UNIVERSITY OF BALAMAND
www.balamand.edu.lb
Overview
• In Focus: School of Tourism &
Hotel Management
• Conferences, Workshops &
Lectures
• Meetings: BOT 2011
• Campus News
• Newest
- Publications
- Majors / Programs
- Faculty Members
- New BOT member in the
spotlight
• Visitors
• Events: graduation / concerts /
plays / exhibitions / competitions
• Career Orientation
• Student Activities
• University Sports & Athletics
Responsible Director:
Georges Dorlian
Editors:
Aline Jabbour
Abdallah Khoury
Crystal Salem
Contact us:
University of Balamand
Office of Public Relations
P.O. Box: 100 Tripoli – Lebanon
Tel: 06 93 02 66
Fax: 06 93 12 59
Email: [email protected]
Message from the President
Here is a snapshot of events and activities
at the University of Balamand for the
Academic year 2010 - 2011.
As the university is a platform of events,
some academic, some social, some
political, some cultural and athletic, a
Newsletter can only capture a picture;
and the picture is likely to miss some
substantial events that take place
regularly and without fanfare in the halls
of academia.
Balamand News is our attempt to
communicate with our graduates and
with many of our friends who are eager to
know what is going on at the University.
The Campus at Balamand is rapidly taking
final form. We have just added two major
buildings, one for Medicine, the other for
Health Sciences; they are now operational. Librarians are working feverishly to
move from the old Library to the New Issam M. Fares Library-Learning Center. The
new Library will be operational by the time this publication is mailed. A Chemical
Engineering Building will be ready for students by the end of this academic year.
Plans are taking final form for an Athletic Complex, the construction of which we
hope to start by the spring of 2012.
We have also acquired funds to build two buildings on our Campus in Souk AlGharb. The two buildings are expected to be operational by the year 2014 and
ready to welcome students by the fall of that year.
With so many friends ready to support the University, we face the future with hope
and confidence. A dictum I strongly adhere to is, “Where you are, dig!” This means
we need to deepen our existing program, to improve our standards and to move on
to higher levels. We are attempting to do just that. Only then do we wish to expand
and to provide more services to more people across Lebanon and our region. We
depend particularly on our thousands of graduates in all climes to broaden the base
of support and affection for their alma mater. They will always be our ambassadors
and plenipotentiaries.
It is our job in the Administration to give you a university worthy of your dignity and
pride. We shall do our utmost to live up to the motto which we took on with faith
and conviction, “Nulli Secundus” (Second to None).
I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who are working hard to keep you
abreast of development at the University and thus to strengthen the bridge between
UOB and its very many friends and graduates.
Elie A. Salem
in
focus
Why Hospitality?
The Hospitality and Tourism domain is one of the largest and fastest
growing industries in the world. One of its most alluring aspects is
the variety of professions it offers. Lodging, Food-service, meetings,
conventions, travel and tourism, leisure and recreation are some of
numerous fascinating and challenging fields of the hospitality sector.
According to Walker (2009)*, “The profound and most challenging
reality of working in this industry is that hospitality employees have the
ability to affect the human experience by creating powerful impressions
even brief -- moments of truth -- which may even last a lifetime.” (p. 8)
Economic importance
of Hospitality in the
ME
The latest research of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) confirms
increased levels of interest in Hospitality and Tourism in the coming years. The
table below shows the Hospitality and Tourism’s total contribution to the GDP, to
employment and to investment in Lebanon, the Middle East and the world during
2010.
* Reference: WTTC reports 2010.
These numbers reveal the economic
importance of this industry in Lebanon
and the Middle East in particular. In
Lebanon, the total contribution to this
field represents 33.8% of GDP and
offers 32.25% of total employment. The
average growth in employment related
to this sector, in Lebanon between 2010
and 2020, is expected to be 4.52%
per year. Investment in Hospitality and
Travel in Lebanon is 10.2% of the total
investment and represents 20.9% in
UAE, and it should rise by 7.1% to
reach 22.7% of the total investment
in 2020. As a direct effect, this will be
translated into a huge number of new
job opportunities in Lebanon and in
the Gulf region. In Qatar, for example,
according to Qatar Tourism Authority
(QTA), the country is witnessing huge
investments pouring into its hotel sector.
To be ready for the Football World Cup
* John R. Walker, Introduction to Hospitality (5th Edition), Pearson Education, ISBN 9780135109519, 2009
in 2022, it will see a significant rise,
with more than 40% increase in hotel
accommodation in 2011. The same
trend will be maintained in the coming
years since the Qatari policy is to build
50,000 new hotel rooms before 2022,
having around 10,000 rooms in 2010.
All these facts witness to the promising
and bright future awaiting those who
decide to have a career in this domain.
The School of Tourism and Hotel Management
at the University of Balamand
Mission
The School of Tourism and Hotel
Management (THM) at the University
of Balamand was founded in 1999
and is committed to the delivery of an
outstanding educational experience of
high standards to its students in the
hospitality field. To achieve this, the
3-year program, continuously reviewed,
focuses on the integration of theoretical
and practical courses in order to prepare
the students for successful careers in
mid-level management positions in
various hospitality fields.
Academic life
The THM team comprises passionate
industry professionals and experienced
faculty members aiming to be inspiring
tutors who bring a wealth of experience
from many areas of the tourism and
hospitality sector including hotels,
food and beverage, catering and
event management, tour operator
management, environmental tourism,
accounting, finance, statistics, human
resources, human communication and
marketing.
Teaching takes place in a warm
atmosphere with small-size classes
where students are personally advised
and closely accompanied through their
journey, to give them the opportunity
to actively develop their professional
competencies and help them make
choices for a bright future.
At THM, our students experience a
combination of academic learning in
classrooms and practice through an
extensive hands-on experience in Food
Production, Housekeeping and Rooms-
Division Laboratories. This combination
helps them maximize their learning
experience and provides them with
the needed skills and self-confidence
to face the working world and ensure
a promising future. In addition to this
practical experience, students are
exposed to real-life case studies and
field projects.
Before graduating, each student has to
spend two intensive internship periods
(around 1,200 hours) in well-known four
and five-star Hotels in Lebanon and
around the world. These internships
offer a golden opportunity for students
to experience the real world (starting
with their sophomore year) and serve
as a passport to job opportunities.
