The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) inaugurated the new “Raymond and Aïda Najjar” building of its Faculty of Medicine (FM) during a ceremony attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Mr. Youssef Rajji, representing the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun. The event also brought together the Minister of Energy and Water and President of the USJ Board of Trustees, Mr. Joe Saddi; the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine; the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Ms. Rima Karami; the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Hervé Magro; and the President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians, Prof. Youssef Bakhache.

USJ Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Elie Nemr, proudly welcomed the guests of honor and the many attendees at this milestone event for the institution. Also in attendance, were representatives of the Raymond and Aïda Najjar Foundation and family, along with USJ vice-rectors, deans, and directors, as well as a broad audience of professors, students, and friends of the University and the Faculty of Medicine.

The event began with the master of ceremonies, Dr. Walid Abou Hamad, introducing students who shared their vision for the future of the Faculty of Medicine and the medical field. Prof. Elie Nemr then emphasized that this inauguration was more than just the opening of a new building – it marked a new chapter in the Faculty’s 150-year history. He highlighted the institution’s longstanding commitment, rooted in its Jesuit heritage, to educating, healing, and serving. This founding mission, driven by the values of excellence, justice, and humanity, has enabled the Faculty to train generations of physicians and witness major advancements in medicine, Nemr noted.

He went on to say, “We have endured the pain of conflicts, weathered storms and crises, and faced the uncertainty of what lies ahead. But today, a new chapter is unfolding. With the election of President Joseph Aoun as head of our Republic and the formation of a new Government, a renewed sense of hope is emerging. Our country is rising and moving forward. Likewise, our Faculty is evolving – renewing itself, transforming, and looking ahead to better serve our society and region.”

He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of France, a long-standing partner of the Faculty for over a century. Finally, Prof. Nemr paid tribute to Raymond Najjar, whose generosity and vision brought this project to life. He recalled the extraordinary dedication of this exceptional man to education and medicine, noting that his spirit lives on in every stone of this new building. “Today, we express our gratitude. But above all, today, we make a pledge. Yes, we pledge to honor your legacy by carrying out our mission with even greater passion, dedication, excellence, and humanity,” Nemr concluded.

Following the screening of a film showcasing the new buildings, as well as the projects and infrastructure of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Daccache took the stage to express his gratitude to the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and congratulated him on his election as head of the country. He also recognized the presence of Minister Youssef Rajji, a former USJ student, emphasizing the strong bond between the University and the country’s institutions.

Prof. Daccache also highlighted the significance of this inauguration, which coincides with the start of the presidential term, viewing it as a symbol of hope and renewal following years of crisis. He stressed the vital role that schools and universities play in instilling republican values and in shaping engaged and responsible citizens.

Moreover, he underscored the Faculty of Medicine’s historical ties to France, noting that it was originally the French School of Medicine, then the French Faculty of Medicine awarding French degrees, before becoming the USJ Faculty of Medicine. “On this historic day for our institution, we feel a profound sense of gratitude toward France,” he declared.

The Rector continued, “These new buildings are not merely structures of bricks and mortar; they represent our steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation. Alongside a fully equipped simulation hospital, MEDSIM, named after Ralph Audi, these facilities already provide – and will continue to offer – our students unique opportunities to hone their clinical skills in a safe and realistic setting. This simulation hospital will also be accessible to healthcare professionals, enabling them to train and enhance their expertise throughout their careers.”

Lastly, he paid tribute to Raymond Najjar, emphasizing that his generosity and vision were pivotal for the Faculty. “Without his vision, we would not have had the opportunity to relocate the Faculty of Medicine from its previous facilities,” he said.

Alexandre Najjar, Esq., then spoke on behalf of the Raymond Najjar family, recalling that this building was the result of a donation made shortly before Raymond Najjar’s passing. He emphasized the central role Raymond Najjar placed on health, quoting Socrates: “Is there a greater good for man than health?” He then shared the story of this engineer and entrepreneur, who, after a career in Côte d’Ivoire, chose to focus on philanthropic work in Lebanon, particularly in the medical field. Deeply committed to values of ethics and professionalism, he would have, according to Najjar, Esq., aligned with the words of Saint John Paul II, who said, “Medical ethics has always been defined by the respect and protection of the human person.”

He concluded by highlighting Raymond Najjar and his foundation’s dedication to establishing the Faculty of Medicine as a beacon of medical education in the region, ensuring that Lebanon continues to shine through its expertise and the excellence of its institutions. In honor of this remarkable contribution, the Rector and Prof. Nemr presented Alexandre Najjar with the USJ 150^th-anniversary medal.

