On Saturday May 19, 2013, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) celebrated its Patronal Feast Day on the evening of the Pentecost.
The celebration started with a Holy Mass led by the Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Reverend Father Abbot Tannous Nehme, assisted by a group of priests and monks. The USEK Choir, orchestrated by Rev. Fr. Youssef Tannous, performed throughout the Mass. The Minister of Information, Mr. Walid Daouk, Members of Parliament Naamatallah Abi Nasr and Gilberte Zwein, the Patriarchal Vicariate of Sarba, Bishop Paul Rouhana, the Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maroun of Sydney in Australia, Antoine Tarabay, as well as presidents of universities, USEK administrative staff and faculty members, religious, military, judiciary, local, educational and media figures, attended the event.
Following the Holy Gospel, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Rev. Fr. Abbot Tannous Nehme gave the exhortation and said that “In light of the sacrament of defeating death, we understand better the sacrament of the Pentecost. The Spirit of God fills the Earth…and this Spirit, through the Pentecost confirms that God always accompanies humans in their journey.” He added that “The electronic and fast communication make people closer to each other’s, however, we need true communion and love to be really close and love each other’s.”
After the Holy Mass, a documentary on the University was shown and then USEK President took to the floor and gave his annual speech, which this year is entitled: “What shall we do?” He indicated that this is “An existential question that is persistently raised through the course of time that never dies away. In fact, whatever the situation attained, the person is in a continuous quest for a better one.” He continued: “In his Pentecost speech, Peter declared first that God is the Lord of History and what takes place in the course of history transcends persons, events and circumstances. He also preached that every person should be involved in making history, according to God’s plan.”
When he talked about the culture of positive spirit, Rev. Fr. Mahfouz said: “I would like to mention the culture of the love of Lebanon. Lebanon is our homeland; we inhale its air, and its resources nurture us. At the same time, we often witness various hurdles and many violated rights. We witness growing difficult life conditions, economic problems, emigration, voidness, inquietude, lack of organization and disorders in work mechanism. These problems engender frustration among a high majority of our compatriots… “What shall we do?” We shall always have faith that Lebanon is our beloved homeland and that our existence is entangled with it. We have to be positive in Lebanon in every endeavor we accomplish and every responsibility we bear. The University of the Spirit is aware that its radiance, away from any political affiliations and divisions, is a positive contribution to the building of our beloved country.”
Then, he talked about the common principles of all the University community: the culture of recognition and appreciation, the culture of communion and mutual growth, the culture of the institution, the culture of responsibility and decision making, in addition to the culture of accountability.
He repeated: “What shall we do?” and answered: “We shall always delve into culture. Only such a performance would allow a university to be globally engaged by following global trends in teaching and learning, research and student exchange. USEK global engagement is also centered on attracting a high level of skills and competencies, acquiring grants meant to advance noble causes, and endowing students, academic and administrative staff with international competence that enables them to adapt to any work environment in a continuously globalized world…We were delighted with the launching of USEK smartphone application with a new technology in Lebanon. We are also pleased to be about to finalize major changes in our IT network; thus rendering USEK the first University in Lebanon to acquire this technology.”
He concluded: “Last year, I said that we are planning to evolve on the constructional level by building a parking lot, achieving the first part of the green university plan and initiating the project of a sports club. The first two projects have already been achieved, and the plans of the sports club are underway.”
He continued, “This year, I say we are aspiring for American accreditation of the University and of various programs. We are getting prepared by an enormous workshop on various levels in terms of governance, mindset, work mechanisms, teaching and learning and research. We are aspiring to spare no effort and to run steadily with the help of God. Finally, I would like to make a point about instructional technologies. USEK has embraced a new international e-learning platform that has been adopted by a great number of faculty members. There is another aspect of e-learning that was introduced in many universities, but it remains confusing for the university realm: online learning which means the establishment of e-campus or blended learning. This point is worth pondering upon in order to meet the requirements of the global electronic development. “What shall we do?” We shall steadily follow the global trend and not fear change.”
After the congratulation on the Feast, a gala dinner was organized at the University in honor of the guests.