On February 3, 2026, the Zahle and Beqaa Campus (CZB) of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) held the Michel Halbecq Prize ceremony, bringing together academic leaders, instructors, students, and distinguished guests. The event paid tribute to a Jesuit whose vision profoundly shaped both the University and the higher education in the Beqaa.

Fr. Aziz Hallack, SJ, President of the CZB Board of Trustees, opened the ceremony with a tribute to Fr. Michel Halbecq, SJ. Born in France on December 25, 1932, Fr. Halbecq earned a PhD in Law and Political Science from the Université de Paris in 1962 and later completed a Master’s degree in Comparative Law in Chicago (1965–1966).

After joining the Society of Jesus in 1953 and completing his philosophy and theology studies, Fr. Halbecq dedicated his life to Jesuit education. He arrived in Beirut in 1972 and served the University for nearly two decades, first as a law professor and later as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law. During the most challenging years of the war, he focused on developing the Zahle and Beqaa Campus, ensuring that students in the region could continue their studies when travel to Beirut was no longer feasible. As Fr. Hallack underscored, this initiative was the first of its kind in the Beqaa, opening new academic horizons for a generation of students.

In 1992, Fr. Halbecq continued his missionary work in Africa, establishing the Faculty of Social Sciences and Management in Yaoundé, Cameroon, before moving to Congo-Brazzaville, where he was tragically killed in 1998.

Drawing on the Gospel teaching, “One sows, another reaps,” Fr. Hallack described Fr. Halbecq as a pioneer whose work continues to bear fruit. He encouraged the university community to honor this legacy not only in memory but through action, by fostering education and service in Lebanon and the Beqaa.

Alain Ajami, Director of CZB, highlighted that the Michel Halbecq Prize recognizes the top graduates from the Campus faculties. While the award has been presented for several years, this year’s ceremony was redesigned to give it greater prominence, reflecting the respect owed to Fr. Halbecq.

The program featured a short commemorative film tracing Fr. Halbecq’s academic, human, and missionary journey. Ajami noted that preparing the film allowed the Campus team to rediscover the depth of his legacy through archival research and testimonies from those who had worked alongside him.

Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ, invited the graduates to reflect on three qualities that defined Fr. Halbecq’s life.

First, he was deeply committed to others, showing a generosity of spirit that remains at the heart of the University’s mission. The Rector encouraged students to embrace this openness, reminding them that a meaningful life is built on selfless giving.

Second, Fr. Halbecq demonstrated genuine respect and attentiveness toward everyone. He was a leader who listened carefully, sought counsel before making decisions, and treated all members of the community—students, staff, and colleagues—with dignity. The Rector urged graduates to foster the same culture of listening and respect in their own lives.

Finally, he combined intellectual rigor with moral integrity. As a demanding jurist, Fr. Halbecq valued discipline, honesty, and a serious approach to academic work, qualities the Rector emphasized as essential for both professional and personal success. He encouraged the students to carry these values forward, allowing them to guide their actions and bear lasting fruit.

The ceremony concluded with pride and gratitude as the Michel Halbecq Prize was presented to the valedictorians of the 2024–2025 academic year, celebrating academic excellence while reaffirming a legacy rooted in service, integrity, and commitment to the common good.

Read also: Cérémonie de remise du prix Michel Halbecq

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