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in
focus
Conclusion
Extra-curricular
activities
To broaden students’ horizons and
to open new perspectives for them,
industry leaders are regularly invited to
give lectures, seminars and workshops
in practical and state-of-the-art topics
related to the market. Additionally,
the academic program is constantly
reformed to respond to the needs
of industry and related trends and
requirements. To strengthen the link
between students and industry, many
field trips are organized and carried out by
the students themselves. These guided
excursions target leading hospitality
fairs, hotels, suppliers, food chains,
wineries, and other establishments. They
improve the students’ ability to better
understand hotel operations and the
day-to-day management requirements
in such places, encouraging them to
develop their culinary tastes and passion
for gastronomy.
A career in the Hospitality and Tourism
domain can be considered one
of the best career options offering
the opportunity to tour the globe.
Economically, it has a bright future
locally, regionally and internationally.
Students will pursue a career in a
luxurious, pleasing and cosmopolitan
atmosphere
where
things
are
constantly exciting. Students will have
the choice to be leaders in one of the
wide range of job possibilities: Food
and Beverage, Rooms Division, Human
Resources, Sales and Marketing,
Catering, Event Management. The field
also offers the students flexibility to shift
from one specialism to another during
their professional lives. The THM team
works hard to ensure that each and
every one of the students has access to
the best possible opportunities within
the hospitality industry. The School of
Tourism and Hotel Management at
the University of Balamand is a place
of excellence in education, seeking to
prepare students for a successful and
promising future.
conferences
workshops
& lectures
“Global Warming:
Causes, Consequences
and Solutions”
Professor Jean Jouzel
at the University of Balamand
Professor Jean Jouzel, 2007 Nobel
Peace Prize co-laureate with American
Vice-President Al Gore, was the guest
of the University of Balamand and gave
a conference on global warming.
After a short presentation from the
President of the University, Elie Salem,
followed by General William Mejalli,
representing
Fares
Foundation,
Professor Jouzel began his speech
by stressing that “global warming
is a problem that concerns us all. A
consequence of human activity, it is a
matter equally important to scientists,
to society, to political leaders, as
well as to each and every one of us.
Everything must be done to limit global
warming to a two degree level, which
implies the reduction of gas emissions,
mainly carbon dioxide. This objective
can be reached if all nations become
truly engaged, and this engagement
should be greater than the one taken
at the conference of Copenhagen.
The consequences of global warming
are numerous and involve great risks:
rise in the sea level, reduction in
precipitation around the Mediterranean,
melting of the glaciers, and acidification
of the ocean. It is necessary, as of
now, to come up with an adaptation
strategy vis-a-vis these foreseeable
changes. The struggle against global
warming will have, in addition to its
natural consequences, very important
economic implications and will be a
lever of development”.
Date: April 14, 2011
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conferences
workshops
& lectures
“Modernity is European – and the Arabs are far away from it”
status and the educational systems
limited to mosques and “Al-Azhar”.
However, Dr. Jalal is amazed by the
way the Islamic world has approached
the controversy between science
and religion, while not being able to
contribute to science for centuries.
Finally, Dr. Al-Azm concluded that
salvation might come through European
and American Muslims, as happened
with poetry, which was rejuvenated by
the Arab poets who lived abroad.
Date: May 12, 2011
The Syrian intellectual Sadiq Jalal AlAzm was the speaker of a conference
about the paradox of “Islam and
Modernity” that was organized
by the University of Balamand
at Hotel Le Bristol. Intellectuals,
politicians, clergymen and writers
attended, alongside UOB faculty and
administration members.
Al-Azm began by defining modernity
as “the developed superstructure of
historical capitalism”, emphasizing the
European characteristic of this concept.
This modernity, like capitalism, has
invaded the world, and became a
global phenomenon. Al-Azm pointed
out that the essence of modernity lies
in the union between the scientific
revolution of the 17th century and the
vital interests of commercial capitalism
during that period.
According to Dr. Al-Azm, Islam itself
expanded and conquered the world.
However, Arabs of modern times
did not contribute to the progress of
modernity; indeed they are far from
it. Nevertheless, modernity reached
their societies, which has reduced
the role played by religion in these
same societies.
Dr. Al-Azm strongly believes that
the new record or history of the Arab
world is meaningless without Europe.
He thinks that Islam has receded and
its influence diminished since the end
of the “khilafa”, especially since the
Ottoman Tanzimat movement. Islam,
according to Al-Azm, has withdrawn
from the courts, the law, and its
presence in culture and the media has
diminished as well. Nowadays, it only
affects matters related to personal
“Union of the Mediterranean”
A Lecture by Dr. Nassif Hitti at the University of Balamand
The University of Balamand organized
a lecture entitled «Union for the
Mediterranean», a concept proposed
by the French President Nicolas Sarcozi
and launched in 2008. The lecture was
delivered by H.E. Doctor Nassif Hitti, the
Arab League Ambassador to France
and Permanent Observer to UNESCO.
After a brief introduction by Dr. Bahr,
Dr. Hitti began his lecture by explaining
the importance of “Union for the
Mediterranean” and where it was going
now. Dr. Hitti stressed that people
must collaborate in concentrating
on self-integration to reach cultural
independency and specificity. Dr. Nassif
mentioned that “Economics is a hard
security issue today” and elaborated
on the challenges of and prospects for
a Mediterranean Union. Ambassador
Hitti said that the three Mediterranean
projects were structured on three
principal European countries with strong
legacies and legitimacies, Italy, Spain
and France, but that it also concerned all
the Mediterranean states and people, as
well as other European countries having
no borders on the Mediterranean Sea. In
the end, discussion was thrown open to
the floor and this was followed by lunch
with Deans and Directors at the School
of Tourism and Hotel Management.
Date: January 27, 2011
A Lecture by President Salem on:
“The University in the
Context of Science,
Citizenship and
Orthodoxy”
President Elie Salem gave a lecture that
addressed the affairs of the University
as an academic institution in relation
to citizenship and sectarianism. He
approached national issues such
as individuals and groups, human
development and pluralism, Orthodoxy’s
wide horizons, loyalty to the nation, and
the University’s message.
