On July 21, 2012, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized its graduation ceremony with 1244 graduates from all its branches, under the name of “Class of Pope Benedict XVI”. The main speaker of the ceremony was Mr. Salim Sfeir, Chairman and General Manager of Bank of Beirut. The ceremony was held in presence of a large crowd of religious, political and educational dignitaries, in addition to the USEK Council Members and the graduates’ families.

Following the opening speech by Mrs. Nehmat Azoury, and a prayer by the Most Reverend Father Abbot Tannous Nehme, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order (LMO), a musical interlude was performed by Ms. Cynthia Baroud. The student Edgar Kafrouni from the Faculty of Sciences received then a scholarship from family of the deceased Dr. Moussa Bou Farah, while the student Joanne Saade from the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences received the award of the deceased Dr. Elie Chlela. Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, USEK President, presented a memorial shield to Mr. Salim Sfeir as a token of appreciation for his continuous help to USEK.

In his speech, Fr. Hady Mahfouz addressed the graduates: “Our dearest graduates, you are able to make a difference in societies and in history by activating your human potentials and activating the seeds of good that you bear within you. Human beings succeed only if they look at life and at history through the eyes of God”. Fr. Mahfouz reiterated that “… every human being is able to change history for the better” and “… that our beloved homeland Lebanon is very beautiful, wonderful indeed, not only due to its nature but also due to its human potentials and structure. Do not despair of its problems and be aware that every country has its own share of existential anxiety”.

Mr. Salim Sfeir also addressed the graduates saying: “Let your diploma be your passport to get through the first door in your professional life, which is certainly the most important step in your career… My advice to you is not to rush; identify your abilities, develop your skills, and do not make the salary your utmost priority”. Mr Sfeir also advised the graduates not to emigrate in the hope of finding, adding: “Your country is in desperate need of your energy and the continuity of success and life that you represent… Success in your homeland among your parents and beloved ones is much easier than success in a foreign land… ”

Following the student’s address delivered by Joelle Hatem from the Faculty of Business and Commercial Sciences, Fr. Mahfouz, along with the Deans and Directors, distributed the diplomas to the graduates.