The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) held a graduation ceremony at the Medical Sciences Campus on Damascus Road on July 15, 2024. This significant event celebrated the achievements of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD graduates from USJ Business School (FGM) and the Institute of Business Administration (IGE) of the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). 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. Rami Baitieh. He described him as “a Lebanese businessman from Tripoli renowned for his leadership in managing major retail operations across France and the UK,” and emphasized that “despite his global success, he has remained deeply connected to his homeland, his family, and the fundamental humanistic and social values”. Shifting his focus to the graduates, he declared, “Today symbolizes Lebanon’s triumph over ignorance and darkness. It represents a Lebanon of peace, coexistence, sovereignty, and freedom.”

The Rector 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 urged 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.

“You are now equipped with the power of knowledge, including the latest technological advancements,” Daccache said. “To face future challenges, you must be agile and adaptable, continuously learning to master new tools and innovative management methods. Demonstrating high emotional intelligence will be essential as you lead diverse and geographically dispersed teams, fostering well-being and motivation among your colleagues. Data management will become crucial in your journey, requiring skills in analysis and interpretation to make informed decisions. Equally important is your capacity to manage risks associated with cybersecurity and personal data protection. As you move forward, remember that balancing economic performance with a deep respect for core values is vital.”

“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 149^th 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. Rami Baitieh, reflecting on his own journey, expressed his honor at being part of this pivotal moment for the graduates. He shared his experience growing up in Lebanon amidst war and frequent school changes. Baitieh emphasized how his challenges taught him the importance of resilience and the value of focusing on what is within one’s control.

He also emphasized the significance of perseverance and self-confidence, sharing how his fear of failure and losing his scholarship upon arriving in France motivated him to succeed. His experience at Carrefour, where he developed a productivity-enhancing algorithm, reinforced his belief in his abilities and his commitment to excellence.

Baitieh advised graduates to continue learning, seek excellence, and foster a culture of high performance. He stressed the importance of gratitude, treating everyone as a unique individual, and building a supportive environment through honesty and kindness. He concluded by wishing them ongoing success and a bright future.

It is worth noting that Baitieh is a prominent figure in the retail sector. He holds degrees from the ESC Compiegne Business School, The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and Harvard Business School. His solid academic background served as a springboard for his impressive career. He joined Carrefour in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His career has led him to various leadership positions in countries such as France, Argentina, Poland, Taiwan, and Spain, where his human-centered approach and ability to mobilize teams have been key to his success.

Dr. Christian Makary, President of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations, welcomed the new graduates with pride and joy. He emphasized that their academic success is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and passion. As they received their diplomas, they joined a dynamic network of over 100,000 alumni across 91 countries, opening doors to support and mentorship throughout their careers.

Dr. Makary encouraged graduates to stay connected with the University and their peers by joining the Alumni Association. He introduced the new digital platform, alumniusj.org, designed to enhance communication and networking within the community. This platform provides a range of benefits including continuing education opportunities, job offers, and mentorship programs, helping alumni stay engaged and supported.

In conclusion, Dr. Makary reminded the graduates that they represent a university known for its resilience and adaptability, remaining steadfast in its core principles despite challenges. He urged them to use their talents and knowledge to serve their country, become catalysts for change, and carry a message of unity and hope for Lebanon. On behalf of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations, he congratulated them and encouraged them to make their alma mater proud through their achievements.

Aya Zeitoun, representing the FGM and IGE class of 2024, expressed her “immense honor in celebrating the reward of years of hard work, late nights, and relentless effort. This marks not the end of a journey, she said, but the beginning of a new chapter. Three years ago, we arrived as strangers at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut with diverse backgrounds and unique dreams. Today, we stand as a community – even a small family – bound together by shared experiences and unforgettable memories.”

 Zeitoun also highlighted their university journey enriched by friendships beyond the classroom walls, describing these connections as a second family. She recalled memorable moments, heated discussions, and competitive group projects that strengthened their bonds. She encouraged her peers to remain firm in their commitment to lifelong learning, and to uphold the values of integrity, empathy, ethics, and inclusivity instilled by their university.

The ceremony featured an emotional moment as student Hassan Taleb shared a moving testimony of his remarkable journey at USJ, inspiring both his peers and the audience. Emmanuelle Daaboul, representing the IGE students, along with all the graduates, took an oath symbolizing their commitment and unity. Another highlight was Anita el-Hage, a PhD graduate from the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) program, who recited the doctoral oath of scientific integrity.

Read also: Cérémonie de remise des diplômes aux étudiants de la FGM et de l’IGE-2024

تخرّج طلاّب كليّة إدارة الأعمال ومعهد العلم الإداريّ في اليسوعيّة
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