Regarding individuals and groups,
he said that each one of us, each
individual, is part of a certain community
or group, and has a certain religious
affiliation, and he/she owes loyalty to
each of these categories. Convulsions
and civil wars happen due to misplaced
loyalties or confused commitment, as
have happened in Lebanon throughout
history. “Events show that quite a
number of civil and regional wars have
been the result of a murky relationship
between the state and religion. This is
a multi-dimensional issue, and a lot of
wisdom is needed to discern the precise
relationship between the two loyalties
and avoid inciting one against the other
and falling back into the mentality of the
Middle Ages - if not the earliest eras of
ignorance”.
About Orthodoxy, Salem said: “We,
the Orthodox community, are accused
of always looking over the horizon, an
accusation that has a lot of truth in it. It
is true politically, true socially and true
academically. Politically, we could point
to Antoine Saadeh and his view of an
entity larger than Lebanon, to Michel
‘Aflaq and his view of an entity beyond
Syria and the Arab Mashreq, and to
Constantine Zureik and his view of an
Arab culture larger than any existing
Arab entity. There is also no doubt that
we are socially receptive towards other
sects in Lebanon and, as such, do not
attach much importance to the religious
restrictions associated with such
relationships”.
And about the University’s message, he
said, “It aims to institute an advanced
and open society in which all members
of the Orthodox, Maronite, Shiite, Sunni
and Druze community live side by side
in freedom and equality, in which they
live as Lebanese citizens only, rather
than the political and administrative
subjects of a given sect. The University
strives for a Lebanon in which it can live
in freedom; the University is free only if
the state is strong, fair and free”.
Date: May 5, 2011
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conferences
workshops
& lectures
What is WAC? and
Should Today’s
University Implement
it?
The Faculty of Arts and Social
Sciences hosted Dr. Martha Townsend,
internationally recognized specialist and
researcher in the field of writing-acrossthe-curriculum. Dr. Townsend gave a
very informative and inspiring talk which
was entitled: What is WAC? and Should
Today’s University Implement it?. In
addition, Dr. Townsend gave a talk to all
students registered in ENGL203 about
the importance of cultivating effective
written communication and transferring
that skill to their major courses. Finally,
she conducted a workshop for
instructors in the Division of English
Language and Literature on pedagogical
strategies for teaching the written skill.
Date: May 24, 2011
“Between Children’s Literature and Education
is a Common Language”
The University of Balamand invited author Amal Ayoub Freiji to give a presentation
about her picture books for children ages 3-6 and 6-12.
Mrs. Freiji believes that we can reach three objectives: every child happy
and successful, active and creative teachers, and a favorite and easy-to-learn
mother language.
Amal Freiji was born in Zahle. She studied at the Lebanese American University and
earned an MA in education from AUB. An author of children’s books, she created
Lughati An-Namya which is an integrated educational language series of programs,
Beituna, Al’abuna and Ashabuna for ages 4-6. She is also the author of 21 story
picture-books for children age 4-9.
Mrs. Freiji received the learning to CARE book award for 2010 for the book «Dawry
Bel Mousa’ada», presented by the Association for Volunteer Service (AVS).
Date: June 22, 2011
Internet Awareness Workshop
The Department of Computer Science organized a workshop entitled “Improving Children’s Safety on the Internet”, and it was
attended by principals of schools
located in North Lebanon.
The Dean of the Faculty of Sciences,
Dr. Jihad Attieh, highlighted the benefits
of modern communication techniques,
but at the same time stressed the risks
related to unsupervised use of these
techniques, especially among children
and adolescents. He then discussed
the importance of cooperation between
schools and universities to reduce
those risks. Father Antoine Melki,
Chairman of the department, explained
the concepts of internet security and
cyber-crime, providing examples and
statistics.
Dr. Imad Zakhem’s and Dr. Joumana
Derhgam’s presentations revolved
around security techniques at home
and in schools, and the experience of
schools in Lebanon and the world in
this framework.
“Clinical Examination”
The nursing program at the University organized a workshop entitled “Clinical
Examination” in the framework of its continuous training program.
Nurses from 10 governmental and private hospitals located in North Lebanon
participated in this workshop. The participants were able to discern the importance
and methodology of clinical examination as a key factor in providing a comprehensive
nursing care, appropriate to each individual.
The workshop had positive feedback since the participants were able to physically
practice the simulation technique.
Date: February 25, 2011
Date: January 20, 2011
meetings
meetings
Board of Trustees’ Meeting
The Board of Trustees of the University
held its meeting on the main campus
in Al-Kurah.
The session was opened by His
Beatitude Ignatius IV, who applauded
the efforts of the university’s board, as
well as its faculty and staff members.
He said that “the university is no longer
anonymous”, that “it’s growing”, and
that “its academic success lays great
responsibilities on our shoulders”.
Dr. Salem stated that the university has
witnessed a great increase in the number
of students, a remarkable expansion
of its campus, and a distinctive
urban growth.
The Board proceeded to discuss
the agenda on hand, and took the
following decisions:
1 - Administratively:
• Establishing a new Faculty of Library
and Information Studies, and appointing
Dr. Georges Nahas as Dean.
• Changing the title of Dr. Michel Najjar
from Vice-President for Development,
and Public Affairs to Vice-President
for Development, Administration, and
Public Affairs.
• Changing the title of Mr. Georges
Dahdah from Comptroller to Chief
Financial and Business Officer.
2 - Academically:
• Granting Dean André Bekhazi the rank
of Professor of Architecture.
• Changing the rank of Dr. Elias Khalil
from Visiting Professor to Professor.
• Changing the rank of Dr. Husni Charif
from Visiting Associate Professor to
Associate Professor.
• Promoting Dr. Georges Dorlian from
the rank of Associate Professor to the
rank of Professor.
• Promoting Dr. Hanna Greige from the
rank of Associate Professor to the rank
of Professor.
• Promoting Dr. Joumana Dergham from
the rank of Assistant Professor to the
rank of Associate Professor.
• Promoting Dr. Paolo Yammine from the
rank of Assistant Professor to the rank of
Associate Professor.
• Promoting Dr. Christophe Jacob from
the rank of Assistant Professor to the
rank of Associate Professor.
The Board then approved:
• The budget for the year 2011-2012.
