NNA- Haigazian University marked the end of a successful 2021-2022 academic year by holding its 62nd annual commencement exercises, on Friday June the 3rd, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on its campus in Kantari, Beirut.
In an atmosphere of joy and relief, 107 undergraduates and graduates received their bachelor and master degrees, at the first in-person ceremony since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The event was streamed live on Facebook to allow a larger number of proud onlookers watch their loved as they embark into a new phase of their lives.
The auspicious ceremony started with the processional march on the notes of the traditional Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar, whereby faculty proceeded in their traditional academic regalia of caps, gown and hoods, followed by graduates. After the Lebanese National Anthem, the prayer of invocation was offered by the Campus Minister, Rev. Wilbert Van Saane.
In her inspiring keynote speech, UNESCO Director of the Regional Bureau of Education in the Arab States, Ms. Costanza Farina focused on the values of the UNESCO, also shared by and implemented by Haigazian University.
“UNESCO strongly believes that education, higher education, and lifelong learning are a public good … We support the right to higher education and advocate for inclusive and equitable quality higher education and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” said Farina inviting all graduates to become UNESCO Ambassadors in this respect.
Tackling the Lebanese economic crisis, Farina concluded her speech with a message of hope. “While crises have caused some setbacks, Lebanon is making strides to be again a shining light of knowledge and learning in the region and beyond. You are the key element of that process; you are Lebanon’s greatest asset,” she said.
University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian expressed his pride in the graduating class, acknowledging the unwavering efforts and dedication of the administrative and teaching body, the students and their parents during these unprecedented times, asking the audience to give them a hearty applause.
In his address, Haidostian mainly focused on the notion of “tomorrow’s educator”, and on ways of finding “the balance in the human experience”. Answering to the question of “who will teach our children, what, where, when and how”, Haidostian said, “even if machines are the medium, the question is which machine, with what method, what content and for what purpose. In the midst of all, it is our role to keep people in healthy balance.”
He went further to explain that the main question concerns “tomorrow”, telling graduates that “they will be entrusted with the task of leading the way”. “Will you be there, graduates, to show the skills, to dedicate the time, to position yourself in service, to lead by example, and most importantly, to exhibit the type of sensitive spirit that is sparkling, transparent, trustworthy, self-fulfilled and dedicated to the highest of what humans can become, as I believe God created us to be,” said Haidostian.
Inspiring valedictory addresses were delivered by graduates Alek Galhayan and Aya Taher. They both expressed their deep gratitude to all the parents, University faculty and staff, acknowledging all their efforts and investment in shaping and equipping them to embark on their new phase of life.
Graduates Garen Kazandjian and Nour AlDaouk accompanied by Ari Vartanian on the piano graciously performed the song titled “The Prayer”.
The ceremony concluded by singing the Alma Mater, followed by the benediction offered by the University’s Former Campus Minister, Rev. Nishan Bakalian.
Commencement fever rippled in the air as mortarboard hats and waves of resounding cheers went skyward!
