Antonine University (UA) proudly held its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on June 26 at the Hadat–Baabda Main Campus, celebrating a graduating class that has shown exceptional resilience, purpose, and hope. Under the theme “Stay Rooted, Let Your Story Travel,” this year’s ceremony paid tribute not only to academic achievements, but also to the profound personal journeys shaped by a challenging and transformative academic year.

From the very start, the atmosphere was alive with joy and unity. Graduating students arrived early, reuniting with friends and capturing memories through both official and candid photos. They were welcomed with refreshments and Lebanese-themed gift boxes. At the Alumni Booth, they received their alumni cards, took a souvenir gift, signed messages on a large globe, and placed personal items in the 2025 Time Capsule, set to be opened in 2035.

Honoring the Moment

The Ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a prayer led by Most Reverend Abbot Joseph Bou Raad, UA Chancellor and Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order.

Master of Ceremony, Ms. Hanan Merhej, captured the evening’s sentiment with her welcome address: despite uncertainty and hardship, the graduates had persevered, and their stories, though rooted in Lebanon, were ready to travel. She expressed: “Success outside your homeland will always feel incomplete. Achievements only truly flourish, only carry meaning, when they take root here.”

Attendees included dignitaries, deans, vice rectors, and family members who filled the stands, offering thunderous applause throughout the evening.

The Students’ Voice: A Speech for a Generation

On behalf of the Class of 2025, Meera Haidar from the Antonine School of Business delivered a deeply moving address. She invited her fellow graduates to close their eyes and remember their first day on campus, guiding them through a shared reflection of growth, struggle, and solidarity.

“Antonine University was never just a campus; it was a compass,” she declared, reminding everyone that growth is possible even amid uncertainty. She spoke about the importance of listening, sharing how the University created spaces for students to be heard, and how their voices were integral to the fabric of the community.

Through the trials of the past year, including the challenges of war, Meera acknowledged the support the University provided, stating that it was a lifeline that affirmed their stories were worth investing in. She honored her parents for their unwavering support and spoke candidly about the financial pressures many faced, reflecting on how love and community helped them thrive.

Meera concluded with a promise to return, give back, and make a difference wherever life leads, and was later recognized on stage as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 by Rector Fr. Michel Saghbiny and Guest of Honor Mr. Salim Eddé. Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management, she was awarded a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in the same field — a recognition of her academic excellence and her role as a voice for her generation.

A Message of Faith and Perseverance

Fr. Saghbiny’s address to the graduates was as heartfelt as it was grounding. Acknowledging the exceptional weight of the past year, he reminded students that their roots — their values, families, and homeland — would serve as their compass in any storm. He urged them to embrace creativity, take initiative, and carry their education not as a certificate on a wall, but as a call to action. His message of hope was deeply practical, centered on courage, generosity, and integrity.

Guest of Honor: A Life Rooted in Lebanon

Mr. Salim Eddé, the Guest of Hobor, was introduced with a snippet from his interview with Fr. Jean Al Alam, UA’s Vice Rector for Integral Human Development. His powerful and visionary speech emphasized the unbreakable value of knowledge. Addressing the graduates’ fears about the country’s instability, Mr. Eddé did not minimize the difficulties but countered them with determined optimism. He highlighted Lebanon’s untapped potential, particularly in information technology and innovation. Through the story of Murex, whose Beirut office currently employs over 1,000 engineers — including 70 UA alumni — he demonstrated what rooted visionaries can achieve. He concluded with three lessons for success: lifelong learning, initiative, and teamwork. His words were a call to stay grounded while reaching high.

The University awarded Mr. Eddé the UA Golden Feather (Plume d’Or), its highest symbol of recognition, honoring his professional excellence and commitment to Lebanon.

Later during the ceremony, a series of short interviews with UA alumni from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology were presented, sharing their experiences and testimonials about working at Murex.

Moments of Meaning and Celebration

The Ceremony featured artistic interludes, including live performances by Karen Njeim, Department of Nursing Sciences, and Michel Harika, Faculty of Sport Sciences. Their musical interpretations reminded us of the strong patriotism we have towards Lebanon, as more than 4,000 attendees waved Lebanese flags and praised the country; singing patriotic and traditional songs.

Shows from Artists & More of dancing and storytelling energized the crowd with stunning performances. The official videos, including “We Are Antonine” and the Upscale Hub showcase, further emphasized UA’s commitment to empowering students through innovation, inclusion, and holistic support.

As the ceremony neared its close, Anthony Badr, from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, delivered the Closing Speech, summarizing the spirit of the day in a few timeless words: “No matter where life takes us next, let’s stay rooted like the cedars of our country. Our roots give us strength, and our mindset will carry us forward.”

Then, with cheers ringing out, a Mexican wave swept across the graduates’ seats. In a final moment of unity and joy, the Class of 2025 threw their caps into the air. As fireworks erupted above the Main Campus, the sky echoed their triumph.

Roots That Endure, Stories That Travel

This Commencement was more than a ceremony; it was a testament to the enduring mission of UA: to form not only scholars, but citizens who carry the weight of heritage and the light of possibility. From heartfelt speeches to quiet acts of remembrance, from diplomas to fireworks, every detail served one message: your story may travel far, but your roots, deep in Lebanon and deep in Antonine, remain.

Watch the full ceremony on YouTube.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Stay rooted. Let your story travel.