• The donation of Trustee Salim Zeeni of
an Engineering Technology Laboratory,
to be hosted in the Chemical Engineering
Building.
• The adoption of a new policy for
donations.
• The Master Plan for the Lady of
Balamand Health Complex.
• The amendments in the Basic and
Internal rules of the University of
Balamand.
Date: June 24, 2011
campus
news
Parents’ Dinner
The School of Tourism and Hotel
Management organized “The Parents’
Dinner”, which gave the students the
chance to practice their restaurant
serving skills.
By talking to teachers and advisors, the
parents were able to see how/where
their children will end up in the future
and understand the major and the field
of Tourism and Hotel Management.
Date: January 14, 2011
HORECA Exhibition
Each year, THM participates in
HORECA, the region’s largest hospitality
exhibition established in 1994. This
year the School of Tourism and Hotel
Management at the University of
Balamand gave the opportunity for its
students Rhea-Caroline Zachariou and
Antoine Abou Chakra to participate
in the Junior Chef Competition.
This competition allows Hospitality
Students from different universities and
colleges to demonstrate their talent
and potential in a highly competitive
atmosphere. Rhea and Antoine won
the silver medal among competitors
from 14 universities.
Date: March 31, 2011
“Arabic Language Day”
Following the recent proclamation
by the Arab League Educational,
Cultural and Scientific Organization
(ALECSO) of the observance on
March 1 of each year as the Arabic
Language Day, the Arabic Language
and Literature Department at the
University of Balamand celebrated
this event with a diversified program
in the presence of President Elie
Salem, Dean George Bahr, faculty,
staff members and students.
The student committee held an
exhibition in which poetry verses were
scattered throughout the campus,
then organized a Souk Oukaz
competition. Poet Suzanne Talhouk,
President of Feil Amer, participated in
a debate with the students about the
current status of the Arabic language.
In his speech, Dr. Charbel Dagher
stressed the importance of promoting
and celebrating the Arabic language
and highlighted QU’s role in doing so.
He explained the University policies
concerning promoting this language,
including the financial facilities offered
by the department.
Dr. Hasan Al-Abiad, president of the
jury, then presented the High School
Students Arabic Poetry Composition
awards, and the results came as
follows:
• 1st prize: Talal Al-Dahabi (Saba Zreik
High School) for the poem SALAM
• 2nd prize: Imane Tout (Rawdat Al
Fayhaa High School) for the poem
3AJIB
• 3rd prize: Lea Jabbour (Ecoles des
Religieuses de Nazareth) for the
poem MAN ANA
Date: January 27, 2011
“Administrative Perspectives on
Service-Learning and Civic Engagement”
The University of Balamand and the
American University of Beirut, with
partners from Europe and Jordan,
organized a public presentation
and open panel discussion on
Administrative Perspectives and
Institutional Commitment to ServiceLearning and Civic Engagement at
AUB as part of a TEMPUS project
meeting.
The panel discussion included VicePresident Nadim Karam from the
University of Balamand, Dr. Rami
Zurayk from AUB, and representatives
from the TEMPUS project university
partners. The presentation was
part of a meeting for a European
Union funded TEMPUS project
“Developing Service-Learning and
Civic
Engagement
Partnerships
across the Curriculum”, which was
attended by the nine university
partners forming the “TAWASOL”
group from Europe (Roehampton
University, United Kingdom; National
University of Ireland, Galway;
Gothenburg University, Sweden;
and Plovdiv University, Bulgaria),
Jordan
(Hashemite
University,
Al-Albayt University, and Zarqa
Private University), in addition to the
University of Balamand (UOB) and
AUB-CCECS, the hosting universities
from Lebanon.
This third meeting of TEMPUS
included
full-day
workshops,
presentations by faculty members
and students, and community site
visits within the theme of service
learning and civic engagement.
The opening session took place in
College Hall, AUB, on Wednesday,
January 26, where Provost Ahmad
Dallal of AUB and Vice-President
Georges Nahas of UOB welcomed
the participants.
Service
(or
community-based)
learning is a teaching and learning
strategy that integrates meaningful
community service with instruction
and reflection to enrich the learning
experience, teach civic responsibility,
and strengthen communities.
Date: January 26-31, 2011
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campus
news
Academic & Administrative Retreat
President Elie Salem headed the yearly
retreat at Eddé Sands – Jbeil.
The discussions on this occasion
provided ideas for mutual work to
actively strive to make UOB a campus
which is challenging and supportive of
faculty, students and staff.
Date: February 25, 2011
Abu Dhabi Gala Dinner
More than 500 people attended the
Abu Dhabi 4th Annual Gala Dinner held
on April 8 in the Sakr Ballroom at the
Fairmont Bab Al-Bahr Hotel. This event
was hosted by media figure Joumana
Abou Eid, and featured entertainment
by the Lebanese Singer Hisham Al-Hajj
and UOB alumnus Magda Nassif and
Mohammad Al-Chaar.
UOB President Elie Salem attended the
event, as well as His Highness Sheikh
Nahyan Bin Moubarak Al-Nahyan,
Minister of Higher Education and
Scientific Research in the United Arab
Emirates.
Date: April 8, 2011
“Museum and Memory”
In celebration of the International
Museum
Day,
the
Permanent
Ethnographic
Exhibition
at
the
University of Balamand organized a
photo exhibition, book signing, and
concert. Among the participants
were artists and writers interested in
national heritage.
The event began with a photo exhibition
by Huda Kassalty entitled: “Beirut, the
Absent Face.” In her photos, Kassatly
highlighted old Beiruty houses that
had survived the war but were unable
to resist the modern urbanism and
renovation invading the city.
The audience moved on to participate in
the signing of the three following books:
1. “De terre et de lumière. Les maisons
à coupoles de la Syrie du Nord” by
Huda Kassatly.
2. “La Vannerie. Hommage aux artisans
du Liban” by Nour Majdalani.
3. “Mouneh: Preserving Food for the
Lebanese Pantry” by Barbara Masaad.
The third part of the celebration was
a concert held by Soprano Ghada
Ghanem and her oriental choir who
sang old traditional songs by Sayyed
Darwich, Mohammad Kasabji and many
others.
