On Thursday, October 3, 2024, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) hosted the signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the “Masri Excellence Scholarship” Endowment Fund, held at the Rectorate.
The agreement was signed between the Saint Joseph University of Beirut represented by its Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, and Masri Holding Sal (MASRI), represented by its Deputy CEO, Mr. Khalil Masri. The ceremony was attended by Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, Director of Fondation USJ, Mr. Jean-François Verne, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Mrs. Shiraz Akl Zoghbi, Director of the Financial Aid Office, Mr. Naji Boulos, USJ Marketing and Communications Consultant, as well as members of MASRI’s management team, including Ms. Nicole Chaccour Masri, CEO, Ms. Valérie Kairouz, Commercial Director, Ms. Rania Bou Jaoude, Risk and Compliance Director, and Ms. Reine Fallaha, Head of Human Resources.
The scholarship fund will support two master’s students from the Faculty of Economics annually over a two-year period. Recipients will be selected based on academic merit and financial need, in close coordination with the University’s Financial Aid Office.
On the occasion, Mrs. Ghobril Andrea expressed gratitude to Mr. Khalil Masri for his commitment to USJ students: “This Fund is far more than a scholarship; it embodies MASRI’s dedication to strengthening the skills of Lebanon’s youth and, potentially, recruiting talented individuals in the future. It reflects a shared vision of education and excellence, uniting our institutions at a symbolic moment as MASRI marks its 75th anniversary and USJ its 150th—a significant milestone for both, driven by a common mission.”
Prof. Daccache recalled the longstanding ties with the Masri family: “We have had the joy of accompanying your family through your studies, and our bonds have strengthened over the years. We are proud to count the Masri family among our faithful partners, sharing a vision of mutual support and solidarity. This partnership represents the natural culmination of years of friendship and collaboration, rooted in shared values. Together, we support our young people and prepare them for a promising future in Lebanon.”
Mr. Khalil Masri reflected on the family’s motivation for this initiative: “We are honored to collaborate with USJ and support its students. This Fund has been years in the making and represents a way of giving back to this Jesuit institution, which has shaped generations of the Masri family. My father is an alumnus of the Faculty of Economics, our CEO Ms. Nicole Chaccour is a USJ alumna, as is my sister Yasmine, and many family members have studied at USJ and Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour. Despite the challenges in our country, we are committed to implementing this scholarship swiftly, confident in the University’s enduring excellence.”
Mr. Masri outlined the Fund’s objectives: “Supporting and nurturing talented individuals is essential. Our commitment for a minimum of two consecutive years aims to attract and retain promising graduates, with the hope of employing them within our expanding group. The Fund also offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience through internships at MASRI during or after their studies, fostering lasting connections and career development. MASRI, operating internationally in the Middle East and Africa, seeks individuals who share our values of unity, ambition, and success.”
Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Beirut, MASRI Group has developed global expertise in intelligence and risk management, becoming a regional leader in business intelligence.
This partnership between USJ and MASRI reflects a shared commitment to Jesuit education and Lebanon’s economic development, bringing renewed opportunities and hope to USJ students.
Read also: Signature du protocole d’entente du Fonds de bourses de souscription «Bourse d’Excellence Masri»