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In this issue:

Developing ResearchUniversity AthleticsTeaching Environmental Care

Volume 23 - Issue No.1, 2015-2016

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A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR

Nurturing Students, Fostering Research

With the start of the new academic year, we have been entrusted with 994 new students. They have come to Bethlehem University with their hopes and dreams and it is our task to accompany them as they work to achieve these. I had the privilege of welcoming the new students during their orientation days in August. I told them that back in June, the same space had held graduating students who were looking forward to a new life at the completion of their time at Bethlehem University. Our graduates in June were about to spread their wings. However, this great new group of students were just starting and looking forward to developing themselves at Bethlehem University over the coming four years.

Staying true to Bethlehem University’s mission to serve the Palestinian people, we are very conscious that the research and education here has improved the quality of life for many – graduates and current students alike – and has the potential to do so on a larger scale. In line with Pope Francis’ recent call to care for the earth, Bethlehem University is fostering research which enhances such an attitude.

We have many plans for Bethlehem University’s future. The Lasallian values of service, faith and community continue to lead and inspire our journey as we grow and develop Bethlehem University into an excellent teaching and research institution. We are not only concerned about students knowing information or ideas, but also how they make use of these. The development of new facilities on campus is intended to help that process. The renovation of our library is the first step on our development agenda because we want to make a statement about the importance of learning and to provide students and faculty with excellent facilities to enable that to happen.

One of our challenges is to help generate ideas that will benefit Palestinian society. We do this through our partnerships with business, government and other research and teaching institutions to help us educate and train people across different fields of study.

Bethlehem University has a special mission to cultivate a nurturing environment that respects every person in our university’s community and in the wider community of Palestine. Key to this mission is to enable our students and their communities to live their lives as fully as they possibly can, despite the severe restrictions they are under.

Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdDVice Chancellor

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Published bythe Advancement Office

Editorial CommitteeMs. Annerieke WillemzeMr. George N. Rishmawi Mr. Larry RzepkaMr. Isaac SahharBr. Stephen Tuohy, FSC.

ContributorsMr. Demitri AwwadDr. Jamil KhaderBro. Dominic Smith, FSCMr. Eric CrossleyMr. Jehad NajajrehMs. Rania Hazboun ‘96 Ms. Shahinda Nassar ‘05

Design and PrintingHMC Printing & Labelinginfo@hmc.ps

Bethlehem UniversityElectronic addresswww.bethlehem.edu info@bethlehem.edu

Mailing addressBethlehem UniversityCommunications OfficePO Box 11407 92248 Jerusalem

Location addressFreres Street #9Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem UniversityFoundation USAMailing addressBethlehem University Founda-tionP.O. Box 355Beltsville, MD 20704-0355dc@bethlehem.edu

Location addressBethlehem University Foundation6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200Beltsville, MD 20705dc@bethlehem.edu

Cover Photo:Ibrahim Habash

News ..........................................................................4

Experiences of the Sir John

McGuckin Interns ..................................................9

Athletics at Bethlehem

University .............................................................10

The Palestine Museum of Natural History

at Bethlehem University .................................. 12

Research and the Future

of Bethlehem University .................................. 15

Table of ContentsGraduate Profile:

Jihad Khair ‘05 ....................................................16

Regent Profile:

Professor Bart McGettrick ................................17

Thank You ........................................................... 18

Visitors ...........................................................22

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Professor Jamil Khader, Dean of Research and Editor in Chief of the Bethlehem University Journal (BUJ), is happy to announce a new partnership between BUJ and Al Manhal, a leading Arabic electronic database and information provider and “the world’s only provider of full-text searchable databases of scholarly and scientific publications from the Arab and Islamic world”. Al Manhal holds over 70,000 publications from over 300 publishers. Al Manhal’s unique research platform has powerful search and annotation tools as well as personal bookshelves to save eBooks, eJournals, and eTheses.

Al Manhal will host BUJ and make it accessible

to thousands of researchers and readers in the region and around the world. This partnership between BUJ and Al Manhal will solidify the reputation of BUJ as a premier, high-quality international journal. This will serve as another incentive for researchers in Palestine and around the world to publish in BUJ. As such, BUJ will be better positioned to serve the needs of the Palestinian people, the Arab world, and the world at large.