Date: May 18, 2011
Open Doors
The School of Tourism and Hotel
Management (THM) held an open door
event for high school students from
different schools in the north region. A
short presentation about the university
and the program was presented
by faculty members, followed by a
tour and a cocktail reception at
the THM restaurant.
Date: May 13, 2011
News Clippings Statistics
Select Info is a company that offers services including clipping, redistributing news
and information, archiving services and more.
In 2010, the University of Balamand came second on the national level, after USJ, in
media coverage and exposure. The graphs below show the number and percentage
of articles about the University, in comparison with other Lebanese universities.
Date: July 15, 2011
Black & White
The students of Convention, Catering
and Special Events course at the
School of Tourism & Hotel Management
organized and executed its Second
Annual Theme Dinner entitled “Black &
White”. This event is part of their course
and it is graded on how successful it
is. Guests from the hospitality and
tourism industry, as well as high school
principals, gathered in the Tourism
& Hotel Management restaurant to
celebrate “Black & White”. The event
started with a welcome drink reception,
and then the guests were escorted to
the restaurant for dinner. To add flavor
to the “Black & White” atmosphere, the
interior and exterior of THM building
were decorated for the event. Students
were dressed in “Black & White”
costumes to be in harmony with the
spirit of the event. In addition to this, a
magician and a mime artist boosted the
atmosphere of the event.
Date: May 20, 2011
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campus
news
UOB Recycles – Second Stage
The UOB Recycling project strives to preserve nature, in collaboration with 18
schools located in north Lebanon, and as part of the plan of action aimed at
preserving the environment and promoting recycling.
The UOB Nature Club had previously prepared a competition for high school
students, asking them to submit a project, made up of three parts:
1- Technical: consisting of presenting a scale model of the map of the world showing
the effects of recycling.
2- Media
3- Collection of papers to be recycled.
The participants exhibited and presented their projects to school directors,
representatives of the participating institutions, UOB students and faculty members.
President Salem visited the exhibition, raised questions about the projects, and
expressed his admiration and surprise.
At the end of the day, awards were handed to the three finalists as follows:
• 1st prize: Rawdat Al-Fayhaa High School – French section
• 2nd prize: Rawdat Al-Fayhaa High School – English section
• 3rd prize: Fista School for special needs students
Our Lady of Balamand, English section, won the prize for the best GIS map design.
Date: July 27, 2011
Bladder Cancer in Lebanon:
Are we genetically predisposed?
Until a few years ago, very few seemed
to be paying attention to urinary
bladder cancer in Lebanon, but with
the increase of the disease, they are
doing so now. Globally, bladder cancer
ranks nine and accounts for about 3%
of all malignancies. According to the
American National Cancer Institute, the
highest incidence of bladder cancer
occurs in industrialized countries such
as the United States, Canada, and EU
countries. Incidence is much lower in
South America and Asia. In Lebanon,
however, bladder cancer incidence
seems to be increasing fast.
When I first came back home few
years ago, after spending 11 years
abroad, studying and working in the
field of toxicology, the alarming levels
of reported bladder cancer cases
caught my attention. Later, reported
cases turned out to be only the tip of
the iceberg. The reality about bladder
cancer in the country had yet to be
fully revealed. In 2008, The Lebanese
National Cancer Registry published
its first report: contrary to all global
rankings, bladder cancer is equal
to lung cancer, ranking number one
among Lebanese men.
The first thing that came to my mind
as I skimmed through these reports
was an earlier study I had conducted
in 1999 on a group of Lebanese living
in Detroit Metropolitan area in Michigan.
The recruited group showed an unusual
high frequency of a rare allele for a
gene known as N-Acetyl-Transferase1
(NAT1). By definition, an allele is one
of two or more inherited forms of a
gene. In general, different alleles can
dictate different traits. Historically, the
majority of genetic studies investigating
bladder cancer etiology have focused
on particular types of genes, mainly
oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes,
and subsequent cellular events such
as DNA repair, genetic instability,
gene regulation, and programmed
cell death. Only in the last few years
has the role of drug-metabolizing
enzymes in bladder cancer come into
focus. Drug-metabolizing enzymes are
practically our “immune system against
chemicals”. NAT1 is a gene that codes
for one of these enzymes. It protects
humans from chemicals that gain
access to the body by rendering them
less toxic, and by speeding up their
elimination.
What makes NAT1 so important
when examining bladder cancer
risk? Well, two major facts should be
considered here. First, a number of
studies have reported a major role
for NAT1 in detoxifying chemicals
suspected to cause bladder cancer.
Such chemicals may gain access to
the human body from different sources
such as tobacco smoking, fossil fuel
emission, overcooked food, and
others. Second, the detected highfrequency allele in the studied group
in Michigan is a genetic variant of the
gene that is reported to code for a
“slower” enzyme. This suggests that
in an environment polluted with these
chemicals, individuals that have the
slower enzyme will be at a disadvantage
compared to individuals with a “normal”
enzyme. Hence, a population with more
individuals having the slower enzyme
may have a higher bladder cancer risk.
So, the next question that needs to
be asked is: are Lebanese at a higher
bladder cancer risk as a result of their
“unusual” NAT1 genetic makeup?
Earlier, I had started an investigation,
with a number of colleagues, to study
risk factors for bladder cancer in
Lebanon. We recruited more than 150
male subjects including bladder cancer
patients from two major hospitals in
Beirut in order to study different types of
environmental and genetic risk factors.
Our preliminary results provide strong
evidence that the suspected NAT1
allele is a genetic predisposing factor
for bladder cancer in Lebanon. Other
risk factors have also been identified.
Did we manage to find a piece of the
puzzle? We may have, but we still have
to confirm it. In trying to interpret our
findings, we are currently considering
a gene-environment interaction: an
individual would be at a higher risk if he
possesses the “high risk” allele, and at
the same time is exposed to bladder
carcinogens in his workplace or by
smoking during his lifetime. Ultimately,
we are interested in investigating NAT1
and other drug-metabolizing enzymes
in a larger sample in order to validate
our findings.
Hopefully, the observed results, when
confirmed, should help in setting
national priorities to minimize this
alarming health risk in the country.
Hassan R. Dhaini, M.Sc, Ph.D.
balamandnews
15
newest
newest
publications
“The Ancient Christian Commentary on
Scripture, New Testament V - Acts”
The University of Balamand published
a book entitled “The Ancient Christian
Commentary on Scripture, New
Testament V - Acts” in 2011.
