NNA - A delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), headed by Edward Gabriel, visited the main campus of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) in Zouk Mosbeh, where they were warmly welcomed by the University president, Father Bechara Khoury, along with his vice presidents, deans, and directors.

The delegation, which consisted of prominent Lebanese-American figures from the diaspora community in the United States, expressed their appreciation, encouragement, and deep admiration for NDU’s academic achievements—especially the University’s attainment of the prestigious institutional accreditation from NECHE. The delegation toured various parts of the campus and participated in an extensive dialogue session.

In his remarks, Father Khoury expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their meaningful visit, which was preceded by a series of bilateral meetings in Washington. He emphasized the shared mission of safeguarding Lebanon—a responsibility that calls for collective action. 

“This visit is not just ceremonial; it is a meeting of hearts and missions. Both NDU and ATFL believe in Lebanon—not as an abstract idea, but as a living reality worth preserving, strengthening, and celebrating,” he highlighted.

Father Khoury also noted that both institutions, ATFL and NDU, are fully rooted in Lebanese identity while upholding international standards. Their partnership, as he stated, is grounded in a common commitment to a noble purpose: the development of the human person. He added that while ATFL represents the strength and momentum of the Lebanese diaspora tirelessly working for Lebanon from abroad, NDU is deeply rooted in Lebanon and serves as a bridge connecting the homeland to its global community.

For his part, Gabriel, President of ATFL, expressed his reassurance that Lebanon’s educational mission is in good hands, as long as higher education institutions like NDU are on the front lines defending the Lebanese  Gabriel also praised NDU’s accomplishments and the ways in which the University uplifts Lebanon’s image, both locally and globally through its graduates, many of whom have attained high-ranking positions in the United States and around the world.

This collaboration, rooted in mutual trust, is best represented by the American Friends of NDU (AFNDU), led by Michel Chammas, who joined the delegation on this occasion. The visit served as an opportunity to explore various avenues and aspirations aimed at supporting the University

To conclude, the delegation toured the museum of the Lebanese Emigrants Research Center (LERC), which houses a valuable collection of archives that shed light on the rich history of Lebanese emigration. -- NDU 

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