FM, ESF, IPHY, ISSP, IET, ISO and IPM 2024 Graduation Ceremony

Friday, June 28, 2024

Organisateurs

Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth

The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) held its first graduation ceremony for the 2023-2024 academic year at the Medical Sciences Campus on Damascus Road on Friday, June 28, 2024. This significant event celebrated the achievements of 388 graduates from the Faculty of Medicine (FM), the School of Midwifery (ESF), the Institute of Physiotherapy (IPHY), the Institute of Psychomotor Therapy (IPM), the Higher Institute of Speech and Language Therapy (ISO), the Institute of Occupational Therapy (IET), and the Higher Institute of Public Health (ISSP). The ceremony’s slogan, “On the path of 150 years... you are the guardians of our heritage and the builders of our future,” perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion.

Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of USJ, delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the significance of the day and congratulating the graduates for their perseverance and dedication. He highlighted the rigorous journey the students have undertaken, marked by academic and personal challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic and financial crises, and the Beirut port explosion. Underscoring the Jesuit mission in education to foster individuals committed to serving others, mindful of their responsibilities towards society and the world, the Rector urged the graduates to use their skills to positively impact society. He also stressed the importance of social engagement and community service.

In his speech, Prof. Daccache also paid tribute to Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital for its crucial role in student training, urging graduates to maintain a spirit of gratitude. He encouraged them to embrace change, seize opportunities, and never stop learning. Stressing the importance of boldness and determination, he emphasized USJ’s values of academic excellence and social engagement.

“As the 149^th year since the founding of our Alma Mater comes to an end,” the Rector began, “we are entering a new era with great anticipation, opening wide the door to USJ’s 150^thanniversary. Although these are sad and difficult times, we will commemorate 150 years of USJ with friends, alumni, and our entire community. We will honor this milestone with the reverence it deserves, unlike the hurried centennial of Greater Lebanon. We dreamed of Greater Lebanon, we made it a reality, and it remains the Lebanon we envision, build every day, and love.”

Former minister Leila Solh Hamadé, Vice-President of the Al-Waleed bin Talal Foundation, was the guest of honor at the ceremony. She was welcomed by Prof. Daccache, faculty and administrative members, and the graduates’ families. Mrs. Solh Hamadé expressed how honored she felt for being invited to give a speech. She highlighted the importance of education and history, recalling the pivotal role her father, Riad Solh, the Prime Minister of independent Lebanon, played in preserving French education despite the country’s independence.

Solh Hamadé also addressed Lebanon’s current challenges, particularly the presidential issue, calling for a president who has the support of the community and is capable of opposing the relocation of Arab Christians to the West. She emphasized the importance of freedom and equality, core values for Lebanon, and stressed the need for graduates to remain rooted in their country.

The ceremony was also marked by Prof. Daccache presenting the USJ 150^th Anniversary Medal to Mrs. Solh, in recognition of her exceptional contribution.

Dr. Fadi Farran, representing the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations, then took the floor to congratulate the Class of 2024 graduates. He recalled the challenges they have overcome and the skills they have acquired for their future medical careers. Dr. Farran emphasized the importance of humanism in medical practice, encouraging the new physicians to treat their patients with dignity and compassion.

Dr. Nadim Younès, the valedictorian of the FM class, delivered a heartfelt speech, reminiscing about the moments spent in lecture halls, the library, and the hospital corridors. He expressed gratitude to his peers, instructors, and parents, highlighting the importance of the bonds formed and the shared experiences. He encouraged his peers to chase their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Michel Abou Khalil, the FM class salutatorian, reciting the Hippocratic Oath, and Dr. Sarah Mikhael, a PhD graduate in Biological and Medical Sciences, reciting the doctoral oath of scientific integrity. The diploma presentation was a deeply emotional moment, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one for the graduates.

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