This volume is part II of Luke’s story
of “all that Jesus began to do and
teach”. He recounts the expansion of
the church as its witness spread from
Jerusalem to all of Judea and Samaria
and to the ends of the earth.
Chronos 22 and
Chronos 23
The University of Balamand published
“Chronos Number 22” and “Chronos
Number 23”, two issues of a magazine
of historical studies, in 2011. It contains
articles in Arabic, French and English.
“Thinking Modernity”
The University of Balamand published
a book entitled “Thinking Modernity” in
2011.
The book is an assortment of papers
presented within the framework of an
international symposium organized by
the Saint John of Damascus Institute
of Theology, which took place at the
Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand
in 2007. These papers discuss the
relationship
between
Orthodox
theology and modern culture, far
from hasty judgments and simplistic
generalizations.
newest
newest
majors/programs/degrees
Faculty of Sciences
The Faculty of Sciences launched a
new option in its Master of Science
program in Computer Science, The
Health Information Systems, which will
start in the Fall 2011. The launching
ceremony was attended by doctors and
IT specialists from a number of hospitals
in the North, along with representatives
of IT companies specializing in health
and hospital information systems. A
number of UOB professors, directors
and students interested in this major
also attended.
Vice-President Dr. Georges Nahas
opened the ceremony with a welcoming
speech and Dr. Jihad Attieh, Dean of
Sciences, introduced the new program.
Mr. Salam Rayes, CEO of St. George
Hospital University Medical Center,
spoke about the needs of hospitals in
terms of information technology and its
specialists. Dr. Bahij Arbid, representing
the Minister of Public Health, spoke
about the experience of the ministry
and its needs for information systems
and technologies.
The program is the first of its kind
in the Middle East. It was proposed
and adopted by the Department of
Computer Science following a market
study on the needs for IT in Lebanon, the
Middle East and the Gulf. The program
is multidisciplinary, bringing together
Computer Science, Management and
Public Health. The period of study is
two years, and consists of 10 courses,
including a graduation project or a
thesis, supported by a number of
projects and training in specialized
hospitals and health institutions.
In addition to Computer Science
students, graduates with a degree in
Natural and Applied Sciences, Health,
and Business Management, can join
the program after completing a set of
bridging courses.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Arts and Social
Sciences has been working to
enhance the academic offerings run
by FASS to better serve the needs of
Lebanon and to give FASS programs
an
international
competitive
edge. To these ends international
collaborations have been formed,
several new graduate programs have
been created and existing programs
revised.
In the Division of Physical
Education, two graduate programs
have been created in collaboration
with French educational institutions.
With l’Université Lille 2 a Master of
Arts in Sports Management has
been developed. An agreement with
l’Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale
(ULCO) has been finalized for the
MA in Sports Activity and Health.
For both degrees students will be
awarded double degrees from both
Lille 2 or ULCO and UOB.
The
Division
of
Mass
Communication has also developed
a collaboration with the leading
institution in Europe for Journalism
and Media, Centre de formation et
de perfectionnement des journalistes
(CFPJ). As the leading journalism
school in Europe, CFPJ International
has established its reputation over
60 years as a professional training
institution in the fields of professional
media and communication. The
French government considers the
diplomas awarded by this esteemed
institution as equivalent to a Master’s
degree. UOB students will benefit
from CFPJ training and will receive a
joint diploma from UOB and CFPJ.
The Division of Education has
created a new Master of Arts
in Curriculum and Educational
Management. The team working
on this program took much time
and care to survey students as well
as some schools in the community.
The final analysis strongly suggested
that since the business of school
managers is largely focused on
curriculum and instruction a degree
that dealt with these two aspects
from a managerial point of view
would be the most coherent and
valuable degree for UOB to offer
in the discipline of Education. The
degree, offered in either French or
English track, prepares students
to lead innovative educational
processes and to propel careers
to a new dimension. In addition,
the Master of Arts in Educational
Technology, which has been running
for a few years now, has benefitted
from review and adjustment.
balamandnews
17
New Faculty Members
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
BOT Member
“in the spotlight”
Reina Sleiman
Reina Sleiman has joined the
Department of Languages as a lecturer.
Reina is a graduate of the University
of Balamand, and has taught French
language at the Lebanese University.
She joined FASS in Spring 2011.
Faculty of Health
Sciences
Robert Fadel
• MS, General Administration,
National School of Administration,
France (ENA)
• MS, Economic and Political Studies,
Institute of Political Sciences, Paris
Rawad El-Hage
Lamis Jomaa
Rawad El-Hage got his BA in Physical
Education from the University of Balamand
in 2003 and his Ph.D from the Université
d’Orléans in Paris. He joined UOB in 2009,
and currently holds the rank of Assistant
Professor.
Lamis Jomaa joined FHS as Assistant
Professor in 2011. She got her Ph.D in
Nutritional Sciences from Pennsylvania
State University in 2010.
• Chairman & CEO of the ABC Group
since 2009
• Founder of Bader, an NGO that
helps young Lebanese entrepreneurs
develop their expertise and their
projects
• Founder of the Maurice Fadel
Prize that recognizes the best
development projects in Lebanon’s
northern region.
Ghada Farhat
Wassim Bekai
Wassim Bekai, Assistant Professor,
joined FASS in Spring 2011. He got his
Ph.D in Linguistics from the University
of Manchester in 2008.
Ghada Farhat joined the Department
of Public Health as Assistant Professor.
Ghada is a graduate of the University
of Pittsburgh and holds a Ph.D in
Epidemiology.
visitors
visitors
Ukraine Ambassador Volodymyr Koval
The Ambassador of the Ukranian
Republic to Lebanon, Professor
Volodymyr Koval, visited the University
of Balamand, where he met President
Elie Salem and Deans and Directors of
the University.
An agreement was signed aiming to
enhance and improve the academic
cooperation
and
collaboration
between the University of Balamand
and Ukrainian universities.
Date: April 11, 2011
Czech Ambassador Jan Čίžek
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic
to Lebanon, H.E. Jan Čίžek, visited the
University of Balamand, where he met
the University President, Dr. Elie Salem.
