Saint Joseph University of Beirut Welcomes a Delegation from the University of Deusto

Source: USJ website

On Friday, January 31, Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) welcomed a delegation from the University of Deusto for a high-level meeting at the Rectorate, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening ties within the Jesuit university network.

The delegation included Rev. Fr. Juan José Etxeberria, SJ, Rector of the University of Deusto, and Prof. Javier Arellano, Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations. They were received by Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ, together with Prof. Salah Abou Jaoude, SJ, First Vice-Rector; Prof. Fadi Geara, Vice-Rector for Administration; Prof. Toufic Rizk, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Prof. Richard Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research; Prof. Carla Eddé, Vice-Rector for International Affairs; Prof. Nadine Riachi Haddad, Secretary-General; and Rev. Fr. Jad Chebly, SJ, General Chaplain.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Boëdec expressed his gratitude to the Rector and Vice-Rector of Deusto for their visit, highlighting the importance of personal relationships alongside institutional partnerships. He underlined how essential strong and trusted links with Jesuit universities are for USJ, particularly in the current context in Lebanon, and noted that this first visit to USJ and to Lebanon opens promising perspectives for future collaboration.

The meeting continued with presentations and open discussions on Saint Joseph University’s academic mission, Campus Ministry, research activities, operations, and international relations, with a particular focus on reinforcing cooperation within the Jesuit network.

Discussions also revisited the partnership established between USJ and the University of Deusto in 2014, which previously included student and staff exchanges supported by Erasmus+ between 2017 and 2019. Both sides expressed a shared interest in renewing and strengthening this agreement, exploring new opportunities for student and instructor mobility, internships, and joint research initiatives. Particular attention was given to potential collaboration in Business, Law, and International Relations, as well as to strategic research partnerships aligned with Deusto’s priority areas (digital transformation, ecological transition, well-being and social questions, and pluralistic democracies and inclusion).

The meeting concluded with a shared desire to deepen cooperation and build sustainable, long-term collaboration rooted in academic excellence, shared values, and the strength of the Jesuit network. It ended on a symbolic note, with Prof. Boëdec offering the Deusto delegation a copy of the book “Heritage: 150 Years of Legacy and Excellence.”

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