On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Mar Roukoz Science and Technology Campus hosted a memorable graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine (FMD), the Faculty of Pharmacy (FP) and its Department of Nutrition, the Faculty of Nursing Science (FSI), and the School of Medical Lab Technicians (ETLAM) at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). The ceremony marked the culmination of a demanding academic journey for each graduate.

The event was held in the presence of Mr. Bernard Tannoury, CEO of Benta Group, who was the guest of honor, alongside USJ Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, vice-rectors, deans, instructors, officials, parents, and members of the university community.

Mrs. Christine Omeira Wazen, Director of the Publications and Communication Office (SPCOM), opened the evening by highlighting the profound emotion and sense of hope that filled the ceremony. She described the graduation as a symbolic bridge between the past and the future:

“In this jubilee year, your success fills us with pride and reminds us of the mission that has guided us for 150 years: to educate women and men who will make a difference.”

In his address, the Rector delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement. He described this graduation class as the jubilee class, one that “carries the University’s history on its shoulders and the hope of the future in its hands.” He praised the graduates’ resilience in completing their studies amid Lebanon’s economic collapse, political turmoil, and growing emigration. “You are not just graduates,” he declared. “You are the face of a Lebanon that never gives up. A Lebanon that heals, invents, cares, researches, teaches, and loves. You now belong to this Lebanon of compassion, excellence, and ethics.”

He reminded them that knowledge must be inseparable from service, and that their mission is to protect and preserve life. Urging them to act with courage and faith, he concluded:

“Do not be afraid to dream, for every great dream begins with the belief that good is possible.”

In his keynote remarks, Mr. Tannoury offered a personal reflection on determination and resilience. He recounted founding his first healthcare company during the Lebanese civil war, launching a pharmaceutical factory in 2005, and acquiring a historic production site in France in 2020, during the height of both the Lebanese crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that he did not wish to be presented as a success story, but rather as a living example of the power of passion and knowledge: “With determination and love, your dreams will come to life. That is what resilience means in Lebanon.”

He advised the graduates not to fall into the illusion that technology can replace the humanity of care:  “Artificial intelligence can support you, but it should never define you. You are the human face of healthcare.” Before congratulating the graduates, he encouraged them to uphold USJ’s values and to honor this “honorable degree” that carries 150 years of tradition and responsibility.

In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Tannoury was awarded the USJ 150th Anniversary Commemorative Medal, a symbol of the University’s gratitude and admiration.

Dr. Amin Zoghbi, President of the USJ Faculty of Dental Medicine Alumni Association, spoke on behalf of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations. He saluted the graduates’ collective effort, describing the diploma as “a victory for education and perseverance, a testament to life in a country that needs it more than ever.” He reminded the new graduates that they are now part of a global alumni network of over 100,000 members across 95 countries, and invited them to activate their alumni accounts on the University’s Alumni platform and to live out the values of the USJ Charter in both their professional and civic lives.

A particularly moving moment followed with the Student Address, delivered by Fadi Abboud, an FMD graduate. Sharing a personal story shaped by his passion for innovation, he recalled programming machines as a child before feeling compelled to follow a more conventional academic path. A competition organized by USJ reignited his dreams and opened doors to Station F in Paris, MIT, and HEC. He credited FMD’s culture of support for helping him “turn these opportunities into success.”

He closed with a message shaped by humility and conviction: “USJ taught us an essential truth: AI can predict everything, except love. It can analyze everything, except consolation.” Addressing his fellow graduates, he urged them to stay true to their values despite the hardships they had endured, concluding with pride: “Lebanon, we are coming! And to the world: watch out—the Class of 2025 is ready.”

The ceremony concluded with two symbolic moments. Aya Fakih, valedictorian of the Faculty of Pharmacy, led the Graduation Oath, while Leila Fleifel, PhD in Nutritional Science graduate, led the Doctoral Oath. Both moments reflected the ethical and scientific commitment of these young professionals.

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Read also: Cérémonie de remise des diplômes aux étudiants de la FMD, la FP, la FSI et l’ETLAM-2025