Within the framework of commitment of The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in promoting culture, preserving Lebanese heritage and attaining excellence, The Phoenix Center for Lebanese Studies at the University, in cooperation with the Bashir Gemayel Foundation, organized a press conference, on November 5, 2012, in the Jean El Hawa Auditorium. During the event, the University and the Foundation signed a cooperation agreement to collect and preserve the archive of President Bashir Gemayel in line with modern electronic standards.

Mrs. Solange Gemayel, MP Nadim Gemayel and Miss Youmna Bashir Gemayel, along with the Vice-President of USEK, Rev. Fr. Karam Rizk, Rev. Fr. Boulos Naaman and the Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michel Abou Tacca, as well as the Chairman of the Lebanese Editors’ Union, Elias Aoun, representative of the Head of the Journalists’ Union, in addition to editors and media representatives, all attended the press conference.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, MP Nadim Gemayel took the floor and urged all Lebanese people, who own any pictures, publications, manuscripts and movies connected with President Bashir Gemayel, to cooperate by gathering together this political heritage. He added, “We chose the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik for the reason that it boasts huge patriotic, cultural and practical potentials… This campaign goes beyond gathering the tangible archive and highlights the moral heritage President Gemayel represents for our youth.” He concluded by expressing his deep gratitude to the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, especially the Phoenix Center, and added that he wished to establish a Chair of Research in the name of President Bashir.

The Vice-President of USEK, Rev. Fr. Karam Rizk, declared that “The name of Bashir Gemayel symbolizes sovereignty, dignity, independence, the Lebanese cause and harmony between Lebanese families…” He confirmed that the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik is the only pioneer in preserving all kinds of heritage, manuscripts, illustrations, scripts, buildings, etc. and added that the archives of President Bashir Gemayel are of utmost importance because they represent a critical era in the history of Lebanon.

Finally, Nadim Gemayel MP, representing the Bashir Gemayel Foundation, and Rev. Fr. Karam Rizk, representing USEK, signed the cooperation agreement, before proceeding to the University Restaurant, wherein a lunch had been organized for the occasion.

People interested and willing to contribute towards the campaign can contact both parties on www.archivesbachirgemayel.com

In conclusion, and in its never-ending quest towards achieving and sustaining excellence, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik has earned a leading role in preserving and promoting the Lebanese Heritage. Through the Bashir Gemayel Archive Collection Campaign, USEK and the Bashir Gemayel Foundation will have set the cornerstones for future similar projects.