USJ Alumni Boston Chapter Celebrates 150 Years of Excellence, Service, and Resilience

Boston, MA - November 15, 2024. 

The USJ Alumni Boston Chapter marked the 150th anniversary of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) with a gala dinner at Boston University's Metcalf Trustee Ballroom. A crowd of Alumni, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate the university's legacy in the presence of USJ Rector Prof. Salim Daccache, s.j., and newly appointed Rector Père François Boëdec, s.j.

In her welcoming remarks, Nicole Babikian Hajjar, President of the USJ Alumni Boston Chapter,  highlighted USJ's longstanding role in serving Lebanon and in promoting the values of excellence, service, and compassion embodied by the evening's guest speaker and distinguished honorees.

Rector Prof. Salim Daccache, s.j., took the stage and reflected on his 13-year tenure leading USJ through some of the most challenging moments in Lebanon's recent history, including the Covid pandemic, the August 4 explosion, and the ongoing financial crisis. He reaffirmed the university's unshakable commitment to its students and to Lebanon, emphasizing that "USJ remains, and will always remain, standing."

Guest speaker Joseph Aoun, President of Northeastern University, addressed the challenges and opportunities of the artificial intelligence revolution, particularly in education. He noted that Lebanon has a unique window of opportunity to thrive in this field, thanks to its people's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Two distinguished Alumni were honored during the celebration.
Dr. Christiane Ferran, Lewis Thomas Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, reminisced on her trajectory from war-torn Lebanon to USJ and ultimately to Harvard, crediting the university as a formative pillar in her life and career.

Dr. Toni Choueiri, Director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, spoke of his humble beginnings, emphasizing the central role of his family in his success, and thanking Christiane for her support.

All speakers underscored the profound influence of their Jesuit education and values on their personal and professional trajectories.

In his closing remarks, incoming Rector, Fr François Boëdec, s.j., acknowledged the task and challenges ahead and expressed his steadfast commitment to Lebanon, also expressing his gratitude to Père Daccache for his guidance.

The evening was cheerfully emceed by playwright and actor Anelga Hajjar, who shared her personal connection to USJ through both her late grandfathers, neurologist Dr. Joseph Hajjar and former minister and member of parliament Maître Khatchig Babikian.

Singer Angelina Nazarian delighted the audience with a curated musical repertoire.

The evening concluded on a high note, with the announcement of a $150,000 pledge by George and Fida Haddad, a gift in honor of the university's 150^th anniversary.

 In all, the evening raised $200,000 in support of USJ's continued impact.

Catch the Evening’s Best Moments! - Album 1

Catch the Evening’s Best Moments! - Album 2