Washington DC Alumni Salutes USJ: 150 Years of Excellence and Unity

Under the leadership of Mrs. Rim Abboud, and through the dedicated efforts of committee members Mrs. Dina Karam Sheehan and Mrs. Cynthia Attieh Rouhana, the USJ Alumni Chapter of Washington DC hosted a distinguished event on May 4, marking the 150th anniversary of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). The event gathered Alumni and friends in a powerful display of pride, unity, and commitment to education.

Held under the patronage of the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington DC, represented by Mr. Wael Hachem, Chargé d’Affaires, and Prof. Salim Daccache, S.J., Rector of USJ, the gathering recognized the university’s enduring contribution as a national and cultural institution molding leaders in Lebanon and beyond.

Accompanying the Rector was a delegation including Prof. Christian Makary, President of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations; Mr. Samir Assaf, President of the Board of Directors of Fondation USJ-HDF; Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andrea, Director of Fondation USJ-HDF; and Mr. Dany Maalouly, Fundraising Director. They were joined by Mr. John Bou Ezzi, President of the USJ Foundation – USA, and Mrs. Randa Hakim, Director of the USJ North America Office. 

The evening flowed smoothly under the guidance of master of ceremonies Anthony Akouri. Mrs. Abboud began by warmly welcoming all attendees and expressing her deep gratitude to the engaged USJ community gathered to commemorate the University’s 150 years of legacy. She highlighted how moments like these play a vital role in reinforcing the connections that bring Alumni together worldwide.

A standout moment was the keynote speech by Dr. François Nader, a 1981 graduate of the Faculty of Medicine and a globally respected healthcare leader who currently serves on Moderna’s Board of Directors. Introduced by esteemed financier and author Mr. Peter Tanous, Dr. Nader delivered an exceptional presentation on Moderna’s scientific and technological breakthroughs. He shed light on the company’s rapid and innovative response to the pandemic, offering valuable insights into the future of medicine. With heartfelt emotion, he spoke of his enduring connection to his Alma mater, particularly the Faculty of Medicine at USJ, and emphasized how his education played a pivotal role in shaping his journey.

In his address, Prof. Makary praised the dynamism of the Washington DC Chapter, extending special thanks to former presidents Nadim Kiryakos, Dr. Anthony Moawad, and Dr. Aline Charabaty for their dedication. Marking 150 years of USJ’s impact, he called on Alumni to look forward with renewed purpose, emphasizing the ongoing mission to empower Lebanon’s youth and support the next generation of students: a cause at the heart of USJ’s values.

Echoing this vision, Prof. Daccache described the Washington DC celebration as a moving expression of solidarity, pride, and unity. He reminded the community that, despite Lebanon’s current challenges, such gatherings strengthen the global USJ family and bring tangible hope to many students. The engagement of alumni abroad continues to expand the university’s circle of support and resilience and made a tangible difference in the lives of many students.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Assaf urged attendees to see their support not merely as donations but as investments in Lebanon’s future. Drawing from his personal experience as a scholarship recipient, he described financial aid as a profound vote of confidence. He called on all to stand behind USJ’s students, faculty, researchers, and Hôtel-Dieu de France, who uphold the university’s mission during difficult times.

The evening also featured the awarding of the USJ 150th Anniversary Commemorative Medal to Dr. François Nader, Mr. Jean Abou-Ezzi, and Dr. Anthony Moawad in recognition of their dedication to USJ’s values and outstanding professional contributions. In a heartfelt moment, the Chapter honored Prof. Daccache with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to USJ’s mission, especially throughout Lebanon’s most challenging decade.

Adding an artistic touch, attendees enjoyed works by renowned Lebanese artists Jacqueline Jabre and Zeina Nader, whose creations beautifully reflected Lebanon’s rich culture and creativity.

As USJ continues its pursuit of academic excellence, civic responsibility, and interreligious dialogue amid ongoing national challenges, events like this reaffirm the strength and unity of its global community.

The following day, thanks to the initiative of Mrs. Nada Salem Abi Samra, the delegation met with Congressman Darin LaHood to raise awareness of USJ’s unique and vital role in Lebanon and the Middle East.

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