At the initiative of Mr. Karim Farra, Amana Capital SAL established an endowment scholarship fund in honor of the late Dr. Mazen Yazbeck (USJ Business School (FGM) graduate, 1997). On Monday, July 22, 2024, Mr. Karim Farra, representative and co-founder of Amana Capital SAL, signed the agreement with Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of USJ, at the Rectorate. This fund will provide scholarships to financially disadvantaged students of FGM.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea reflected on the significance of the moment: “This is a special opportunity to honor Mazen, an FGM alumnus gone too soon, as we celebrate USJ’s 150th anniversary. This fund will keep his name alive for the students who will benefit from it.”
Mrs. Yazbeck expressed her gratitude to Mr. Karim Farra, co-founder of Amana Capital SAL, and to USJ for this meaningful gesture, which touched her family deeply.
Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, highlighted Mazen’s legacy: “Mazen embodied family values, professional excellence, and personal integrity. He represents the Faculty in its finest image. This fund not only honors his memory but also supports Lebanon’s future by investing in its educated youth. USJ’s mission is to continue training these students with perseverance and dedication to help them integrate successfully into society.”
Prof. Daccache closed with heartfelt words: “USJ shares in your grief and stands with you as we honor Mazen. May this fund grow and endure, keeping his memory alive for generations to come.”
Mr. Karim Farra then addressed the audience: “We are proud to contribute to the establishment of the Mazen Yazbeck Endowment Scholarship Fund in memory of our dear colleague. Mazen, a graduate of FGM in 1997, went on to earn two master’s degrees—one in Banking and Finance in 1998 and another in Advanced Studies in 2000. His career spanned several leading multinational companies across the Arab world. In June 2012, Mazen joined Amana Capital SAL in Beirut as Chief Financial Officer, returning to his roots and family. He played a key role in the company’s growth and development. His kindness, integrity, dedication, intelligence, strong academic background, and ability to manage complex projects set him apart. Mazen cared deeply about the success of the company, and his loss is profoundly felt by all of us.”
He added: “Following his passing, the remarkable support we received from both professional and personal circles deeply moved us. To honor Mazen’s contribution and friendship, we chose to establish this fund at his alma mater, USJ, as education was central to his values. We hope this initiative will inspire future students to follow his example, embrace his principles, and carry forward the strength of his character. Mazen will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through his legacy, his family, and this scholarship fund, which will support generations of students.”