Under the patronage and presence of President Bassam Badran, the Faculty of Information – Branch 2 celebrated the graduation of a new class (“Cedar Class”) of bachelor’s degree students majoring in journalism and media studies, advertising and marketing communications, public relations and corporate communications, and data science.

The ceremony, held at the Hotel & Conference Center – Rabweh, the Dean of the Faculty of Information, Dr. Jocelyne Nader; Director of Branch 2, Dr. Dunia Jreij; Director of Branch 1, Dr. Rami Najm; Head of the Faculty’s Research Center, Dr. Wafaa Abou Chakra; former Dean, Dr. Ibrahim Chaker; former Director of Branch 2, Dr. Nisrine Zammar; and the Secretary of Branch 2, Mrs. Madelene Mrad, and the Secretary of Branch 1, Mrs. Sanaa Jebai, in addition to political, media, religious, academic, and union figures, as well as a large number of faculty members, students, and the families of the graduates.

The ceremony’s emcee and faculty graduate Rim Harb Choueh delivered a speech in which she addressed the concerns graduates have regarding the future of this challenging profession, emphasizing that media is not about seeking the limelight but rather a force whose purpose is to uncover the truth, raise awareness, and preserve the collective memory of peoples.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, student Nawal Ghossein delivered a speech in which she affirmed that the moment of graduation was not the result of a single academic year, but rather the result of years of work, diligence, patience, and faith, during which the university transformed from a place of learning into a space for belonging, intellectual growth, and the assumption of responsibility.

Dr. Dunia Jreij delivered a speech in which she noted that the sacrifices and late nights of study had culminated in graduation, despite all the economic and security challenges the country had faced.

She addressed the graduates, saying, “A successful journalist is not the one with the fastest phone, but the one who exercises sound judgment when it comes to publishing information that could harm a person or society, because the public, which has entrusted them with uncovering the truth, wants nothing but the truth.”

She called on the graduates of the “Cedar Class” to hold the name of the Lebanese University high throughout the world, citing verses by the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine, before congratulating them on behalf of the academic and administrative bodies and wishing them a future worthy of their dreams and aspirations.

Dean Jocelyne Nader addressed in her speech the digital transformations that threaten familiar things and places, calling for attention to small details and for dwelling in the moment rather than rushing to consume it, and for making life “daily exercises in wonder.”

She encouraged graduates to empathize with others, events, information, and data, and to counter the culture of “constant self-promotion” with the practice of restraint or “light presence,” and to be adept at stepping back when necessary and stepping forward when they choose.

Dean Nader called on the members of the “Cedar Class” to put down roots across the homeland and hold fast to it, emphasizing that the Lebanese are rising like the phoenix from the ashes of war, explosions, and economic crises.

The closing remarks were delivered by President Bassam Badran, who praised the Faculty of Information, noting that it has proven to be a leading academic beacon and, over the decades, has graduated an elite group of media professionals who have carried Lebanon’s name with pride in print journalism, radio, television, and digital media.

He emphasized that the university’s celebration of its graduates is also a celebration of its ability to keep pace with the times by opening its doors to modern and diverse fields of study that combine tradition with innovation.

President Badran highlighted the importance of public relations in building bridges of trust between institutions and the public; information management in giving data meaning and transforming it into useful knowledge; data science in opening up horizons for in-depth analysis and foresight; and advertising and digital marketing in providing tools for economic creativity and effective communication in the age of globalization.

Addressing the graduates, he said: “Today, you are not merely receiving a university degree; you are carrying a national and ethical mission—a mission of truthful speech, precise knowledge, and responsible creativity.”

He added: “You are stepping into a vast and challenging field where truth intersects with misinformation, and freedom with responsibility. Rise to the occasion of this mission, and let your pens, cameras, and microphones serve as the voice of the nation, the conscience of the people, and the guardians of the truthful word.”

He concluded by saying: “The Lebanese University, as it celebrates you today, reaffirms that it will always remain a beacon of knowledge, a home for the nation, and a source of hope. Let your graduation mark the beginning of a new journey, let your fields of study serve as a bridge to the future, and let your affiliation with this national institution be a pledge of loyalty and excellence. Today, you are ambassadors of truth, and through you, a bright chapter in Lebanon’s history is being written.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas to the graduates and taking of group photos.

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