FDSP, ISP, FSE, FSedu, ILE and AFC 2024 Graduation Ceremony
The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) held a graduation ceremony at the Medical Sciences Campus on Damascus Road on Friday, July 19, 2024. This significant event celebrated the achievements of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD graduates from the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FDSP), the Institute of Political Science (ISP), the Faculty of Economics (FSE), the Faculty of Education (FSedu), the Lebanese Institute of Educators (ILE), and the Training Academy for Citizenship (AFC). 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, inaugurated the ceremony with an inspiring address. He expressed his joy and pride in welcoming the distinguished guest of honor, Mr. Walid Rasamny. Describing him as “a true Lebanese with deep local roots, distinguished in various fields of business”, Daccache highlighted that Rasamny’s presence “not only honors us but also strengthens our commitment to rebuilding a Lebanon rooted in values and stability.” Shifting his focus to the graduates, Daccache celebrated their achievements as “a victory of science and imagination, a victory for Lebanon against ignorance and obscurity. It symbolizes our commitment to a Lebanon defined by peace, coexistence, sovereignty, and freedom”.
Daccache reflected on the graduates’ journey marked by challenges such as the pandemic, economic crisis, and the tragic Beirut port explosion. Emphasizing the virtues of perseverance and determination, he encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with courage and audacity. He also underscored the transformative impact of Jesuit education in fostering individuals aware of their societal responsibilities.
Daccache continued, addressing the graduates, “Jurists, I urge you to return to the core principles of law and justice, becoming pillars for our people who have endured so much suffering and humiliation. Political figures must redefine politics as the art of serving all citizens of the Republic with conscientiousness. Economists, your role is crucial in transforming our disordered economic system into one that is human and responsive to our country’s needs while enhancing its influence. Educators, you bare the mission of rescuing our educational system. Strive for excellence, ensure that every student gain both specialized and broad-based skills, and help restore Lebanon’s proud legacy in education, culture, and health.”
Addressing the graduates of the Training Academy for Citizenship, he added, “In these turbulent times, with Lebanon’s path uncertain, your education uniquely positions you as advocates of integrity against corruption, democracy against mediocrity, coexistence against divisions, and leaders in the quest for reform and social transformation.”
“Express gratitude to those who have contributed to your academic journey and never forget the importance of giving back to the community that has supported you,” he advised. Prof. Daccache also emphasized the importance of alumni networks encouraging graduates to maintain strong connections with their colleagues and Alma Mater.
“As the 149th year since the founding of our Alma Mater comes to an end,” the Rector addressed the graduates, “we are entering a new era with great anticipation, opening wide the door to USJ’s 150th anniversary. 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.”
Mr. Rasamny, an FDSP alumnus and current member of the Strategic Orientation Board of the Faculty of Economics, is the president of Rasamny Group, which exclusively represents several automotive brands in Lebanon. He also owns five major gas stations across the country through his company, RasGas. In his speech, he recalled that 49 years ago, in July 1975, he was in the same position as today’s graduates. Facing the onset of a civil war, he decided to leave Lebanon to pursue a law degree at the New York University, hoping that the situation back home would improve by the time he graduated. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
“After earning my LLM in 1977,” Mr. Rasamny shared, “I worked as a legal consultant, traveling between Saudi Arabia and Greece. While this role offered me valuable experience with major multinational companies, it wasn’t my true passion. In 1981, despite my father’s advice, I made the bold decision to quit that role and enter the business world, while also getting married and settling in New York. It took considerable courage, but those decisions set me on a path of exciting new adventures.”
“The reason I share this story with you,” he continued, “is to emphasize the importance of trusting your instincts and making bold decisions. Success often comes from taking courageous steps at the right moment. I wanted my children to experience the same cultural connections I cherished in my youth. Despite my parents’ advice to stay abroad, we returned to Lebanon in 1994 after securing the distribution rights for a major automotive brand. Despite the challenges we’ve faced since—wars and crises—neither my family nor I have ever regretted that decision. Running a business in Lebanon involves unique risks, but we’ve learned to adapt and diversify our activities to navigate economic adversity.”
Rasamny also encouraged graduates to always stand against injustice and show empathy, regardless of where they are. He urged them not to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. For him, success is not measured by material wealth, but by the positive impact one has on their family, community, and country. He believes that true success lies in humility, integrity, and maintaining one’s cultural and religious values. He reminded the audience that they already possess valuable assets and encouraged them to use these to lead fulfilling and successful lives. He concluded with a heartfelt advice: “If you choose to work abroad, hold onto your ties with Lebanon, and always find your way back home.”
On behalf of the FDSP Alumni Association, Georges Mallat, Esq., extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, urging them to take pride in their achievements, which reflect their hard work, perseverance, and passion. He reminded them that their education marks not the end of their commitment but the beginning of their membership in a supportive, dynamic, and diverse network that will accompany them throughout their careers and lives. He encouraged them to leverage the experience, advice, and opportunities provided by their successful predecessors in various fields. Mallat warmly invited them to join the Alumni Association, stay connected, and share their experiences and successes with the community.
As USJ approaches its 150th anniversary, Mallat emphasized the importance of joining Alumni Associations. He encouraged graduates to carry forward the values of faith, integrity, and service that the University instills into their professional lives. He urged them to be exemplars of compassion and justice in all their endeavors, and to embrace their roles in building a unified, supportive, and hopeful Lebanon.
Mallat concluded by thanking the graduates and reminding them of their essential role in upholding the values and spirit of USJ.
Michael Sakr, FDSP graduate, expressed his deep concern about the tragic events affecting Lebanon and its borders. He condemned the brutal mistreatment and attacks on civilians, drawing parallels with some of the darkest moments in human history. Referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948, Sakr stressed that dignity is the foundation of justice and peace. Quoting Kant, he underscored that human dignity is priceless and must be respected, unlike objects that have a price.
Sakr also condemned the rise of extremism and violence, stressing the crucial role of universities and USJ graduates in promoting moderation, reason, and tolerance. He clarified that this call for reason is not an appeal for neutrality but is rooted in a humanistic approach to society. He questioned the state of order, security, and justice, asking: “What order can exist when weapons are widespread? What security is possible when entire families are devastated? What justice prevails when the relatives of the Beirut port explosion victims are detained while the suspects evade accountability? And what justice is there when those responsible for financial crimes enjoy complete impunity?”
He called for a fight against impunity to defend human dignity, linking this effort to the creation of a rule-of-law state that guarantees individual freedoms and fundamental rights. Sakr highlighted the need for Lebanese citizens to strengthen the foundations of the state to rebuild a unified and just Lebanon. He asserted that every Lebanese should aspire to a society where equal opportunities and justice prevail, and that the graduates of the Saint Joseph University of Beirut have a crucial role in this renaissance. He urged all citizens to carry this message forward to ensure a better future for Lebanon.
The ceremony’s highlights included Mira Rizk reciting the oath of the Lebanese Institute of Educators, and Johnny Akkari, PhD graduate from the Faculty of Economics, delivering the doctoral oath of scientific integrity. The presentation of diplomas marked the culmination of the evening’s celebrations.
دكاش: اليوم هو يوم انتصار لبنان على الجهل والظلام
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