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BBAC and Saint Joseph University launch the 'Sheikh Toufic Assaf Scholarship Fund'
In support of education and youth, BBAC, headed by its Chairman Sheikh Ghassan Assaf and Saint Joseph University led by Professor Salim Daccache s.j, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a joint fund in the name of late Sheikh Toufic Assaf, founder of BBAC in 1956. The fund aims at granting scholarships to deserving students in need of assistance to pursue their higher education. In the scope of the MOU, the contribution of both parties has been determined at an equal amount, to be paid in two installments over 2019 and 2020. This initiative comes as a tribute to the memory of Sheikh Toufic Assaf, a supporter of youth and their ambitions, who had a significant impact on the Lebanese society through his role in the industrial and banking sectors as well as in politics.
Professor Daccache when speaking of the great qualities of Sheikh Toufic Assaf and BBAC said, “I see three qualities that apply both to him and to the bank he established, in addition to the other businesses he started: Composure, efficiency and the love of giving opportunities to the youth.” Daccache further added, “As a dedicated university established for the whole country, today we are very pleased to inaugurate such a partnership with BBAC through a special fund under the name of Sheikh Toufic Assaf. For such an initiative not only commemorates his beloved memory but confirms his message and the mission of the bank in supporting education for all. For it is through education that countries are made, ignorance is abolished and the bridges of communication and love are built between people.”
Sheikh Ghassan Assaf, in his turn, asserted in the occasion, “the students of Saint Joseph University are a young republic essence, capable of building the republic of the modern age”; thus, summarizing part of the way the bank sees the pioneers of the future graduating from the university, and going out in the world to work for a prosperous country. He concluded, “Back to the ever-present in our minds, Sheikh Toufic Assaf, who was young at spirit through all the stages of his patriotic and professional life, looking to the future with the hope of achieving his dreams and ambitions. The future of the Lebanese youth is, in fact, one of his undying dreams. Today, we have the opportunity to take part in a prestigious university that gives a number of its students the chance to complete their education and achieve their goals in the country of missed opportunities. Today, and to fulfill our promise of being “Your Caring Bank”, we plant in Saint Joseph University in hopes that Lebanon harvests accredited competences in all fields.”
