The USJ Alumni Association in Detroit was launched officially during a luncheon offered in honor of Pr Salim Daccache s.j., Rector of Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, by HE Mr Yousif Ghafari and his brother Mr Sejean Ghafari (FGM, 1986), President of the newly created Association. 120 Alumni and friends of the University responded to the invitation and attended the event that was held in the presence of the Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit, Mrs Suzanne Yassine, on May 25^th, at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

After the welcome talk by Ambassador Yousif Ghafari, Paul W. Smith, the notorious American radio host and columnist and whose mother happens to be a Lebanese descendant, introduced Pr Salim Daccache s.j. to give his speech.

Pr Daccache expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ghafari brothers for hosting the gathering and for their hospitality and commitment for the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut cause. Born and raised in Alma al Shaab in South Lebanon, Ambassador Yousif immigrated to the USA in the early 70’s to pursue his higher education. A passionate philanthropist and an advocate for higher education, he was appointed as part of the prestigious William Fullbright Scholarship. His brother Sejaan graduated from the Faculty of business and management of USJ in 1986 and in a surge of solidarity, he established in January 2018, the “USJ Alumni Association for South Lebanon scholarship Fund”, in order to help talented students from USJ in South Lebanon Campus to achieve their dreams and pursue higher education.

Pr Daccache addressed several more topics related to the higher education system in Lebanon, the increasing number of applications for financial aid – today, more than 4 700 out of 12 650 students who receive financial assistance with an annual total budget of 20 Million USD in financial aids- , the accreditation obtained by the University as well as the continuous pursue of excellence specified by the University mission: “USJ choose to pursue its mission in promoting excellence, service to the nation, love and coexistence: in 1920, USJ participated actively to the burst of the state of Lebanon, which in despite of its problems remains our country, our land and the place of our origins. Loving Lebanon means helping it continue to grow and committing to live together in peace”.

Furthermore, the gathering provided an important opportunity for the Fondation USJ represented by its Secretary General, Mrs Carmel Ghafari Wakim, to raise funds in support for the above-mentioned “USJ Alumni Association for South Lebanon scholarship Fund”.

A dinner was held the same evening at Sejean Ghafari home gathering around the rector more than thirty alumni and friends interested in the cause of USJ.

For more information:

Fondation USJ

Tel : +961 (1) 421 151
Email :  fondationusj@usj.edu.lb

Website : www.usj.edu.lb