Balamand, Lebanon – On March 21, 2023, the University of Balamand (UOB) hosted a panel discussion with alumni from the Lebanese Air Force and Navy who have pursued their studies at UOB and now serve their country with distinction. The event was held as part of the UOB Engineering Week celebrated by UOB’s engineering clubs and societies.
Dr. Michel Daboul, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, moderated the panel discussion, which included Captain Nabhan Yehya, First Lieutenant Abd ElWahab Alkassab, First Lieutenant Elias Saade, and Lieutenant Eliane Jreij. The session explored the vital role of engineering in the armed forces and highlighted the significant contributions made by UOB alumni in this field.
The event was inaugurated by UOB Vice President for Internationalization & Engagement and Dean of Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud, who delivered a speech welcoming the guests on behalf of UOB President Dr. Elias Warrak and highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class education and training to its students.
During the panel discussion, the alumni officers shared their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing them as engineers in the Lebanese Armed Forces. They discussed the importance of innovation and technology in modern warfare and the critical role of engineering in supporting the military’s operations.
The event was well-attended by students, faculty, and staff from UOB including Dr Salim Kanaan, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Alumni Director, Dr Youssef Bassim, Chief Operating Officer, and Professor Hanna Nakat, Dean of Faculty of Arts & Sciences. Distinguished guests from the Lebanese Armed Forces and Navy graced the event with their presence, including esteemed senior officials who added to the significance of the occasion. These included: Colonel Fouad Zoghbi Chief of Universities and Institutes Department, Captain Commodore Haissam Danaoui, Chief of the Lebanese Navy, Colonel Pilot Michel Sayfi, Commander of the Lebanese Air Force, Colonel Pilot Roland Merheb, Assistant Staff Operations Manager at the Lebanese Air Force, and Lt. Colonel Mohamad Hamze, Director of the Navy School.
“We are proud to host this panel discussion and to highlight the important contributions made by our alumni in the Lebanese Armed Forces,” said Professor Abboud. “As a university, we are committed to preparing our students to tackle complex engineering problems and to make meaningful contributions to their fields. Our exclusive collaboration with the Lebanese Air Force and Navy is a testament to this commitment. We are honored to work alongside the men and women of the Lebanese Armed Forces who serve our country with distinction.”
The panel discussion was a fruitful and informative exchange of ideas and experiences, highlighting the vital role of engineering in the Lebanese Armed Forces and the critical contributions made by UOB alumni in this field.