Special Announcement – Holy Spirit University Foundation
Cleveland, Ohio – January 12, 2024 – Holy Spirit University Foundation, the U.S.-based foundation affiliated with Holy Spirit University-Kaslik, one of the largest universities in Lebanon and among the most-respected in the Middle East, has appointed Adam R. Kaufman as its new president.
Mr. Kaufman succeeds the decade-long leadership of former president, Fady Chamoun, and has been working with Mr. Chamoun on foundation affairs previously as Treasurer and as an active board member. Of Maronite Lebanese heritage on his maternal side, Mr. Kaufman has led both non-profit and for-profit organizations, has served on many boards, and works day-to-day in venture capital. Since his first visit to Lebanon in 2016, Mr. Kaufman has been drawn to Holy Spirit’s efforts to educate thousands of ambitious and diverse students in line with the social teachings of the Catholic Church and, in recent years, an American-style education system.
“With the guidance of the Lebanese Maronite Order (OLM) and the encouragement of Holy Spirit University (USEK) leadership, we have been westernizing USEK, and this Foundation is an essential part of this effort. Adam has worked with me and our foundation board through three university presidents, to help us grow and educate Lebanese young people,” said Mr. Chamoun, the founder and CEO of Aladdin’s Eatery Systems, a collection of close to 50 restaurants and food service companies.
Adam added, “I’m thrilled to play a small role in the big goals of this special institution. The ambitious students of Lebanon deserve our help and my bond with my heritage grows stronger every day. Fady’s passion and efforts have inspired me to carry our shared goals forward, so I look forward to working with him and with our executive director, Rita Zihenni, along with our president, Father Talal Hachem.”
Along with Mr. Kaufman as president, additional new HSUF officers include Fares Chamoun as Treasurer, and Cosette El Kamar as Secretary. Fady Chamoun will remain active as President Emeritus and as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.
Media Contacts: Rita Zihenni, 917-682-4626, rita@hsuf.org
USEK Honors Gala at the Harvard Club of NYC
Los Angeles Benefit Dinner:
A fundraiser hosted by Eli & Stephanie Kai
Full Scholarships Granted to 200 New Applicants
Following the misfortunate Beirut Port explosion, USEK has been committed to taking part in the process of rebuilding hope.
As a token of solidarity, USEK has offered 200 Full Scholarships for the families that have been affected by the explosion. This initiative aims to restore hope among the youth so that they will be able to rebuild their dreams and pursue a better future.
