CST Road Junction Rehabilitation Project Inauguration and Graduation Ceremony for Road Safety Management Students
On December 4, 2023, the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FIA) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) hosted a momentous ceremony at the Jean Ducruet Auditorium at the Science and Technology Campus (CST). The event marked the inauguration of the rehabilitation project for the road junction at the entrance to the CST, officially named Rue de la Faculté d’ingénierie. Additionally, the ceremony celebrated the graduation of Master in Road Safety Management students.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Information, Ziad Makari, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh (represented by Dr. Kassem Rahal), MP M. Alain Aoun, Pr Salim Daccache SJ (USJ Rector), Prof. Wassim Raphaël (FIA Dean), Adrien Béchonnet (Managing Director of TotalEnergies – Lebanon), along with various academic, political, military, and civil society figures. The audience comprised graduates from the classes of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, their parents, and CST students.
The road junction rehabilitation project at USJ embodies the University’s ambitious vision and unwavering commitment to positively impact the community. It signifies the collaborative efforts of students dedicated to creating a safer and more efficient road crossing, specifically addressing recurring accidents that have endangered daily users, notably CST students and their parents, as highlighted by Prof. Wassim Raphaël, FIA Dean. Underlining the project’s significance, Raphaël stressed USJ’s dedication to road safety and the community’s responsibility to establish secure environments. Expanding on this, he celebrated the students’ transformative journey, recognizing their year of dedication, learning, and perseverance as they prepared to venture beyond the University.
Raphaël further emphasized the shared essence between the road junction’s inauguration and the graduation ceremony—a commitment to progress and constant improvement. He acknowledged the imperative to invest in the community and future generations, revealing a noteworthy aspect: officers for the Internal Security Forces are annually enrolled free of charge as part of the Master’s program. This commitment to education and community betterment encapsulates the core of USJ’s dedication to fostering positive change.
Dr. Kassem Rahal expressed gratitude to USJ for its substantial material and technical contributions to the rehabilitation of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s road section. This area has sadly witnessed numerous accidents, causing both material and human damage. Rahal underscored the collaborative nature of this effort, highlighting the importance of cooperation between ministries and civil society, especially given the longstanding economic and financial challenges faced by Lebanese governments.
Minister Ziad Makari emphasized the vital role of collective awareness in ensuring road safety. He highlighted the Ministry of Information’s collaboration with public and private media in raising awareness through campaigns and special broadcasts. Makari stressed the significance of shedding light on driving risks, such as alcohol, speed, sleep, or distraction, as a key aspect of preventive and educational information. Media advocacy for road rehabilitation, he noted, encourages relevant parties to take action in terms of both infrastructure and legislation.
In emphasizing the shared responsibility for road safety, Makari maintained the need for seamless coordination among various stakeholders, including the government, media, and citizens. He asserted that good governance, accountability, and guidance lie at the core of road safety, urging everyone to commit to this mission and utilize their full capabilities in its service. The Ministry of Information and its departments pledged to support USJ and other stakeholders in conveying this crucial message through the media.
Prof. Daccache reiterated the urgency of collective action for safer roads, emphasizing that as long as there are deaths and injuries, collaborative efforts are imperative. He highlighted USJ’s decade-long commitment to road safety through academic programs, symposia, training for competent individuals, continuing education, and awareness campaigns. He also called on all stakeholders to unite in this ongoing mission for safer roads.
Daccache remarks, “Road accidents continue to exact a heavy toll on human life, leaving a trail of devastation and grief. Despite the implementation of safety measures and awareness campaigns, the persistent global incidence of fatalities remains a grave concern. In Lebanon, hundreds of lives are prematurely cut short each year due to these accidents. USJ, as an institution of higher learning, not only imparts academic knowledge but also actively promotes engaged citizenship. It is in this spirit that the University is wholeheartedly committed to community involvement initiatives aimed at serving our society.”
Adrien Béchonnet, in his presentation, highlighted TotalEnergies’ projects dedicated to road safety, where the School of Engineering of Beirut (ESIB) has played a significant role through its alumni and students. Béchonnet emphasized that this local commitment aligns with a global strategy, reflecting TotalEnergies’ status as a multinational company dedicated to promoting sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and positive community contributions. He continued, stating, “This ambition has manifested in our transformation into a multi-energy company. Our new identity encapsulates our commitment to producing and supplying ever more affordable, available, and clean energy.”
After a presentation of the graduates’ projects and achievements, the ceremony culminated with the awarding of diplomas and a wine reception.
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