Jacques Saadé offers invaluable support to LAU
The Lebanese American University Medical Center–Rizk Hospital (LAUMC–RH) has gained the support of shipping magnate Jacques Saadé, who recently generously donated $500,000 toward the restoration of the hospital’s blood bank lobby, which now bears the donor’s name.
“This is the beginning of a long journey with LAU,” said Saadé during the recognition ceremony.
A native of Lebanon, Saadé lives in Marseille, France, and heads CMA CGM, the third largest container transportation and shipping company in the world. His donation stems from his confidence in LAU.
“Mr. Saadé believes in our university and expressed to us how impressed he is by our standards,” commented LAU President Joseph G. Jabbra.
Taking the relationship with the university even further, Saadé announced his plans to help establish a master’s degree in shipping management. Indeed, LAU’s Adnan Kassar School of Business is in the preliminary stages of developing the M.A. program with the support of Saadé and key staff from CMA CGM. Once launched, it will be one of the few universities in the region to offer such a specialized degree.
“Be demanding — first of yourself and then of others, and create solid relationships with your partners based on trust,” Saadé had told the graduating students during their 2014 commencement ceremonies, during which he was honored with a doctorate in humane letters for his contribution to the shipping industry. This trust is reflected in Saadé’s indefatigable support to LAU and its graduates, whom he plans to provide with job opportunities at CMA CGM.