In an atmosphere filled with joy and pride, Damietta University organized its second graduation ceremony this evening, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, for the Class of 2024/2025. The event was attended by a distinguished group of executive and academic leaders, as well as public figures from Damietta Governorate. The ceremony commenced with the playing of the Egyptian national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by student Ibrahim Mohsen. The program was presented by Professor Dr. Mohamad Maher, Head of the Arabic Language Department at the Faculty of Arts. The ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Mohamed Khalifa, Military Advisor of Damietta Governorate; Professor Dr. Ramadan El-Tantawy, Former President of Damietta University; Professor Dr. Mamdouh Ne’ma Allah, Former Acting President of the University; Professor Dr. Osama El-Abd, Former President of Al-Azhar University and Member of Parliament; Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Zawawy, Chairman of Raya Higher Institute for Management and Foreign Trade; Professor Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Dean of the Institute; Dr. Mohamed Abdel Khaleq, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health; Dr. Ismail Youssef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; MP Hanaa Farouk, Member of Parliament; Senator Ahmed El-Belshi, Member of the Senate; Father Hesham Bendelmon, Priest of the Greek Orthodox Church in Damietta; in addition to the deans and vice-deans of the faculties, parents, and students.

During the ceremony, Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdo Amasha, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the attendees and addressed heartfelt messages to the graduates and their families. He stressed that graduation is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter in the labor market, praising the achievements of the university under the leadership of Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie, University President, in the field of digital infrastructure and the transition towards fourth-generation universities.

Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hamid Shehab, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, also gave a speech in which he expressed his joy at graduating a new generation of the university’s students, affirming that the university has spared no effort in supporting its students both academically and personally to ensure they become honorable role models for their homeland.

The speeches continued with the ceremony’s guests, where Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Zawawy, Chairman of Raya Higher Institute for Management and Foreign Trade, praised the pioneering role of the university and its President’s efforts in supporting education and linking its outcomes with the labor market. Professor Dr. Osama El-Abd, Former President of Al-Azhar University, affirmed that knowledge in Islam encompasses everything beneficial to humanity, urging students to consider graduation as the beginning of a scientific and practical journey grounded in both ethics and knowledge.

Professor Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Dean of Raya Institute, expressed his pride in the cooperation with Damietta University, praising its efforts in developing infrastructure and supporting the community.

In his speech, Professor Dr. Ramadan El-Tantawy, Former President of the University, emphasized that graduation day represents the fruit of the hard work of students and their families, extending his congratulations and best wishes for their success.

During the ceremony, a documentary film was presented highlighting the university’s journey since its establishment, along with the development of its facilities and academic programs.

Finally, Professor Dr. Hamdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, concluded the speeches by warmly welcoming the distinguished attendees, including executive and academic leaders, public figures, parents, and students. He expressed his joy in sharing this exceptional moment with the graduates and their families, noting that it would remain etched in their memories.

He stressed that the mission of Damietta University goes beyond education, as it constantly strives to prepare its students for the demands of a competitive labor market by honing their skills and equipping them with capabilities that keep pace with rapid developments across various fields. He further emphasized the university’s commitment to building well-rounded student personalities that combine knowledge, belonging, and social responsibility.

The University President also expressed his pride in signing a cooperation protocol with Raya Institute, describing it as an important step toward strengthening bridges of collaboration between the university and the private sector, thereby enhancing integration between academic education and labor market requirements. The University President added that Egypt will remain strong through its youth and the awareness of its people, and secure thanks to the solidarity of its institutions under the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He also affirmed that despite economic challenges, the Egyptian state continues to uphold the principle of free education as a fundamental right for its citizens.

In conclusion, the University President congratulated the graduates and their families, wishing them a promising future in which they contribute to serving their homeland, and praying for their continued success.

At the end of the ceremony, the University President honored a number of community leaders and distinguished figures. This was followed by a video presentation featuring the Class of 2024/2025 and the graduates’ oath-taking.

The audience then enjoyed musical and singing performances by the university’s choir, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Hoda Abdel Nabi, Head of the Music Education Department at the Faculty of Specific Education, accompanied by Dr. Mona El-Agmy and Dr. Mohamed El-Ezaby.

The celebrations concluded with the honoring of Damietta University’s graduates of the Class of 2024/2025 and the capturing of commemorative photos—a day that will remain engraved in their memories and those of their families as the beginning of a new journey toward the future.