85th Anniversary
Full Program

Date: May 16–18, 2025

Location: Middle East University, Beirut, Lebanon

Friday, May 16 – MEU is ME&U - Friday Night Vespers (7:00–9:00 PM)

  • Welcome: Dr. Carlos Biaggi, MEU President
  • Opening Prayer: Mark Haddad, MENA Treasurer
  • Introduction: Alexandra Khoueiry, Daniel Laflouf (MEU Graduating Seniors, Class of 2025)
  • MEU Beginnings: 
    • Mark Hynum, MEC Student, 1974-76. Volunteer 2018-2025
    • Faiza Aboujawdieh Asmar, MEC Summer Teacher Institutes, between 1950 to 1990.
    • Moses Elmajidian (video), MEC Student, 1959-1962
  • Middle East Union to AFROMIDEAST Division: 1960-1975
  • Years of Crisis and Recovery, 1975-Present
    • Samir Berbawy, MEC Student, 1973-76.
      Math, Education and Psychology Teacher, Dean of Men 1979-1983. (wife Tanya Berbawy, Women’s Dean, 1980-1982)
    • Mirna Karam, MEC Graduate, 1991, 1992.
      Intensive English, Education and Communication Teacher 1997-2024
    • Ghanah Harb Accord (video) MEC Graduate, 1989
    • Sylvia Kiraz, MEC Graduate, 1972. Secretary and Asst. Registrar, 1972-2021 (read by Pastor Levon Maksudian, MEC Graduate, 1986)
    • Khachig Malkhassian (video) MEC Graduate, 1991
    • Fady Maroun, MEC Graduate, 1991
    • Simon Lasu (video), MEU Graduate, 2019.
      Business Dept. Accountant, 2019-2021
    • Leah Suleiman Maatouk, MEU Graduate, 2023
  • Closing Prayer: John Issa, MEC Graduate, 1991.
    MEU Teacher, 2003 to present.
  • Refreshments Outside on the Walkway

Saturday, May 17 – Sabbath Celebration

Sabbath School (09:30-11:00AM)

  • Welcome & Prayer: Mr. Farid Khoury, Class of 1989
  • Scripture Reading: Dr. Amy McHenry, VP for Academic Administration
  • Song Service
  • Testimonies: Pr. Karim Kammouge, Class of 2019
  • Testimony: Mrs. Rana Khoury, Class of 1992
  • Testimony: Pr. Dilip Pawar, Class of 2019
  • Lesson Study: Dr. John Issa, Class of 1991

Worship Service (11:00-12:30PM)

  • Prelude: Selected Music
  • Welcome: Eduardo Bovo
  • Introit: Selected Music
  • Doxology: 694 – Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow
  • Invocation: Eduardo Bovo
  • Children’s Story: Eda Sandoval
  • Tithes and Offerings: Remon Fawzy (Class of 2024)
  • Songs of Praise: 1– Praise to the Lord
    100 – Great is Thy Faithfulness
  • Scripture Reading: Matt 5:14-16, Andrew Issa (Class of 2022)
  • Intercessory Prayer: Dr. Carlos Biaggi, MEU President
  • Special Music: Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble –
    “We Have Come This Far by Faith“
  • Message: Dr. Raja Farah (Class of 1982) – “MEU: A City on a Hill”
  • Song of Commitment: 103 – O God, Our Help
  • Prayer of Thanksgiving & Dedication: Mr. German Lust, Associate Treasurer of the General Conference of SDA
  • Postlude: Selected Music
  • Song Leader: Eileen Ghali (Class of 1989 and 2015) and Dr. Diói Cruz, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology
  • Pianist: Gisele Neves

Lunch (1:00–3:00 PM)

• Complimentary meal provided by MEU.

Honor Class Reunions (3:00–5:00 PM)

• Meet and reminisce with classmates from your graduation year.

Sunday, May 18 – Gala Dinner & Mini Concert (6:00–9:00 PM)

Theme: Celebrating the Light on the Hilltop

An evening of gratitude, inspiration, and giving back to Middle East University.

Master of Ceremony (MC): Mr. Bassam Abdalla, Class of 2016, Instructor

  • 6:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Welcome Reception
    • Registration and welcome drinks
  • 6:20 PM – Opening Ceremony
    • Welcome: MC
    • Invocation & blessing: Pr. Levon Maksoudian, Class of 1986
    • Opening remarks: Dr. Carlos Biaggi, MEU President
  • 6:40 PM – Dinner
    • Lebanese mezza: MC
  • 7:00 PM – Mini Concert
    • Introduction of guest artist: Mrs. Lina Issa, Class of 1998 & 2015, Lecturer
    • Mini Concert by guest artist: Ms. Guilnar Majdalani, Pianist
    • Main Dish
  • 7:40 PM – Panel Segment: “The Light That Guides Us”
    • Panelists: Mr. Nazareth Patchanian, Class of 2018 and 2021; Mrs. Ebtissam Abdalla, Assistant Librarian, Class of 1989; and Mr. Charly Mezher, Class of 2025
    • Moderator: Mr. Farid Khoury, Class of 1989
    • Dessert
    • Cake cutting
  • 8:10 PM – Giving Spotlight
    • Launch of Giving Day: Dr. Carlos Biaggi, President
    • Student testimony: Alexandra Khoueiry, Class of 2025
  • 8:30 PM – Auction Highlight
    • Live auction of “Jesus Over Beirut” painting, by Mr. Steve Creitz, Chair of Department of Arts & Design
    • Silent auction of other MEU and Lebanese artifacts
  • 8:50 PM – Celebration & Closing
    • Acknowledgments: MC
    • Closing benediction: Pr. Myron Iseminger, Vice Chairmain of Board of Trustees
    • Group photo: MC
    • Guests depart with gift bags: MC