11th June 2008

Farewell Lunch for the President and Vice-Chancellor
Of the University of Ottawa Dr. Gilles Patry

   On the occasion of the end of the term of duty of Dr. Gilles Patry as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, the Ambassador of Lebanon Mr. Massoud Maalouf hosted a farewell lunch in honour of Dr. Patry at the Residence of the Lebanese Embassy on Wednesday 11 June 2008.

The Guest List included Members of the House of Commons, colleagues of Dr. Patry at the University, as well as some friends of the honoured guest.

In his speech, Ambassador Maalouf highlighted the numerous achievements of Dr. Patry during his tenure, as well as his excellent relations with Lebanon and the high esteem he enjoys among the Lebanese Community. He also mentioned the great number of Lebanese students and teachers at the university. Ambassador Maalouf made allusion to the agreements signed between the University of Ottawa and some partners in Lebanon such as the University of Balamand and the University of Notre Dame -Louaize.

Dr. Gilles Patry thanked Ambassador Maalouf for hosting this lunch and mentioned his two visits to Lebanon as well as the Honorary Doctorate that was accorded by the University of Ottawa to the late Prime Minister of Lebanon Mr. Rafic Hariri. The audience was moved when Dr. Gilles Patry described Lebanon as a "Paradise on Earth" and announced that the University of Ottawa will grant 10 Doctoral Fellowships to Lebanese students. The details of these fellowships will be determined by the administration soon.

This lunch was an occasion to thank Dr. Patry for his friendship with Lebanon and to underline the excellent relations that exist between the Lebanese Embassy and the University of Ottawa.

Below are some pictures taken during the event.