FGM’s Room C504 Renamed “The Net Global Room”
The inauguration ceremony for the naming of room C504, now known as “The Net Global,” took place on December 13, 2023, at the Faculty of Business Administration and Management (FGM) of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). This event followed the formal agreement signed on May 16, 2023. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Salim Daccache SJ, USJ Rector, Dr. Fouad Zmokhol, FGM Dean, Mr. Mourad Aoun, Managing Director of The Net Global, Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andréa, Director of the Fondation USJ, The Net Global team, the FGM Board, and the Fondation USJ team.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Ghobril Andréa expressed gratitude to the Fondation USJ team and its president, Prof. Salim Daccache SJ, as well as The Net Global team. She congratulated them, particularly acknowledging Mr. Aoun, stating, “You are an exemplary model, and we hope that our partners and companies will look to you as their inspiration.” Mrs. Ghobril Andréa invited Dr. Zmokhol to address the gathering, highlighting the cutting-edge technologies that FGM students will have access to in the newly established hybrid room.
Representing FGM, Dr. Zmokhol extended his thanks to Prof. Salim Daccache SJ for his presence and blessings on this collaborative endeavor. He acknowledged The Net Global team, esteemed colleagues, Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andréa, and specifically recognized professor and researcher Mr. Charbel Salloum and his daughter, both currently abroad, for their support during the room’s construction. Dr. Zmokhol emphasized that the narrative of this space goes beyond its architectural and technological aspects. He remarked, “It’s the story of an entrepreneur with ambition and character who has achieved success in the business world through various development projects, the primary one being his own company operating in Lebanon, Turkey, and other countries.” Mr. Aoun, renowned for his efficiency and agility, sought to express gratitude to the community and his university as a gesture of solidarity.
Dr. Zmokhol continued, stating, “Beyond education, we strive to instill in our students a sense of belonging and a return to fundamental values, beginning with family and extending to their university family. This is especially significant as we are a social university largely financed by benefactors and alumni, and it reflects the core values that Reverend Father Daccache and the Fondation USJ diligently promote–the foundation of our culture at USJ.”
Dr. Zmokhol underscored the significance of the newly named room, a space where numerous FGM students will engage in their coursework, preserving its name and the memories it will create. He concluded, “An invaluable lesson to take away is the remarkable speed with which the room was outfitted. It serves as an exemplary model for our business management faculty, emphasizing productivity and efficiency. The swift execution stands as a testament to the success stories of The Net Global team and its leader, Mr. Aoun.” In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Zmokhol, on behalf of the Faculty Board, appointed Mr. Aoun as a member of the Faculty Strategic Board.
During his address, Prof. Salim Daccache SJ praised Mr. Aoun for the aesthetic and practical excellence of the project, benefiting both the Faculty’s educators and students. He remarked, “Our Faculty never ceases to produce outstanding, competent individuals who shine locally and internationally.” Addressing Mr. Aoun directly, Prof. Daccache highlighted the two elements anchoring their attachment to the country–the spirit of free enterprise represented by Mr. Aoun’s success and the collaborative effort of his team. The second element, according to Prof. Daccache SJ, is the institution’s commitment to education at the university and in higher education establishments.
He continued, “What endures are the values that inspire us to persist, to fight, and, above all, to stand tall in our mission of service to younger generations, a mission we have upheld since 1875, nearly 150 years ago.” Prof. Daccache concluded by expressing gratitude to Mr. Aoun, affirming, “Thanks to you, we will continue to carry on.”
Mr. Mourad Aoun, Managing Director of The Net Global, spoke with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “First and foremost, I feel a sense of belonging here, and I extend my sincere thanks to Prof. Salim Daccache SJ, Dr. Fouad Zmokhol, and Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andréa for providing me with the opportunity to contribute back to this university, returning a small fraction of what I gained.” Reflecting on his time as a student at the University nearly 30 years ago, Mr. Aoun recalled both the positive experiences and the challenging times during periods of conflict when accessing the campus proved difficult. In offering a note of hope to today’s youth, he affirmed their right to a high-quality education.
“That’s why, with a group committed to education, I wanted to initiate this collaboration with USJ as a token of appreciation and with a vision for the development of our employees as well,” he continued. Mr. Aoun emphasized that this collaboration is just the beginning, stating, “We are currently working on a joint diploma, launching our academy courses on Saturday, November 16, 2023, on the premises of the FGM. Simultaneously, we are extending the opportunity for students from the Faculty to participate in practical courses and internships at our academy.”
Mr. Aoun pledged that “The Net Global” would sustain its collaboration and projects with USJ to fulfill its social mission, encompassing various initiatives in education and the enhancement of the Faculty’s infrastructure. The overarching goal is to provide students with the chance to pursue their education in their home country, overcoming the challenges of the present moment.
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