Faculties honor their graduating students By Rana Siblini--- Following the two-hour rehearsal for the next day's commencement exercises each faculty held a reception for graduating students, their parents, and professors to celebrate the occasion. Since last year the president was delayed in getting to some of the receptions due to the minimal time, this year three receptions started at 8 pm and three others started at 8:30 pm to give the president ample time to tour all six receptions. The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) held their reception in the Agriculture Building. Dean of FAFS Nuhad Daghir, said a few congratulatory words to the graduates. The microphone was then passed to President John Waterbury, who advised the seniors to be "good leaders, good communicators, and most of all, good citizens." The president then presented the students with several awards, such as outstanding graduating student to Dana Nasr, the best thesis award to Nadine Najjar, the FAFS alumni award to Nada Omeir, and the Penrose Award to Fawzi Melhem. Parents and graduating students gathered at the Green Oval for the annual Arts and Sciences reception held to honor the graduates. No speeches were made until the president arrived at nine o'clock, more than an hour after the reception had started. Dean of Arts and Sciences Khalil Bitar told Outlook that "As usual, it's a great [graduating] class--lots of high distinctions and distinctions. And I, of course, wish them the best of luck." The terrace of the Bechtel Building was the venue for this year's Engineering and Architecture reception, where graduates and their parents joined to celebrate graduation with Dean Ibrahim Hajj and President John Waterbury. Dean Hajj awarded certificates and prizes to those students who were high achievers and groups of students who worked exceptionally well on projects. He also announced this year's Penrose Award winner, colleague Kamal Sanjakdar, in addition to the winner of the newly established Student Certificate of Recognition, Youssef Jawad. The School of Business Administration held its first reception near the Assembly Hall. Dean of SBA, Dr. George Najjar, made a spontaneous speech, in which he spoke about celebrating the graduation of students, the independence of the SBA, and the achievements of the faculty of business. Najjar also recognized some of the remarkable students of the SBA. These students were Ali Hamdan, treasurer of the USFC, Omar Kazoun, the president of the SRC of the SBA, Zina Sanyoura, who introduced the first business student electronic newsletter "Perspective", president of the Business Student Society Hassan Houri, and Bassem Bitar. President Waterbury addressed the crowd speaking about the independence of the SBA, thanking Dr. Khalil Bitar for his work and expressing his pride in the achievements of the business students and faculty. The reception of the School of Medicine was more discreet since it was held off campus, in what is known as The Garden. No special speeches were made; Dr. Makarem simply welcomed the few students and their parents and invited them to the buffet. The reception of the Faculty of Health Sciences took place in the Vandyk yard where only few parents had the chance to meet and congratulate each other for their children's achievements.