Thursday, August 21, 2025
To mark its 150th anniversary, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) wrote a memorable new chapter in its history by hosting its First Grand Gala on Thursday, August 21, 2025, on the magnificent Plateau de Bakish. More than 620 USJ alumni and friends gathered for this historic celebration, held under the banner of solidarity and hope.
The event brought together numerous figures from the academic, social, and political spheres, as well as a large number of USJ alumni and friends. The event was particularly graced by the presence of the First Lady, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun, alongside several ministers: H.E. Mr. Tarek Mitri, Deputy Prime Minister; H.E. Mr. Joseph Saddi, Minister of Energy and Water, and President of USJ’s Board of Trustees; H.E. Mr. Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Culture; H.E. Mr. Youssef Rajji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants; H.E. Mrs. Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Tourism; H.E. Mr. Adel Nassar, Minister of Justice; H.E. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information; and H.E. Mrs. Tamara El-Zein, Minister of Environment, and her husband Mr. Jean-Noël Baleo, Regional Director for the Middle East at the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. Also in attendance, were ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps. The gathering was further enriched by the participation of H.E. Mr. Abbas El Halabi, President of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations, USJ’s vice-rectors and deans, members of the University’s Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of Fondation USJ, and the board members of the Saint Joseph University Foundation in the United States.
A Celebration of Prestige and Emotion
As the sun set and the captivating sounds of the qanun, performed by Ghenwa Nemnom, filled the air, guests were welcomed by Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, Director of Fondation USJ. In her opening remarks, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those present for their solidarity, paying special tribute to the generous partners and sponsors, service providers, and the University’s internal teams, namely the Financial, Purchasing and Supply, and Publications and Communication Offices, as well as the Advisor for Marketing and Communication, the Fondation USJ team, and the event professionals. She praised “two exceptional women,” sponsors of the evening, for their elegance and grace, and highlighted that the evening’s entertainment was provided entirely by USJ alumni, a true testament to the community’s strength.
“This evening, A Note of Hope, is above all a gathering for our students. Sixty-four percent of them require financial assistance, and thanks to you, we can offer them not only hope but also the chance to shape their future,” she declared with emotion.
The Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, then took the floor, warmly thanking the First Lady, ministers, ambassadors, alumni, and friends of USJ for their presence. He emphasized that the dinner was more than a festive occasion: it was “a note of hope” meant to strengthen the University’s shared commitment to education and to reaffirm its mission and core vocation: to dedicate one-third of its annual budget to scholarships, ensuring that no student is deprived of education due to financial hardship.
He also underlined the role of Hôtel-Dieu de France in caring for patients without medical coverage, and reiterated that in times of crisis, education remains Lebanon’s strongest promise for the future. He reminded the audience that “USJ is a Jesuit university, declared an institution of public utility in 1981 by the Council of Ministers,” and paid tribute to its historic role as a beacon of citizenship and justice since 1875.
Prof. Daccache went on to salute the “five stars” of the evening: “the members of the organizing committee, Mrs. Zaza Jabre, Mrs. Roula Ghostine, and Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, as well as Mr. Gary and Mrs. Lara Chekerdjian, who are graciously hosting us tonight, together with all those who contributed to the success of this celebration – organizers and partners alike.”
He extended special thanks to Mr. Samir Assaf and all members of the Board, initiators and architects of the Gala; to the Fondation USJ Investment Committee chaired by Mr. Yves Choueifaty; and to the Board of the Saint Joseph University Foundation in the United States, chaired by Mr. Jean Abou-Ezz, and ably supported by the counsel of Mr. Berge Setrakian.
He also paid tribute to Mr. Ray François Debbané, a dear friend of USJ and guest of honor of the evening, for his moving testimony. Benefactors, patrons, and friends, including H.E. Mr. Gilbert Chaghouri, were warmly acknowledged: “A special thank you to those whose unwavering support makes it possible for us to pursue our educational and healthcare mission.” He concluded with emotion: “Tonight is truly a great evening, a moment where pride in our history, gratitude to our partners, and determination to build a brighter future come together. Thank you all for being here, and thank you for your trust and faith in USJ and its mission.”
Finally, the Rector announced that the Social Sciences Campus on Huvelin Street, home to the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FDSP) and the USJ Business School (FGM), will henceforth bear the name François Debbané, in honor of this remarkable man and his deep commitment.
