On May 6, 2026, Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) held a ceremony at the Science and Technology Campus (CST) in Mar Roukoz, in the Auditorium Jean Ducruet, SJ, honoring the recipients of the Rector’s Scholarship and awarding certificates for the USJ Academy Certified Training Program. The program was delivered by the Student Information and Orientation Office (SIO) and the Career and Placement Office (SIP), with support from the Haddad Foundation through Fondation USJ.
The ceremony gathered 65 students from 20 partner schools, alongside their families and academic representatives. It highlighted academic achievement, perseverance, and hope.
In her opening remarks, Jana Aouad, Director of SIO, underscored the need to preserve educational excellence and access to opportunity, even amid ongoing challenges. Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ, reaffirmed the University as a trusted institution and a steady source of support for young people. He also reflected on the spirit of “Magis”, a call to keep reaching for “more” in learning, commitment, and service to others.
Rev. Fr. Antoine-Pierre Nakad, Superior of Collège Saint-Joseph Antoura, praised the enduring trust between partner schools and USJ, describing the scholarship as a meaningful boost for the country’s future leaders. Philippe Bidet, Principal of Lycée Franco-Libanais Verdun, underscored the vital role of academic guidance in shaping students’ educational journeys.
Speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, Christopher Amine described the scholarship as a meaningful opportunity that fosters both personal growth and academic advancement. He also emphasized the value of the USJ Academy training courses, particularly in artificial intelligence, innovation, and decision-making.
Finally, Hala Samaha, representing the Haddad Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to education and to empowering young people to turn challenges into opportunities. With support from Fondation USJ, students benefited from complementary training aligned with the demands of today’s world.
In a country facing ongoing hardship, the ceremony delivered a clear message of hope: a promising generation supported by committed educational institutions and driven by a shared determination to succeed. The event concluded with the certificate ceremony, in an atmosphere marked by pride, gratitude, and confidence in the future.
Also read: À l’USJ, l’excellence célébrée comme un acte d’espérance
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