Badr Foundation Strengthens Its Commitment to USJ and Hôtel-Dieu de France

Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) and Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) welcomed representatives of the Badr Foundation to the Rectorate for the signing of two major solidarity initiatives: a contribution to Fondation USJ’s Badr Foundation Endowment Scholarship Fund, which supports students in need, and a donation to Hôtel-Dieu de France’s Social Solidarity Fund, which provides financial assistance to patients.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ; Ms. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, Director of Fondation USJ; Mr. Richard Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research; Mr. Fadi Geara, Vice-Rector for Administration; Ms. Ursula El Hage, Director of the Career and Placement Office (SIP); Ms. Jana Aouad, Director of the Student Information and Orientation Office (SIO); Ms. Shiraz Akl Zoghby, Director of the Financial Aid Office; as well as representatives of the Badr Foundation.

In her remarks, Ms. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea praised the generosity and longstanding support of the Badr Foundation, emphasizing that “people are our top priority, whether they are students or patients.” She also spoke about the growing needs facing the University, noting that more than 64% of USJ students now rely on financial aid to continue their studies.

Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, thanked the Badr Foundation for its trust and commitment to USJ. “It means a great deal to know that we are facing this country’s challenges together,” he said. “These are challenges that require us to stand united and work collectively to address them.” Looking ahead, he expressed his hope that the partnership would continue to grow, adding, “I hope we will keep writing new chapters in our friendship and collaboration.”

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Mr. Badr reflected on his deep connection to USJ and the many memories he has of the University. He explained that the Foundation’s support comes in response to the economic hardships Lebanon continues to face, which have had a profound impact on both students and patients. “We hope to contribute to supporting society,” he said, before announcing that the Foundation had decided to double its original contribution.

Ms. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea welcomed the announcement with gratitude, noting that it followed a meeting between Mr. Badr and the Rector of USJ.

The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the agreements supporting both Fondation USJ’s Endowment Scholarship Fund and Hôtel-Dieu de France’s Social Solidarity Fund, reaffirming a partnership built on trust, solidarity, and a shared commitment to supporting young people and the most vulnerable members of society.

Also read La Badr Foundation renforce son engagement aux côtés de l'USJ et de l'Hôtel-Dieu de France

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