Lebanese German University Celebrates Its Golden Jubilee: Fifty Years of Excellence in Healthcare Education
The Lebanese German University (LGU) celebrated its Golden Jubilee in a distinguished event that brought together political, academic, healthcare, and social figures, alongside alumni, partners, and members of the university community, marking fifty years of leadership and excellence in healthcare education in Lebanon and the region.
The roots of the Lebanese German University date back to 1974, when the late founder Dr. Faouzi Adaimi introduced a pioneering vision for healthcare education in Lebanon through the establishment of the Technical Institute of Paramedical Sciences (ISPM). At the time, the institute represented a groundbreaking step in healthcare and nursing education. Over the years, it evolved into a distinguished academic institution that has graduated more than 2,500 students across various healthcare disciplines, making a vital contribution to Lebanon’s healthcare sector. As this vision continued to grow, the journey progressed with the establishment of the Lebanese German University in 2007, which further strengthened its position as a leading academic institution in healthcare education and applied sciences.
The ceremony was held on the university campus in Jounieh, in the presence of MP Engineer Neemat Frem, MP Dr. Salim Sayegh, MP Sheikh Farid El Khazen represented by Ms. Najat Haddad, MP Tony Frangieh represented by Dr. Anthony Nehme, and former MP Dr. Fadi Saad, alongside representatives of the German Embassy in Lebanon, as well as official, security, academic, healthcare, and social figures, and heads of municipalities, syndicates, associations, and educational and healthcare institutions.
The ceremony opened with the Lebanese National Anthem, followed by welcoming remarks by presenter Stephanie Rady, who emphasized that the occasion reflects fifty years of dedication, excellence, and achievement through a journey founded on a clear vision and a deep belief that education is the cornerstone of building both individuals and society. She also highlighted the university’s continued role in preparing qualified professionals and supporting the healthcare sector.
In his address, Lebanese German University President Professor Samir Matar highlighted that, since its establishment, the university has carried a mission centered on education, innovation, and initiative-building, emphasizing that its fifty-year journey stands as a model of resilience and continuous development despite numerous challenges. He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to keeping pace with global transformations through the advancement of academic programs, the promotion of innovation, and the integration of artificial intelligence and sustainability into its future educational vision.
Vice President Dr. Marianne Haddad Adaimi emphasized that the Lebanese German University represents the continuation of Dr. Faouzi Adaimi’s vision, rooted in the belief that education is a humanitarian and national mission that extends beyond academic instruction alone. She reflected on his longstanding contribution to the healthcare and education sectors, noting that he succeeded in establishing an academic model inspired by the German experience, based on quality, discipline, and the integration of theoretical and practical education, values that continue to define the university to this day.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lebanese German University, lawyer Dr. Alexandre Najjar, reflected on the university’s journey since its foundation, highlighting its ability to overcome the many challenges Lebanon has faced while maintaining high academic standards rooted in quality, discipline, and excellence. He emphasized that the university has succeeded in establishing itself as a leading educational institution by combining theoretical and practical learning and preparing students for effective integration into the labor market.
The celebration also featured the screening of an institutional video titled “Building the Future at the Lebanese German University,” showcasing the university’s academic programs, achievements, and future vision.
The event also featured speeches by distinguished alumni who have achieved remarkable success in their professional fields.
Dr. Roland Chahwan, President of the LGU Alumni Association, highlighted the university’s role over the past fifty years in shaping generations who carried knowledge as both a mission and a responsibility. He also expressed his pride in being among the university’s early graduates and in continuing to support its journey and strengthen alumni ties through the Alumni Association.
Dr. Saydeh Sassine Sehayoun, President of the Arab Physical Therapy Association, reflected on her personal and professional journey with the university since her early years of study, praising the late founder Dr. Faouzi Adaimi for his role in advancing the field of physical therapy in Lebanon and commending the university’s continued commitment to preserving and developing its academic legacy and educational programs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ezzat Agha, Director General of Rahma Medical Center, spoke about his personal and academic journey, highlighting the university’s role in shaping his professional and administrative career, while stressing the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Extending its Golden Jubilee celebrations beyond the university community, LGU also launched an art competition for students from public and private schools on the theme of health and humanity, dedicated to both drawing and photography. Thirty students from fourteen schools participated in the initiative.
During the ceremony, student Lea Kassis from Our Lady School of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family – Sahel Alma was awarded first prize, receiving a cash award of five hundred US dollars in recognition of her creativity and artistic excellence.
The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake and the unveiling of the university’s Golden Jubilee commemorative plaque, followed by a tour of the documentary wall highlighting the institution’s major milestones and achievements over the past fifty years.
At the close of the event, the Lebanese German University reaffirmed its commitment to its academic and humanitarian mission and to continuing its pioneering role in preparing specialized healthcare professionals dedicated to serving society and building a better future.
