Computer Science Alumni Reunion - A Celebration of Legacy, Connection, and Future Impact

LAU invites graduates of its computer science program to reconnect and stay engaged with their alma mater as speakers, mentors and leaders of the next generations of students. 

On April 10, the LAU Beirut campus proudly welcomed its computer science graduates for a memorable reunion. Jointly organized by the Alumni Relations Office and the School of Arts and Sciences (SoAS) Computer Science Department, the event brought together alumni, students, faculty, and university leaders for an evening of reminiscing, gratitude, and renewed commitment.

Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Abdallah Al Khal opened the event by highlighting the meaningful collaboration between the office and the department that brought the event to life. He warmly welcomed attendees and expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Leila Issa, chair of the computer science department, for her instrumental role in organizing the reunion.

Al Khal went on to acknowledge the dedicated alumni team working behind the scenes and student Michel Draybi, who delighted the audience with a piano performance. He then introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Vice President and General Manager of Snapchat MENA Hussein Freijeh (BS ‘03).

LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah delivered a thoughtful and forward-looking speech on the evolving future of computing and the timeless value of a university education. He reassured attendees that despite fears around automation and AI, the need for critical thinkers, programmers, and innovators will only grow.

“Someone will always be needed to think algorithmically and build the tools of the future,” he said. Beyond technical skill, Dr. Abdallah underscored the lasting power of human connections forged at university. “It’s not the nodes, it’s the links that matter,” he said. “Stay connected to each other, stay connected to LAU. The university needs you—and so does the country.”

Echoing this thought, SoAS Dean Haidar Harmanani offered a warm and deeply personal reflection. “These are the moments that remind us why we are here,” he shared. With over 30 years at LAU, Dr. Harmanani spoke proudly of alumni who now carry the LAU spirit worldwide. He thanked the faculty, guests, and especially keynote speaker Freijeh, urging alumni to stay engaged as speakers, mentors, and leaders within the LAU community.

Freijeh, who had returned to LAU after 22 years, shared his emotional reconnection with the campus and the transformative role the university had played in his growth. “A lot of who I am now is actually shaped by my time here—and I didn’t realize it until much later,” he said.

Freijeh exhorted fellow alumni to share their experiences and support the next generation of students, emphasizing how his early challenges at LAU taught him leadership, adaptability, and perseverance. “This is where my addiction to winning started—negotiating course payments, building arguments in class, forming connections that became my first clients.”

Dr. Leila Issa, whose leadership helped initiate this new format of program-specific reunions, explained in an interview the importance of alumni engagement for the continued excellence of the computer science program.

“The field of computer science evolves rapidly, and our alumni are our bridge to industry,” she said, “They help us keep our curriculum relevant and inspire our students through seminars, internships, and real-world insight.” Plans are underway to form an alumni advisory board and establish this gathering as an annual tradition.

Following the leadership addresses, the event turned to alumni testimonials that added emotional depth to the evening’s theme of connection.

Samar Aad (BS ‘96), an alumna turned faculty member at the Adnan Kassar School of Business, reflected on the lifelong impact of her education. “The best years of my life were spent here,” she said. “Education helped me stand through every challenge,” she added, highlighting the importance of cross-generational mentorship.

Hanadi Zouhair Joueidi (BS ‘96) praised LAU’s hands-on approach to computer science education. “The practical training and critical thinking I gained here is what shaped my entire career,” she explained, comparing LAU favorably to other institutions based on her experience hiring and guiding young professionals.

The reunion was not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to the future. It stood as a vibrant reminder of the strength of the LAU community, the power of shared experience, and the importance of continuing to grow and give back. As Dr. Issa put it, “This is about giving back — and growing forward.”

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