Throughout July 2023, six graduation ceremonies marked the end of the academic year at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). A total of 2,220 students in the fields of medical sciences, science and technology, engineering and architecture, humanities, political science and law, education, economics, religious studies, management and business administration were awarded their diplomas at the Medical Sciences Campus and the Sciences and Technology Campus.

Six distinguished guests of honor, Dr. Philippe Salem, a renowned physician and researcher; Alexandre Najjar, Esq., a prominent jurist and man of letters; Mr. Walid Nassar, the Minister of Tourism; Dr. Saba Zreik, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saba Zreik Cultural Foundation; Prof. Fouad Zmokhol, the Dean of the USJ Faculty of Business Administration and Management and President of the International Confederation of Lebanese Businesspeople (MIDEL); and Ms. Dominique Eddé, a celebrated novelist and essayist, attended the stirring ceremonies. With their presence, they shared their ample experiences with the fresh graduates, making the events even more special and inspiring.

In his message to the graduates, Prof. Salim Daccache S.J., Rector of USJ, stressed on the idea that this emerging generation should cultivate recognition and belonging as fundamental principles in their lives: “The lessons learned, the friendships built, the ideas shared and the plans for the future all contribute to laying the foundations for the promising path of your professional and academic lives ahead. USJ distinguishes itself by instilling in each of its graduates not only the assurance that a diploma serves as a passport to the future, but also by providing a life-long education and nurturing a spirit of imagination and creativity. These attributes constitute powerful tools of resistance, enabling them to surmount the seemingly impossible challenges that await.”

Daccache urged this generation of hope to envision a more just, resilient, and civic-minded Lebanon and world. He also called upon the sons and daughters of “this beautiful nation, in spite of everything,” to always remember that their roots are firmly anchored in Lebanon, and it is from this land that they will nourish their inner selves and the radiance of their countenance. Forgetting Lebanon, their families, villages, and roots would be an unforgivable act of negligence and denial. He emphasized that a young person who knows how to fight and take up challenges to succeed represents a country the persists and refuses to succumb.

Dr. Philippe Salem, driven by a life purpose to safeguard humanity from diseases and protect his homeland and its people, reiterated the Rector’s message of belonging. “Work hard and chase your dreams,” Salem urged the graduates, “but never forget your identity, your roots, your people, and where on this planet you belong.” As for Alexandre Najjar, Esq., his message to the graduates was one of responsibility and resistance. “From this moment on, you must rely on your capabilities, take initiatives, plan and execute,” he asserted. “In a time dominated by profiteering, corruption and the transhumanist revolution, you will need to demonstrate responsibility, prudence and resistance.”

Minister Walid Nassar stressed that, despite the sprawling power of corruption, which has stifled all initiatives, it will not have the final say against the unwavering spirit of the Lebanese people, driven by the force of life and resilience that surpass any vice. In his message to the graduates, Dr. Saba Zreik highlighted that our salvation hinges on the determination of this generation to eradicate the scourge of corruption. Prof. Fouad Zmokhol praised the “warriors of the last three years”, who braved the economic crisis, COVID and the Beirut Port explosion, urging them to take up the mantle and guide our economy, private sector, development, and the nation itself. During the final ceremony, Ms. Dominique Eddé called upon the fresh graduates to embody humanity in their work, relationships, and businesses, thereby giving depth and significance to their pursuits.

After the guests received the Medal of Honor from the Rector, graduate representatives took the stage to deliver their speeches. Dr. Chadi Hage Chehadé, valedictorian of the Faculty of Medicine, Celine Alamé, valedictorian of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Carla Kichichian, valedictorian of the Faculty of Nursing, Lyn Mansour from the Faculty of Science, Léna Jaafar from the Institute of Business Administration, Nour Daccache from the Institute of Political Science, and Sandra Kasamani Khattar from the School of Translators and Interpreters of Beirut, took their oaths and delivered speeches filled with encouragement and motivation. Their speeches highlighted the importance of personal commitment, family support, and academic excellence at USJ.

The ceremonies were crowned with speeches from the representatives of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations, namely Mrs. Carmel Ghafari Wakim, Mr. Krikor Sahakian, Prof. Fadi Farran and, the President of the Beirut Bar Association, Nader Kaspar, Esq. Moreover, the Joseph Hajjar Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Marc Aoudé, Dr. Razane Hage Chehadé and Dr. Ronaldo El Kaddoum, while the Sejaan Boutros Ghafari Excellence Award was presented to Yara Bou Chahine.

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Promotion 2023 à l’USJ
 2023 اليسوعية تخرّج طلاّب دفعة العام