In a heartfelt address, Mr. Samir Assaf, President of the Board of Directors of Fondation USJ, reminded the audience that “150 years… This is more than an anniversary: it is the living legacy of an institution that has never ceased to educate, innovate, and heal.” He emphasized USJ’s mission, which, through its graduates, its hospital, its laboratories, and its scholarships, continues to embody a vision of service to Lebanon and to the world.
He shared a touching personal note, recalling that he himself had once benefited from a scholarship to pursue his studies, and that without such support he would not be where he is today. His testimony reinforced the conviction that scholarships represent far more than financial aid: they are a promise of life and of future.
To uphold this mission, USJ has strengthened its governance by establishing two key bodies: The University Board of Trustees, presided by Minister Joe Saddi, which safeguards institutional balance; and the Board of Directors of Fondation USJ, which Mr. Assaf has the honor of chairing, entrusted with raising funds, ensuring their sound management, and investing the capital of the Endowment Fund to preserve the future.
Mr. Assaf introduced the flagship project of the Endowment Fund, designed to secure USJ’s long-term sustainability, and called on everyone to contribute to this collective mission. “Your donations are not just numbers: they are acts of faith in the future,” he concluded, before expressing his sincere gratitude to the Board members and to the loyal benefactors of Fondation USJ. “Tonight is a night of hope. Together, we are doing more than celebrating an anniversary: we are investing in our youth, in our future, in the promise of a better tomorrow… and in a Lebanon better than the one we have built – or failed to build – until now. Tonight, we are not only investing in a university, but in the future of a better Lebanon. And as long as USJ stands, hope will never fade.”
The evening, orchestrated by Caractère Events, showcased artists and talents from among USJ’s alumni: master of ceremonies John Achkar, singer Manel Mallat, and DJ Rodge. A charity auction led by Mariana Wehbé reflected an exceptional spirit of generosity.
The Inspiring Testimony of Ray François Debbané
Guest of honor, Mr. Ray François Debbané, CEO of Invus, delivered a memorable speech that was both deeply personal and universally resonant.
“I am not a USJ alumnus,” he shared, “but I grew up in its shadow, as my father, a professor of public finance, taught there for decades. His integrity, intellectual rigor, and vision remain essential points of reference for me.”
He recalled leaving Lebanon in 1975, at the outbreak of the war, for what he thought would be two weeks, never to return. After earning an MBA at Stanford and working at the Boston Consulting Group, he founded Invus, an investment firm based in New York. His philosophy: not to chase short-term gains, but to build long-term partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs. “For me, the art of the deal has never been win-lose, but always win-win.”
He illustrated this philosophy with three striking examples.
First, Keebler, an American cookie company on the brink of bankruptcy in the 1990s. While others withdrew, he chose to invest alongside a new management team. Within two years, the company generated more than $200 million in profits and was listed on the stock exchange at thirteen times its purchase value.
Second, Weight Watchers, which in 2015 was close to collapse. Mr. Debbané flew to Los Angeles to persuade Oprah Winfrey to join as a partner, investor, and active board member. The alliance transformed the company and turned it into one of the most emblematic investments of its time.
Finally, Blue Buffalo, a small natural pet food company with revenues under $10 million. By betting on quality and innovation and supporting large-scale growth, the company reached $1.3 billion in sales in twelve years, generating a return on investment of 87 times.
“These experiences show that value is not created through financial engineering, but through trust, strategic vision, and courage.”
Today, he affirmed, “Lebanon has a historic opportunity for renewal.”
That renewal, he insisted, must be built on the values embodied by USJ: integrity, excellence, ethics, and service to the common good. This is why scholarships are, in his view, essential, as they allow the brightest minds to access excellence regardless of financial means. “If my father were here tonight, he would be proud to see USJ continuing to form leaders who will restore hope to Lebanon.”
Mr. Debbané concluded with a powerful appeal: “Let us give our youth the chance to rise, to lead, and to make us proud here in Lebanon and around the world.”
A Living Legacy, A Promise for the Future
This First USJ Grand Gala will be remembered as a milestone of its Jubilee year: a moment when the USJ community reaffirmed its educational and social mission, and when Lebanon, for one evening, rediscovered the true taste of hope.