Under the Patronage of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, the University of Balamand (UOB) inaugurated the Raymond and Mona Chammas Petroleum Engineering Lab at its Dekwaneh campus on October 15, 2026. The inauguration marks another step in the University’s commitment to advancing engineering education, strengthening practical learning, and preparing students to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector.
The ceremony was attended by His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, the President of UOB, Dr. Elias Warrak, the Chairman and CEO of Medco SAL Mr. Raymond Chammas, his wife, Mrs. Mona Chammas and members of their family, his Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury (Zahle), members of the Board of trustees, along with university deans, directors, faculty members, and distinguished guests.
The Raymond and Mona Chammas Petroleum Engineering Lab aims to enhance the practical component of petroleum engineering education by providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, develop technical competencies, and gain hands-on experience in a specialized learning environment.
Through the establishment of this lab, the University reaffirms its commitment to providing students with the resources and facilities needed to excel in their fields. By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, UOB continues to strengthen its engineering programs and equip future engineers with the expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills required in a rapidly evolving industry.
In his address, His Beatitude praised the University of Balamand and its pioneering role across various fields, stating: “This university is a beacon of spiritual, academic, cultural, educational, national, and ethical source in our beloved Lebanon. It is, therefore, a light that shines continuously, imparting its distinctive Balamand light to all who pass through its halls. This light remains with its graduates, in their hearts and minds, wherever they go and wherever life may take them.”
During the ceremony, UOB President Dr. Elias Warrak emphasized the importance of investing in education and developing the University’s academic facilities, stating: “At the University of Balamand, we believe that the most enduring contribution one can make is the investment in people: in their education, in their aspirations, and in their ability to shape a better future.”
He further highlighted the University’s commitment to preparing its students for professional success and contributing to the development of Lebanon and the region, adding: “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for progress, stability, and hope in a better Lebanon, a Lebanon that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its youth and offers them the future they dream of and deserve.”
In his speech, Mr. Raymond Chammas spoke about the vision behind the establishment of the lab and the importance of supporting higher education and future generations of engineers. He stated: “For Mona and myself, this is not just a donation; it is a continuation of a lifetime dedicated to energy, a continuation of our belief in Lebanon, and a continuation of our belief that the future belongs to those we educate today.”
He also addressed the students, encouraging them to recognize the broader value of their education, noting: “Believe in yourself, and remember that your education is not only a tool for building your future; it is also a tool for building the future of your country.”
The inauguration of the Raymond and Mona Chammas Petroleum Engineering Lab reflects the University of Balamand’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and experiential learning.