Under warm lights and in the presence of colleagues, families, and friends, Antonine University (UA) once again transformed gratitude into a moment of encounter and recognition.
Through the Vice Rectorate for Integral Human Development (VRIHD), UA organized the third edition of UA Women in Gold at the Hadat–Baabda Campus, under the umbrella of the now completed project Women’s Empowerment for LEADership and Equity in Higher Education Institutions (WE4LEAD).
Held on the occasion of International Women’s Day, and following months marked by difficult national circumstances that delayed the celebration, the event gathered members of the UA community to honor women whose dedication, leadership, and quiet perseverance continue to shape the University and enrich both higher education and society.
More than a ceremony, the gathering unfolded as a collective pause: a moment to recognize the often-unseen strength behind years of service, commitment, mentorship, and human presence within the University community.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development and moderator of the discussion, who reflected on the deeper meaning of the UA Women in Gold initiative. He emphasized the importance of recognizing women not through predefined or stereotypical roles, but through the richness of their journeys, leadership, resilience, and human impact.
Recalling that appreciation should never be confined to a single day or occasion, Fr. Al Alam described the initiative as a space of gratitude toward women whose presence continues to shape the University in meaningful and lasting ways. He also highlighted the symbolic significance of honoring women whose paths embody perseverance, generosity, professionalism, and authenticity, reaffirming UA’s commitment to fostering a culture rooted in dignity, inclusion, and integral human development.
This was followed by an address from Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA Rector, who reflected on the essential role women play in the University’s academic and human mission. Emphasizing that “no institution can soar with one wing,” he underlined the importance of investing in women’s leadership, talents, and professional growth as a necessary path toward sustainable progress and institutional development.
In his remarks, Fr. Saghbiny paid tribute to the women of the UA community, recognizing their contributions across teaching, administration, research, and service. He described women as central to the University’s educational mission, not only through their professional excellence, but also through the values they transmit, the communities they build, and the humanity they bring to campus life. He also reaffirmed UA’s commitment to fostering a work and educational environment grounded in equity, opportunity, and support for women’s leadership in all fields.
The third edition of UA Women in Gold highlighted the stories and experiences of four women from the UA community:
- Tania Abdallah, Chairperson of the Department of Human Resource Management at the Antonine School of Business
- Yvonne Haddad, Director of the Office of the Registrar
- Rita Haddad, AOC Manager and ERP Project Manager at the Office of Information Technology
- Suzanne Feghali, Administrative Assistant at the Language Center
Throughout the event, the honorees shared reflections shaped by years of experience, perseverance, and dedication.
Dr. Tania Abdallah reflected on the importance of transforming challenges into opportunities while remaining attentive to risks, emphasizing that “to reach our ambitions, we must strengthen our hearts.”
Ms. Yvonne Haddad shared a message centered on determination and discipline, affirming that “success is not a choice; it is a decision.”
Ms. Rita Haddad highlighted the importance of well-being and resilience, stressing that “mental health is equal to physical health” and that “strength lies in resilience.”
Ms. Suzanne Feghali expressed her deep sense of belonging to the University, stating: “The University never abandoned me, and I certainly will never abandon it.”
Through video tributes and personal testimonies, each participant revisited her professional and personal journey, her relationship with UA, and the role the University played in her growth, leadership, and sense of purpose. Their stories touched on perseverance, belonging, vocation, and service, offering a sincere and deeply human portrait of women’s experiences within higher education.
The presence of family members, colleagues, and loved ones added a particularly emotional dimension to the gathering. Moments of pride, gratitude, and recognition resonated throughout the event, reflecting the bonds that accompanied each woman’s journey and achievements.
The event also featured a panel discussion that opened space for dialogue on leadership, institutional support, challenges, institutional support, and the evolving role of women in academic and professional environments. Through reflection and interaction, attendees were reminded that behind every title, position, or achievement lies a lived human experience worth listening to and celebrating.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the four honorees received a gold bracelet engraved with the first letter of their names alongside the UA logo, a symbolic gesture representing appreciation, strength, belonging, and the lasting impact of their contributions within the University community.
As part of the WE4LEAD initiative, whose activities and collaborative efforts recently reached their conclusion, the event also stood as a continuation of UA’s broader commitment to advancing equity, participation, and leadership opportunities for women in higher education.
In line with the University’s vision of integral human development, initiatives such as the UA Women in Gold reaffirm that institutions are ultimately shaped not only by programs and structures, but by people: by those who continue, quietly and consistently, to carry others forward.