various sectors, including oil, medical, and business.  The following day saw the delegation’s arrival to Houston, where the  group was graciously hosted by Mr. Samih Baaklini, President of McKinney  Construction Inc., in the presence of a gathering comprising 30  attendees, including medical professionals and prominent figures from  the business community. Fr. Khoury took the opportunity to present NDU's  overall mission and conveyed a sincere interest in fostering  collaborative efforts across various domains.
 

The delegation, accompanied by Fr. Milad Yaghi, Pastor of Our Lady of The Cedars Maronite Catholic Church,  Houston, Texas, subsequently attended a gathering organized by NDU  Alumni Jack Fadi, whose family expressed interest in collaborating with  the University on several future projects and fundraisers, notably ones  aiming to assist current NDU students in their tuition fees.
 

On February 1, the delegation attended a gathering hosted by Dr. Philip Salem, Director Emeritus of Cancer Research at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston. The event encompassed a wide range of esteemed  professionals in the medical field and laid the groundwork for future  partnerships between NDU and US medical institutions.
 

NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury also gave an interview to Lebanon Times Magazine,  discussing the purpose of the University's visit to New York City and  reiterating NDU's core mission. Fr. Khoury’s interview was conducted by  Nabil Habbaki and Julia Nader, and the interview article will be posted  in the magazine’s March edition.
 

As their visit drew to a close, the delegation actively engaged with the  NDU community in Houston. They attended an alumni gathering at Samih  Baaklini’s Flo Restaurant, where a warm reception was given to the  invitees. The delegation also participated in English and Arabic Holy  Masses held at Our Lady of The Cedars Maronite Catholic Church and  officiated by Fr. Khoury and Fr. Yaghi, who acknowledged NDU's presence  in their prayers. Following the Masses, the delegation joined Lebanese  expatriates for a reception hosted by the Houston community as a means  of expressing gratitude for NDU's outreach efforts. 
 

NDU’s latest initiative, however, albeit a significant milestone, constitutes a mere step in the University's broader efforts to advance  strategically towards its future aspirations.