ISO celebrates the first cohort of the University Diploma in Audiophonology

A first cohort is always special. It carries the boldness of the beginnings, the challenges of the unknown and the promise of a future to be built. It is in this spirit that the Higher Institute of Speech and Language Therapy (ISO) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) celebrated, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the graduation of the first cohort of the University Diploma in Audiophonology, a unique training program in Lebanon and in the region.

Gathered in the François S. Bassil Auditorium of the Innovation and Sports Campus (CIS), in the presence of the Rector of USJ, Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Elie Nemer, the Director of ISO, Ms. Guillemette Henry, the coordinator of the diploma, Prof. Camille Moitel Messarra, as well as instructors, families and relatives, twelve students received their diplomas at the end of a demanding year full of new discoveries.

In her speech, Prof. Messarra spoke about the birth of this program, which was, only a year ago, a vision carried by some professionals convinced of the need to develop advanced training in audiophonology in Lebanon. Recognizing the commitment of the students in this first cohort, whom she described as the “first ambassadors” of the diploma, she recalled that the aim of this training far exceeded the acquisition of technical skills. “Audiophonology is first and foremost a human matter,” she stressed, highlighting a deeply human and multidisciplinary approach to the support of people with hearing disorders.

Ms. Guillemette Henry recalled that this training is the result of a close and long-standing collaboration between ISO and ENT specialists. She emphasized that the purpose of the university diploma is to create bridges between the different professions involved in patient care, while meeting the real needs in the field. “This diploma is much more than a training program,” she said, stressing that it embodies the desire to build bridges between disciplines at the service of patients.

Speaking on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Elie Nemer emphasized that audiophonology is about what is most essential in human beings: communication, listening and connection to others. Recalling that “speech therapy is not only a technical discipline,” but a true human mission, he invited the graduates to combine scientific excellence, empathy and a sense of ethics in their professional practice.

There was also a lot of emotion during the speech by Ms. Gaëlle Menassa, the class spokesperson. Looking back on this year marked by learning, internships, challenges and moments of sharing, she expressed the students' gratitude to their instructors, partner institutions, as well as their families and loved ones. “Today, we leave with much more than what we came for: valuable experiences, lasting memories and sincere friendships,” she said emotionally, summarizing the experience of this first graduating cohort.

The ceremony ended with the twelve laureates receiving their diplomas to the applause of the audience. Beyond the academic success that was celebrated, this evening was above all the successful conclusion of a collective adventure and the beginning of a new chapter. The first milestone in a program that is set to grow, this cohort has already left its mark on ISO’s history and paves the way for future professionals committed to communication, listening skills, and human support.

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Also read: L’ISO célèbre la première promotion du Diplôme universitaire en audiophonologie