Emotions ran high yesterday at the Campus of Medical Sciences, amid the students and parents brimming with pride at their children’s accomplishments – the culmination of so many years of effort and overcome challenges.

The ceremony at the Campus of Medical Sciences celebrated the graduation of 95 doctors from the Faculty of Medicine, 57 dentists from the Faculty of Dentistry, 51 doctors from the Faculty of Pharmacy, 51 nutritionists from the Faculty of Pharmacy, 68 nurses from the Faculty of Nursing, 41 physiotherapists from the Institute of Physiotherapy, 45 psychomotor specialists from the Institute of Physiotherapy, 37 speech therapists from the Higher Institute for Speech Therapy, 15 midwives from the School of Midwifery, and 23 laboratory technicians from the School of Medical Lab Technicians.

The ceremony was marked by the touching words and wise advice of the guest of honor, Dr. Pierre Farah, Honorary Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, who flew in specially for the occasion from N'Djamena, Chad. He was introduced by Dr. Roland Tomb, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, who applauded Dr. Farah for taking the Faculty of Medicine along with him throughout his adventures in Chad and for never breaking ties with his stomping grounds, for being a scout through and through, and for being a great humanitarian and devout Christian.

“You are no longer simple observers, spectators memorizing a lesson to pass exams,” said Dr. Farah. “You are no longer mere students; you have now become responsible healthcare providers, with all the weight that term carries. It is not just a question of carrying out tasks of different natures, of prescribing medication, of feeling useful, and of acting – God forgive me – as merchants. It is essential that your horizons go beyond the immediate, beyond what books and different processes have taught you, ‘because we must give meaning to the lives of men’. I do not hesitate to quote this author once again: ‘What makes the desert beautiful, says Antoine de Saint Exupéry, is that somewhere it hides a well’. I will allow myself to say that the desert is not only geographical; it can exist anywhere among men. Do not hesitate to seek out these deserts, to seek out the weakest and the poorest. They will bring you joy that will add light to your days.”

In addition, students were happy to be congratulated by their Rector, Prof Salim Daccache, s.j., who clearly stated that this was their day: “This is your day, your coronation day, your time to feel light as butterflies but strong as eagles, equipped with the skills and adaptability that USJ has given you. The excellent education you have received will allow you to face all kinds of difficulties in life.”

“Your professionalism, thoroughness, and dedication to your work will make you the leaders of your generation in your respective professional environments. A true leader is one who has a vision of the tasks incumbent upon him, but who is also led by values, simple, universal, verifiable values of three kinds: first, social values, such as sharing, fidelity, being true, solidarity, listening, protecting everyone’s dignity and growth, justice, and freedom. Second, the civic values of which your country is in dire need, both for the present and future: respect for others and for pluralism, tolerance, democracy and acceptance of the other’s opinion, and respect for the public good which belongs to everyone and not a specific few. Third, intellectual values, for our bodies are not solely guided by their needs but also by our spirits who have their own set of values, such as critical intelligence instead of prejudice and superstition, wisdom instead of extremism, science instead of quackery, art and creativity instead of fatalism, and caution instead of extravagance,” he said, addressing the graduates before expressing his gratitude to the parents for all of their sacrifices.

For his part, Prof Krikor Sahakian, Secretary General of the Federation and President of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Pharmacy, said: “Along with your diplomas, you will receive tonight your membership card to the USJ Federation of Alumni Associations. Keep it safe, for it is the symbol of your belonging and your attachment to your Alma Mater and will maintain the link between you and your Faculty and University. In addition, joining the Alumni Association of your respective institutions will allow you to maintain contact with your fellow students. It will also, above all, strengthen your social and professional networks for better integration into the job market, providing you with better opportunities to boost your careers.” He also announced that as of next year, the “Alumni House” will be established, with vast premises and associative and cultural meeting spaces for Alumni activities, thanks to the joint efforts of the Rectorate and the Federation.

After the graduates’ speech, read by Miss Farah Haidar, valedictorian of the Faculty of Dentistry, the Hippocratic Oath, read to medical school graduates by Dr. Slim Ismail, seven-year medical school valedictorian, and the nursing pledge, read by Miss Léa Semaan, valedictorian of the Faculty of Nursing, the Rector distributed the diplomas to the 483 alumni of Campus of Medical Sciences, to the applause of the audience.

Afterwards, Dr. Edward Hajjar presented the “Joseph Hajjar Prize for the Best Theses in Medicine” to doctors Chloé Saade, Yasmine Habli, and Jérôme Kaikati.

Click here to see the photos:

http://photos.usj.edu.lb/album/index.php?alb_id=2585&instid=0