To mark the occasion, the university hosted a luncheon at Palma Resort in Tripoli, sponsored by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, MP Faisal Karami, and attended by University President Dr. Walid Dagher.

The event brought together members of the Board of Trustees, the General Assembly of Al-Manar Association, and distinguished guests including Khaled Karami, Abdullah Karami, Saadi Ghandour, and Ghassan Ghandour, along with faculty deans and a large number of employees and workers. The gathering reflected a spirit of appreciation and gratitude for the dedication and contributions of the university community.

The ceremony opened with a speech by Dr. Walid Dagher, who praised the university family, emphasizing that Labor Day is a celebration of human dignity and commitment. He paid special tribute to the security, maintenance, cleaning, landscaping, and administrative teams, describing them as the “beating heart” that sustains the university’s mission. He also highlighted the key role of faculty deans, noting that their leadership and academic expertise are essential to guiding the university’s progress.

Dr. Dagher stressed that social responsibility is not merely a slogan but a core value embedded in the university’s identity, as it seeks to develop individuals and empower Lebanese youth. He expressed his gratitude for the support of MP Faisal Karami and praised the efforts of Al-Manar Association, as well as the initiatives of Khaled and Abdullah Karami and Saadi and Ghassan Ghandour in supporting students. He also paid tribute to Janan Karami, noting that although she was absent, her presence remains strongly felt and her positive impact continues to resonate.

In his speech, MP Faisal Karami pointed out that the occasion coincided with the anniversary of his father’s birth, the founder of the university, describing this as a meaningful reflection of loyalty to those who have passed, gratitude to those who laid the foundation, and appreciation for those who continue the journey of giving.

Karami affirmed that what is built with sincerity endures, recalling the difficult challenges the university has faced—from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic collapse to remote learning, as well as wars and repeated displacement. He praised the resilience of the administrative staff and their commitment to maintaining high standards under the toughest conditions. He also commended the legacy of Rashid Karami and Omar Karami in building institutions that serve people, while noting the obstacles the university faced due to insufficient support from the Lebanese state.

He concluded by saluting the institution and its staff, expressing optimism about the university’s future and hoping it will continue to stand as a leading institution that reflects the vision of the Karama Movement and the legacy established by Omar Karami, calling on everyone to carry forward the mission of building and giving across generations.