Mrs. Nora Joumblatt was guest speaker in the ceremony organized by Nôtre Dame University (NDU) at Deir el Qamar in celebration of its fifteenth anniversary and the Founders Day celebration.

Below is the full text of her eloquently written speech:

Let me start by wishing Happy 15th anniversary to Notre Dame University in the Shouf, I am delighted to join you on this Founders Day celebration. When I set about deciding what to say on this momentous occasion, I found I had too many good options…

-I could speak about the depth and richness of your history, which is traceable to the Lebanese Synod that took place in the Monastery of Our Lady of Louaize in 1739, the motherhouse of the Maronite Order of the Holy Virgin Mary.

Or about the  scholarly contributions of your faculty; through their commitment to integrity and educational excellence making the university one of the leading universities in Lebanon or the successes of your alumni who have gone on to careers in academia, engineering, the arts and the sciences.

I could yet point out, the stunning beauty of your campus established next to the Mar Abda Monastery founded in 1849, (including the excellent Mar Abda College).

I could likewise address your students, on what they have gained in this Shouf campus by the advantage of being part of a distinguished university with the warm atmosphere of a friendly campus. Small classes, talented faculty, and support services providing them with unique educational opportunities.

But I want to talk of what links us to those who have gone before us, those who have spread education in Lebanon and established schools in many parts of the country.

The question we must ask ourselves is how are we relevant today, and how will we continue to be relevant tomorrow?

 I believe that the answer, quite simply, is that this University, its leaders and its faculty, its staff and students should continue to stand for their highest ideals set by their forefathers.

More than ever we all need to believe in the mission of the founders of the university; “of education for all”, while promoting dialogue and celebrating differences in an environment of respect, care and justice.

As we move forward into the next decades, I truly hope that, guided by the virtues, the spirit of generosity, and above all the wisdom and the understanding, the students of NDU will continue to build, as responsible citizens, a culture of peace and tolerance, in the spirit of the historic Mountain Reconciliation of 2001, when in Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir’s own words, and I quote:

“We need to build a sovereign Lebanon, crowned by democracy and freedom, without which the country cannot survive.”

!Thank you

(*) Al Anbaa