Their discussion revolved around the
expansion of academic cooperation
between the University of Balamand
and Czech Universities, through the
exchange of expertise and hosting of
common workshops, since the relations
between the Czech Republic and Arab
countries is prospering and developing.
Date: June 9, 2011
Mufti Malek Al-Chaar
Martin Hein
His Eminence Bishop Dr. Martin Hein
(Bishop of the Protestant KurhessenWaldeck Church), headed a delegation
that visited Balamand in the framework
of the 20th year celebration of
establishing friendship between the
Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and
the Protestant Church of KurhessenWaldeck.
The Dean of the Institute of Theology
and the Abbot of Balamand Patriarchal
Monastery, His Grace Bishop Ghattas
Hazim, welcomed the delegation, and
accompanied them to visit the University
President, the Monastery of Balamand
and the Center of the Conservation
of Manuscripts in it. A meeting was
held with the faculty members, in
which the attendees discussed ways
of cooperation at the academic and
pastoral levels.
The Mufti of Tripoli and the North,
Sheikh Malek Al-Chaar, accompanied
by a delegation of Tripoli elders and
notables, visited His Beatitude Patriarch
Ignatius IV at his residence in Balamand.
After their meeting, Al-Chaar and the
accompanying delegation moved to
Salem House where they were received
by President Elie Salem and UOB
Deans and Directors.
In his welcoming speech, Dr. Walid
Moubayed, Dean of Admissions and
Registration, gave a presentation
about the university and its future
projects. Then Mufti Chaar expressed
his admiration for Balamand and
applauded its efforts and contribution
to the growth and development in North
Lebanon. As for Dr. Salem, he thanked
Mufti Chaar for his sincere words and
wishes, and stressed that the University
of Balamand was for all people, with no
discrimination whatsoever.
Date: March 15, 2011
Date: June 17, 2011
balamandnews
19
events
events
A
day
Graduation
Commencement
in
Pictures
2011
events
events
Salem Honoring Tueini
“In all that he has written,
Ghassan Tueini was a titan…”
said Salem about Tueini
H.E. Dr. Elie Salem presented the
institution’s shield of appreciation to
the university’s ex-President, H.E. Mr.
Ghassan Tueini. Salem praised Tueini
for his contribution at the national,
regional and global levels. “He is a
legend, he is a world”.
General Overview
The University of Balamand celebrated its 21st graduation ceremony on the 15th of July, 2011. Thousands (parents, friends and
personalities, etc.) gathered in the Metropolitan Saliba Cultural and Athletic Complex on the university’s main campus in North
Lebanon to celebrate the graduation of 1061 students.
During
this
ceremony,
former
UOB President, former Lebanese
Faculty
Number of Graduates
ambassador to the U.N., and former
publisher of An-Nahar newspaper
Ghassan Tueni received a shield of
appreciation in recognition of his lifelong achievements at the educational
and political levels. Mrs. André Fouad
Tueini received the shield on his behalf
and thanked the University.
Date: July 15, 2011
FHS Pinning Ceremony
Under the patronage of His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audé, the Faculty of Health
Sciences celebrated its annual pinning ceremony of the 2011 class. Eighty-nine
students from different programs, such as Health Promotion, Medical Laboratory
Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health and Development Sciences, graduated. The
ceremony included speeches by the President of the University, Dr. Elie Salem, the
Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Nadim Karam, and Metropolitan Elias Audé.
Date: June 24, 2011
balamandnews
23
events
events
Syrian Chamber Choir
The Syrian Chamber Choir of the
High Institute of Music performed at
the University of Balamand, and the
program of the evening consisted of
traditional songs. The choir is made up
of 22 singers, trained and led by the
Russian expert Mr. Victor Babenko.
concerts
Date: March 24, 2011
Harmonie Universelle
Michael Dücker (luth), Mónica Waisman
(violin), and Florian Deuter (violin), a
German trio, gave a musical recital
at UOB, presenting musical pieces
by Uswalt, Vierdanck, Kapsperger,
Rosenmüller, Van Wichel, Caresana,
Schmelzer and Ucellini.
Date: January 15, 2011
Tatiana Primak-Khoury
Tatiana
Primak-Khoury,
artist-inresidence, presented two piano
concerts in which she played sonatas
by Prokofiev, Mozart, and Liszt.
Date: February 5 & May 12, 2011
Said Akl
“Said Akl Inn Ghanna” was the title of the
event held in homage to the Lebanese
poet Said Akl. The UOB Oriental Choir
and the Lebanese Army band presented
a collection of songs written by Akl and
sung by famous singers.
Date: March 30, 2011
Sextuor Arabesque
Raphaëlle Ivéry &
Mohamad Sabalbal
Fareeq El-Atrash
th
Soprano Ivéry and pianist Sabalbal
presented a recital at Balamand.
anniversary, UOB and AUF organized
a recital in which the Lebanese band
“Sextuor Arabesque” presented an
assortment of occidental and oriental
traditional musical pieces.
Date: January 28, 2011
Date: March 19, 2011
A live hip-hop band, Fareeq El-Atrash,
embodies a generation’s state of mind.
John Nasr, Fouad Afra, Fayez Zouheiry,
Nasser Shorbaji, Edouard Abbas,
Arthur Satyan, and Rafi Mandalian took
the stage and gave a performance that
amazed the audience.
Date: April 13, 2011
exhibitions
Rabih Rihana Trio
plays
“In Between Dreams and Reality”
was the title of the instrumental music
concert presented by Rabih Rihana
Trio.
Annie Kurkdjian
The Office of Public Relations, in
collaboration with ALBA, organized an
exhibition entitled “Peinture en Eaux
Troubles”, in which the artist Annie
Kurkdjian displayed her artwork.
Date: February 8, 2011
Date: May 20, 2011
“Madinat Al-Maraya”
Raphaëlle Ivéry &
Chédid Elias
Roger Assaf presented a play entitled
“Madinat Al-Maraya”. It is a play that
revolves around the painter Paul
Guiragossian’s words, pictures, and
paintings.
Date: January 22, 2011
Raphaëlle Ivéry and Chédid Elias
performed at the Abbey, and the
program included an assortment of
songs of the Lebanese singer Fairuz.
