On Friday, April 25, 2025, the USJ Alumni Association in France hosted a solidarity dinner at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in Paris, bringing together over 200 alumni, friends, diplomats, political figures, religious leaders, and academics. The event was held in the presence of Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, Director of Fondation USJ, and the evening’s guest of honor, H.E. Mr. Joe Saddi, Minister of Energy and Water and President of the USJ Board of Trustees.
Distinguished attendees included Mr. David Bertolotti, representing H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr. Mustapha Adib, Ambassador of Lebanon to Germany and to UNESCO; and Mr. Ziad Taan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy in France; Mr. Philippe Lagayette, President of the Fondation de France; and Monsignors Jean Maroun Kouaik and Issam Abi Khalil.
Mrs. Amale Sayah Hay, President of the Association, opened the evening by reflecting on USJ’s values of excellence, commitment, and solidarity. She emphasized the importance of strengthening intergenerational ties and supporting initiatives that showcase the University through its global diaspora. Mrs. Hay praised the leadership of Prof. Daccache, noting his efforts to safeguard USJ’s legacy while launching vital solidarity initiatives during Lebanon’s national crisis. She also expressed gratitude to the Alumni committee in France and the USJ teams in Paris and Beirut for their unwavering dedication.
Mrs. Ghobril Andrea highlighted the commitment of alumni, French institutions, and donors. She reminded guests that 64% of USJ students require financial assistance and called for generosity to sustain the University’s mission. She concluded by inviting guests to the Grand USJ Anniversary Gala in Bakish, and introduced a short film on the USJ campaign Always More.
Prof. Daccache delivered a compelling address reaffirming USJ’s Jesuit mission at a time of profound economic, social, and institutional challenges in Lebanon. He called for an ethical awakening grounded in Jesuit values—service to the common good, the pursuit of justice, discernment, and excellence guided by humility. He emphasized the urgency of accountable leadership, the restoration of trust through truth and justice, and the formation of free, engaged, and socially conscious citizens. Quoting Saint Ignatius of Loyola, he stated: “To govern, to love your country, is not to make promises: it is to act.” He concluded by urging Lebanon’s educated elites to place their talents at the service of the nation and maintain the courage to hope.
H.E. Mr. Joe Saddi emphasized that Lebanon’s renewal requires not only reforms, but a moral resurgence and a return to the ethics of service. He praised the Jesuit values of the common good, love of truth, and courage to act as essential foundations for the nation’s recovery.
Mr. Bertolotti underscored the strength of the USJ Alumni network in France and the deep, enduring ties between France and Lebanon. He highlighted USJ’s academic partnerships with leading French institutions and its role in preparing the next generation of leaders. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s institutional and economic reforms, while mobilizing international cooperation in their pursuit.
In an emotional and proud moment, Mrs. Hay announced the creation of the USJ Alumni Honor Committee in France, initiated by Prof. Daccache. Comprising distinguished women and men who embody the profound connection between France and Lebanon, this committee pays tribute to those who have strengthened the Alumni network in France.
As tradition dictates, the Association honored several personalities, friends, and alumni of USJ, presenting them with medals in recognition of their longstanding support. The honorees included H.E. Mr. Joe Saddi, Prof. Salim Daccache, Mr. Dani Abi Chala, Marianne Chebel Issa El Khoury, Esq., Mr. Raymond El Hawli, Prof. Ismat Ghanem, Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, Bahjat Rizk, Esq., Roland Ziadé, Esq., and Mrs. Carmel Wakim.
The evening concluded with a prize draw and a warm, convivial atmosphere, bringing to a close a night that honored USJ’s legacy and the enduring commitment of its alumni.
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