Ambassador Lisa A. Johnson hosted the second annual reception for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored programs on May 22. The event brought together 100 alumni from different programs, providing an opportunity for networking and connection after their program completion.
During her speech, Ambassador Johnson expressed how she is inspired by initiatives and collaborations driven by alumni, as well as their contributions to community improvement. She acknowledged three ministers in the current Lebanese government who are alumni of U.S. exchange programs: Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani, Information Minister Paul Morcos, and Minister of Sports and Youth Nora Bayrakdarian. Ambassador Johnson emphasized the role of the alumni community in building and strengthening bridges of friendship and mutual understanding between the United States and Lebanon.
In Lebanon, the network of U.S. program alumni includes 16,000 individuals who have participated in various U.S. government-funded exchange, educational, and cultural programs.