Haigazian University Founders’ Day Celebration
The processional march kicked off the annual event, which pays tribute to the university’s founders. Following the Lebanese national anthem, a prayer of invocation was offered by the new campus minister, Rev. Bruce Schoup.
Dr. Arda Ekmekji, the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Haigazian, prepared a special presentation about the historical HU Rocket Society, famous for being the first to launch a rocket in the Middle East during the 1960s, the age of space exploration. The audience was then shown the movie trailer for “The Lebanese Rocket Society”, a documentary film by
Joanna Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige that was featured at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
After a short musical interlude, in which Arno Babajanian’s “Elegie” was beautifully performed by current Haigazian student Shogher Gerboyan, Haigazian University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian delivered a speech for this commemorative celebration, placing particular significance on the university athletics department.
In his address, Haidostian acknowledged all the various sports teams of the university, praising them for their effort and dedication. Additionally he stressed on the importance of the university’s collaboration through a memorandum of understanding with the Beirut Marathon Association, an internationally recognized non-profit and non-governmental organization that aims to promote unity and wellness in Lebanon now and for generations to come.
Mrs. May El Khalil, the president of the Beirut Marathon Association, was the keynote speaker of the event. After presenting a brief overview of the organization’s history and development over the years, Khalil concentrated on the main traits that make any organization a success, such as vision, perseverance and belief, all of which are vital to the sport of marathon running.
Furthermore Khalil discussed the memorandums of understanding with the universities and how this relates to the importance of youth participation in national events. As she spoke, Khalil also revealed inspirational photos from the Beirut Marathon over the years in a power point presentation.
Afterwards, President Haidostian presented El Khalil with a plaque of appreciation and congratulations in celebration of Beirut Marathon’s 10th Anniversary.
At the conclusion of the ceremony everyone rose to sing the university’s Alma Mater, which was followed by the recessional.
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