On Monday March 17, 2014, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized the Awards Celebration of the Post-Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Certificates were awarded to fourteen members of the University including deans, directors and teachers who participated in the corporate program PGCTLHE, held for the first time in Lebanon. The Minister of Education and Higher Education, H. E. Mr. Elias Bou Saab, the President of the University, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, the General Director of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Ahmad Jammal, in addition to the members of the University Council, Program leader for Chester University (UK), Dr. Julie-Anne Regan, and the Director of the British Council - Lebanon, Ms. Donna McGowan , in addition to the members of the University Council, participated in this event entitled “Commitment to the Promotion of Excellence in Teaching”.

Following the Lebanese and United Kingdom Anthems, Ms. Nathalie Bouldoukian inaugurated the event by stating that despite their academic and administrative duties, the fourteen graduates fulfilled their mission, which is to spread their educational and academic experience to the students.

The Prorector for Quality Assurance and Teaching and Learning, Dr. Georges Yahchouchi took the floor and declared: “[…] excellence in teaching is an integral part of the strategic plan adopted by USEK.” He added that this event is of significant importance for it has permitted to the teachers to discover a new approach in the field of course design, education and evaluation.

The PGCTLHE program leader from the University of Chester, Dr. Julie-Anne Regan highlighted the challenge that the graduates had accepted and accomplished. She also praised the distinction of USEK as a powerful institution.

The Director of the British Council – Lebanon, Ms. Donna McGowan stated that the objective of the Council is to promote the higher education and to support collaborations and partnerships between universities and governments. She shed light on the innovation and the importance of higher education by mentioning that USEK is moving toward internationalizing with its training courses.

The President of the University, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz stressed the importance of internationalization policy at USEK, and declared that “The University have been tying many bonds with universities around the world”. He congratulated the graduates for they became fellows of the Higher Education Academy in the UK. He ended his speech by stating that “The University will spare no effort to promote teaching and learning, besides research in order to fulfill our goals”.

The Minister of Education and Higher Education, H. E. Mr. Elias Bou Saab ended by declaring: “This program in collaboration with the University of Chester makes us proud […]” He also stated that success is linked to the dissemination of knowledge to students.

At the end of the ceremony, graduated received their certificates.