For his part, the French Ambassador, Mr. Hervé Magro, highlighted that “this inauguration is more than just the unveiling of a magnificent building – it represents a long and profound history between France and Lebanon, one that has particularly thrived in the medical field. Nearly everything began in 1883, with an unprecedented alliance between the secular Third Republic and the Society of Jesus to establish the School of Medicine in Beirut.”

“Look at how far we’ve come,” Magro continued. “The Faculty of Medicine has navigated the many upheavals of the country’s history. Its campus has been bombed, destroyed, and relocated, yet each time, it has risen from the ashes – stronger and more resilient. One thing remains certain: today, the Faculty of Medicine stands as a symbol of excellence – through its world-renowned academic programs, its diverse academic partnerships, its state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and equipment, and the remarkable strength and reputation of its university hospital, the beloved Hôtel-Dieu de France.”

“The Faculty of Medicine lies at the crossroads of education and healthcare. It is no coincidence that these are the two sectors in which France has made its most significant investments in recent years to support Lebanon, a country deeply affected by the crisis – accounting for nearly 55% of our aid last year. (…) Because we are firm believers that sustainable development can only be achieved with a well-educated and healthy population,” he concluded.

After the honorary medal was presented to the Ambassador from Profs. Daccache and Nemr as a token of the Faculty of Medicine’s deep gratitude, Minister Youssef Rajji, representing the President of the Lebanese Republic, stated that “the Faculty of Medicine has never been merely an educational institution. It has always been – and remains – a beacon of science and knowledge, a distinguished center whose influence extends far beyond the borders of our beloved country.” He highlighted the institution’s role in shaping generations of physicians who have upheld Lebanon’s name on the international stage.

He also stated that this event reflects the University’s commitment to staying at the forefront of global advancements in medical education. “With its long-standing history and cultural heritage, USJ serves as a distinctive model of academic and research excellence. Today, through this new facility, it reaffirms its dedication to further developing and modernizing medical education,” he added.

The Minister underscored the importance of investing in medical education, stating, “Science shapes the future, and medicine saves lives.” He commended the state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology of the new building, particularly the simulation center, as well as the international partnerships that bolster Lebanon’s standing as a leader in medical advancement both regionally and globally. “This new facility further expands opportunities for research and innovation,” he noted.

Finally, he expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to making this project a reality, especially the Najjar family for its invaluable support. He reaffirmed the State’s continued support for USJ and all educational institutions that uphold Lebanon’s scientific reputation. “Together, we shape the future of medicine,” he concluded, voicing his confidence in a promising medical future for Lebanon, driven by collective effort and dedication. In recognition of his commitment, the Rector and Prof. Nemr presented the USJ 150^th-anniversary medal to Minister Rajji.

Furthermore, Profs. Daccache and Nemr presented the USJ 150^th-anniversary commemorative medal to the key contributors behind this achievement as a token of their deep gratitude. This honorary distinction was awarded to Nabil and Karim Najjar, representing the Najjar family, in recognition of their generosity and philanthropic vision that made the construction of this landmark building possible. It was also presented to Atelier des Architectes Associés (AAA); Prof. Fadi Geara, the USJ Vice-Rector for Administration, Ms. Mona Tabet, Director of the USJ Purchasing and Supply Office; Mr. Joseph Younes, Administrator of the USJ Medical Sciences Campus; and Mr. Khalil Nawar, Resident Engineer, who was represented by his father, Mr. Beniamine Nawar. Their exceptional contributions played a pivotal role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.

Dr. Walid Abou Hamad concluded the ceremony with inspiring words, quoting a line from the song “Vois sur ton chemin” from the movie “Les Choristes”: “Extend a helping hand to guide them toward a brighter future.” He explained that these words beautifully capture the mission of the Faculty of Medicine – to guide and support future generations toward a brighter future. “This melody, which our students will perform to conclude the ceremony, echoes the spirit of generosity that brought this building to life,” he added.

After the musical performance, guests were invited to a reception in the hall of the new building. Meanwhile, an exhibition highlighting major milestones in the history of medicine and the Faculty was unveiled in the museum space. This festive gathering offered a chance to honor the institution’s legacy and unite around a shared vision for the future.
 

Also available in French :
 Inauguration du nouveau bâtiment « Raymond et Aïda Najjar » de la Faculté de médecine de l'USJ

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Video  Inauguration of the “Raymond and Aïda Najjar” Building at the USJ Faculty of Medicine

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Ici Beyrouth | La faculté de médecine de l’USJ inaugure son nouveau bâtiment