Some departures carry with them a mix of gratitude, nostalgia and hope, as the bonds forged over the years go beyond duties and circumstances. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Saint Joseph University of Beirut brought together, at the auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine, numerous figures from the political, diplomatic, academic and hospital sectors for a friendly gathering in honor of His Excellency Mr. Hervé Magro, Ambassador of France to Lebanon, at the end of a mission marked by a constant commitment to serving Lebanon, its youth and Franco-Lebanese cooperation.

Opening the ceremony, Ms. Carla Eddé, Vice-Rector for International Relations at USJ and Representative of the President of the Lebanese Republic to the OIF, praised the exceptional career of a diplomat deeply attached to the East, recalling that “our region has occupied a central place in his professional journey.” Above all, she wished to express the University’s profound gratitude for “the action in support of Lebanon and the multifaceted support” provided to USJ during his time in Beirut. Referring to the numerous crises the country has faced since Mr. Magro’s arrival in the summer of 2023, she highlighted his unwavering commitment to education, recalling the exceptional aid granted to schools and universities, including USJ, which enabled hundreds of students to pursue their academic journey despite the difficulties.

Taking the floor next on behalf of Hôtel-Dieu de France and the USJ-HDF hospital network, Mr. Nassib Nasr, Director General of HDF, delivered a testimony filled with emotion and gratitude. “There are moments when words fail to express gratitude. Your departure from Lebanon is one of them,” he shared, praising “an engaged ambassador, close to institutions and attentive to the women and men who bring them to life.” Recalling the constant support provided to Hôtel-Dieu de France, Mr. Nasr spoke of the exceptional opening of the gardens of the Résidence des Pins to host the “Harmonies de Solidarité” dinners, organized to support the hospital’s Social Solidarity Fund. “That evening, you said that it was only natural for the Residence to be open to Lebanese friends,” he recalled, stressing that this statement “perfectly sums up his vision of the Franco-Lebanese relationship: a vibrant, generous and profoundly human relationship.”

Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hôtel-Dieu de France, portrayed a man whose commitment has left a profound mark on Lebanon. “Since your arrival in 2023, you have supported the country in addressing its most pressing needs, thereby strengthening the special relationship between France and Lebanon,” he said. Referring to the frankness and accuracy of his words, the Rector praised a diplomat who “was not afraid to say, on behalf of France, what he believed was important,” recalling his commitment to reforms, the rule of law, university cooperation and the healthcare sector. The Rector also paid tribute to the special bond Mr. Magro shared with the University’s students: “I have always been pleased to see the joy and interest you showed when meeting our students, always moved by their dynamism and creative talent, as if, by listening to them, you found reasons to continue hoping in the Lebanon of tomorrow.”

Deeply moved, Mr. Hervé Magro thanked USJ for this tribute, acknowledging that such moments were “both pleasant and nostalgic.” He recalled the unique place occupied by Saint Joseph University of Beirut in the regional academic landscape: “USJ is a flagship of the Francophonie in Lebanon, but also in the Middle East, whose academic excellence is recognized beyond borders.” Mr. Magro also reaffirmed his attachment to the Francophonie, which he considers “an eminently cultural specificity” and a major asset for Lebanon, while calling for continued efforts in support of young people. Finally, sharing his vision for the future, he stressed that “the prospect of setting Lebanon on a new path, one that would convince its youth to remain in the country, remains more than ever a goal that we must share,” reaffirming France’s determination to accompany Lebanon along this path.

The ceremony concluded with the Rector presenting Mr. Magro with a piece of Lebanese craftsmanship, as a token of USJ’s gratitude for the bonds of friendship and trust forged over the years with the University and Hôtel-Dieu de France.

As the time came to bid farewell, one conviction seemed to be shared by everyone gathered that evening: while Saint Joseph University of Beirut was preparing to see a French Ambassador leave, it knew that it had gained a friend of Lebanon.

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Also read: Une soirée de gratitude, d’amitié et d’espérance : l’USJ rend hommage à S.E.M. Hervé Magro