Message from the President

I left Lebanon at a young age, but Lebanon never left me. It remained etched in my heart, guiding my every step and inspiring a lifelong commitment to serve our people, wherever they may be. From the streets of our villages to the halls of our diaspora, I have always believed that to be Lebanese is not just to belong to a country, it is to carry a mission.

Throughout my journey, I have been privileged to serve the Lebanese diaspora, helping countless individuals reconnect with their roots, rebuild ties with their homeland, and, in many cases, return home with renewed purpose. My engagement with the Maronite Foundation has spanned decades, starting under the visionary leadership of Abbot Boulos Nehman, whose unwavering devotion continues to inspire all of us. Together, we’ve worked to preserve the presence and dignity of our people in Lebanon and keep the flame of our identity burning bright.

Today, as I assume the role of President of the Holy Spirit University Foundation (HSUF), I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a soul deeply anchored in the values of the Lebanese Maronite Order (OLM), values rooted in service, faith, and education. The mission of the OLM is not merely institutional, it is spiritual, historical, and profoundly human. Through the work of USEK, we are nurturing leaders grounded in heritage, driven by excellence, and guided by a deep moral compass.

Our saints: Charbel, Rafqa, Nehmetallah, Hardini, remind us that sanctity can rise from simplicity, and that greatness is born of faith and sacrifice. At HSUF, we are called to build on that legacy by supporting the students of USEK and ensuring that they are empowered to create a better Lebanon, one built on knowledge, resilience, and hope.

Let us walk this path together. Let us keep Lebanon in our hearts, not as a distant memory, but as a living promise.

With devotion and determination,
Adib Kassis