Launch of the USJ 150th Anniversary Activities and Signing of the USJ-CI Pact

Tuesday, March 30, 2024

Organisateurs

Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth

In a ceremony attended by over 700 guests at the Pierre Y. Abou Khater Auditorium on the Humanities Campus, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) announced on April 30, 2024, the kickoff of its 150^th anniversary celebrations, marking a century and a half of academic excellence, significant societal contributions, and a profound dedication to the Francophonie. The event was also marked by the official signing of a pact for the establishment of USJ-Côte d’Ivoire (USJ-CI), a bastion of top-tier higher education in a spirit of excellence and openness to all.

The audience consisted of numerous representatives from the Lebanese government, as well as diplomats and academics. A notable delegation from Côte d’Ivoire, along with donors, alumni, friends, students, and USJ staff were also present.

In her opening speech, Prof. Nadine Riachi Haddad, Secretary-General of USJ, shared sentiments of both pride and optimism surrounding the event. Mr. Naji Boulos, Marketing and Communication Advisor, underscored the ceremony’s importance, highlighting the historical ties between Lebanon and Côte d’Ivoire. He also emphasized the role of the Francophonie and the vibrant Ivorian-Lebanese community in Africa.

During the ceremony, USJ’s achievements were showcased through videos, honoring those who have contributed to the University since its establishment in 1875. Various speakers, including Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of USJ, H.E. Georges Kallas, Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Abbas al-Halabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, delivered inspiring speeches emphasizing USJ’s pivotal role in advancing education, research, and the Lebanese society. Moreover, prominent figures like Mr. Joe Saddi, President of the USJ Board of Trustees, Dr. Christian Makary, President of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations, and student representatives Ms. Hala Dalloul and Mr. Marc Chalhoub shared inspiring testimonials.

To mark this occasion, the Rector presented the 150^th-anniversary medal to Ministers Abbas al-Halabi and Georges Kallas.

The second part of the event focused on the USJ-CI partnership.

Prof. Carla Eddé, USJ’s Vice-Rector for International Relations, outlined the origin of the USJ-Côte d’Ivoire project. Dr. Oualid Zahreddine, CEO of Polyclinique Farah and of the Côte d’Ivoire Academy of Sciences, commended USJ’s dedication to Lebanese and soon Ivorian youth, showing love for both his home and adopted countries.

As for Mr. Jean-Noël Baléo, Regional Director of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), he underscored USJ’s significance within Lebanon’s educational and scientific landscape and its broader influence in the Francophone academic world. He also promised AUF’s support for USJ-CI.

Prof. Daccache acknowledged the University’s achievements, highlighting that the upcoming launch of USJ-Côte d’Ivoire will mark a significant milestone in its history. Mr. Vamara Touré, representing H.E. Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Côte d’Ivoire, expressed gratitude to USJ for its hospitality and active involvement in the project. He underscored the pivotal role of education in fostering lasting relationships between the two nations.

The ceremony concluded with the Rector and Dr. Oualid Zahreddine signing the USJ-Côte d’Ivoire Pact, and several distinguished Ivorian figures receiving USJ’s 150^th-anniversary medal.

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Click here to view the video of the kickoff event for the 150th anniversary celebrations of USJ
Click here to view the video of the signing ceremony of the USJ-CI Pact
Click here to view the video of the USJ-CI Pact