Nasser Makhoul
UOB hosted an exhibition entitled
“History of Musical Instruments through
the Ages”, in which Nasser Makhoul
displayed a collection of ancient and
historical musical instruments. The
exhibition included 52 instruments
dating from 3000 B.C. until the 17th
century A.D.
Date: February 24, 2011
Date: May 28, 2011
“Ana”
Toufic Farroukh presented “Cinéma
Beyrouth” with his band: Nicolas
Giraud, Daniel Zimmermann, Didier
Havet, Leandro Aconcha, and Luc
Isenmann.
“Ana” is an epic monologue that forms
with the two previous plays a sort
of trilogy. Joe Kodeih presented this
“one man show”, a satire about the
Lebanese ego and narcissism of some
people. The link between the scenes is
a biography of the narrator who dwells
in his stories between childhood and a
mature age. It is a self-critique and a
highlight on the egoistic attitude that
makes us what we are… scattered,
proud and totally numbed by politics!
Date: June 4, 2011
Date: May 14, 2011
Toufic Farroukh
Zeina K. Badran
Artist Zeina Kamareddine Badran
displayed a collection of twenty-nine
pieces in an exhibition entitled “De
Nouveau à l’Origine”. President Elie
Salem and former U.S. Ambassador
David Satterfield attended the opening.
Date: March 16, 2011
balamandnews
25
competitions
Ali Shams
“Choix d’Oeuvres” was the title of the
exhibition in which thirty-five pieces
were displayed. It was a selection of
the painter’s work over a period of forty
years.
Date: April 5, 2011
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Balamand and Ma3bar,
the Arab Support Center for Free and Open Source Software, organized the
Google-sponsored CS4HS workshop and contest “Computer Science Experience
& Contest for High School Students”.
This event was funded by the generous CS4HS gift from Google. It provided an
opportunity for both high-school students and computing teachers to delve into a
real and exciting technology and computer-science experience. Its main purpose
was to offer high-school teachers a better understanding of the computing field at
the university, and encourage students to consider a career in Computer Science,
Software Engineering, or Information Systems.
Eight teams from twelve different schools presented their project. They worked over
a period of six weeks to produce a working system. UOB & Ma3bar provided the
technical support.
The jury discussed, evaluated and analyzed the projects. Prizes, trophies and
certificates were distributed to the winners in a ceremony held at Bonita Bay Resort
in Batroun.
Date: August 18, 2011
Nada Traboulsy
An exhibition featuring thirty-one
paintings depicting feminine beauty
held the title “La Beauté du Geste
Féminin”.
Date: May 4, 2011
Fadi Matar
“Quatre Coins” was an exhibition showing
a series of paintings by the Lebanese
artist Fadi Matar.
Date: May 18, 2011
career
orientation
“Third Opportunity Day”
The Career Services Center organized
its “Third Opportunity Day” in
collaboration with the SEED office.
This event attained its main objective
in helping students acquire practical
experience through internship and
community service projects.
Participating NGOs presented their
mission, shared stories and spread
awareness in order to build a strong
civic engagement culture. A forum
for the handicapped included the
screening of a documentary.
Date: January 10, 2011
“Ninth Annual Career Fair”
“The Future is Always Beginning Now” is the slogan chosen for the Ninth Annual
Career Fair organized by the Career Services Center at UOB.
Seventy companies from Lebanon, the region and the world, participated in this fair.
Their fields of expertise were: engineering, business, hotel management, education,
science, computer design, health and media. Hundreds of students seeking jobs
or training submitted their CVs and were interviewed, and they were given the
opportunity to identify the requirements of the market.
Date: May 11, 2011
balamandnews
27
March 2011
students’
activities
Fund Raising Lunc
ch
Interactive Club
Students Retreat
January 2011
Duraid Lahham Le
ecture
Play: Al Mashhad El Akheer
OSA
Youth & Cultural Club
Cultural Club
MCAT Lecture & Presentation
SSS Club
Bycott Zionism
Interactive Club
Stress Balls
SSS Club
2011
April
Oriental Concert
Music Club
May 2011
Smoke-Free Campaign
Against Drugs
All Clubs
Leisure & Fun Club
Doughnut Sale
Rock Concert
Cactus Sale
SSS Club
Music Club
Natural Club
Exhibition: Al Turath Al Falastini
Cultural Club
Blood Drive for Children Center
Red Cross Youth Club
balamandnews
29
students’
activities
May 2011
Piano-Guitar Competition
June 2011
OSA
Poetry Competition
Field Trip to Mideast Aircraft Services
Company
Aerospace Society
Award Ceremony
English Society
OSA
Hosting of Wissam Sabbagh
ALBA Society
Outdoors
Cut For Hope – Donation Campaign
Red Cross Youth Club
OSA
Ushering Workshop
OSA
sports’
activities
Lebanese Universities
Squash Tournament
The University of Balamand organized
the Lebanese Universities Sports
League Squash Tournament for the
year 2010-2011. Male and female
teams participated in this tournament
and UOB results were as follows:
Males: 3rd place to Charbel Chaddad
Females: 2nd place to Hind Dabboucy &
3rd place to Yara Nader
Bogaziçi Sports
Festival – FEST
Date: May 20-22, 2011
Belgrade Sports Tournament 2011 - BeST
UOB Rankings
Basketball (men): 5th place
Football (men): 3rd place
Mini Football (women): 2nd place
Mini Football (men): 4th place
Volleyball (women): 4th place
Volleyball (men): 3rd place
Date: May 5-8, 2011
UOB sports teams participated in a
tournament in Turkey organized by
Bogaziçi University and UOB results
were as follows:
Tennis (women): 4th place
Ping Pong (men): 2nd place
Ping Pong (women): 4th place
Swimming (men): Silver medal
Date: May 12-15, 2011
balamandnews
31
sports’
activities
Six Universities Volleyball League - Men
UOB Strongest Man
Winner: Gaetan Osman
Date: June 6, 2011
UOB Volleyball team ranked 4th in this
tournament.
Date: June 3, 2011
Eight Universities
Basketball League Men
UOB Basketball team ranked 2nd in this
tournament.
Date: June 7, 2011
Five Universities
Football League Men
UOB Football team ranked 2nd in this
tournament.
Date: June 7, 2011