You can learn about Al Manhal by visiting their website at:www.almanhal.com

Bethlehem University launched its University Library Renovation Project on May 13th. In 1977, the University Library was the first building added to the University campus. Enrollment at that time was only 420; today more than 3,200 students are enrolled in programs at Bethlehem University.

The main funder of the renovation of the University Library is USAID (United States Agency for International Development) through its ASHA (American Schools and Hospitals Abroad) division with a contribution of 1,575,000 USD towards the 2,900,000 needed.

Architects Graham Ormsby and Amer Saffarini were also present and said that the renovated Library will be the “best university library in Palestine, and absolutely up to worldwide standards”. Dr. Mellie Brodeth, Director of the Library, USAID Deputy Mission Director Jonathan Kamin, and Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray demolished the first wall of the Library, symbolizing the start of the renovations.

The goal of the Library renovation is to transform the Library into the intellectual hub of the University, positively impacting all faculties of Bethlehem University. The Library will be equipped with study areas both for

groups and individuals, as well as state of the art library technologies such as a digitized book-loan system, ample computer areas, and space-saving tools to keep books and other library resources centralized without taking too much space.

The renovated Library will also feature a cozy café for relaxation and lively group discussions, as well as a garden. Both café and garden are intended to encourage interactive learning and to allow students and faculty members to spend as much time as needed within the Library’s premises.

NEWS

Annual Business Marketis Great Success The annual Business Market organized by the Shucri Ibrahim Faculty of Business Administration operated from the 15th until the 17th of April. Several small businesses were set up by senior students in the Social Cultural Center and the surrounding plaza on campus. The goal of the business market is to give students the opportunity to find out what it takes to set up their own businesses and to stimulate them to be creative entrepreneurs.

Students, their parents, staff, and faculty came out in large numbers to support the students’ enterprises; ranging from a pet shop and local handicraft displays to donut and frozen yoghurt stands.

Another favorite at the annual Business Market are the cafes and food trucks serving everything from Italian sandwiches to shawarma sandwiches and ice cream.

Bethlehem University LaunchesLibrary Renovation Project

Bethlehem University Journal AnnouncesNew Partnership with Al Manhal

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Consultation Forum of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences

On May 25th Bethlehem University organized a Consultation Forum of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, in the presence of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.

The Consultation Forum is part of Bethlehem University’s strategic plan which involves the development of the curricula of its Faculties, as well as expansion of its facilities where necessary.

The University has previously organized Consultative Forums for the Faculty of Science and the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism and has reacted to the community feedback in its plans for both.

Consulting the local community – ranging from hospitals and universities to the Ministry of Health – is of vital importance to understand the needs of the medical field and to strategize educational programs of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Science accordingly.

The Consultation Forum featured speakers from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences and from the Ministry of Health.

On June 11th, Bethlehem University’s 39th graduation ceremony saw the first group of its class of 2015 graduating from the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Education. Dr. Said Ayyad served as MC and opened the commencement exercise with Palestine’s national anthem.

Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray welcomed the graduates and guests. He said that the graduates had “much to offer Palestine”, and added: “You came to learn, now leave to serve”.

The salutatorian of the class of 2015, Amanda Asmari, a Faculty of Arts graduate, spoke to the audience about her years at Bethlehem University, and said that she is proud to celebrate “the beginning of a new adventure in life” with all her fellow graduates.

Minister of Education and Higher Education Prof. Khawla Shakhshir was guest speaker. She told the students that they are a “national treasure” and that their potential will undoubtedly benefit Palestine. She also urged the graduates to continue to seek knowledge, saying that knowledge “does not only depend on a degree” but requires continual responsibility to ask questions and gain understanding of the world around us.

The next day, on June 12th, the second group of the class of 2015 graduated. Graduates from the Faculty of Science, the Shucri Ibrahim

Dabdoub Faculty of Business Administration, and the Institute of Hotel Management & Tourism received their Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees from Dr. Haifa Konkar, Dr. Fadi Kattan, and Mr. Nabil El-Mufdi.

Dr. Said Ayyad served again as MC. Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray welcomed the graduates and their families, saying that Bethlehem University’s vision for its students is to equip them with knowledge that they can use to serve their communities. “We are always striving to be better as a University” he said, “so we can teach you better, equip you better for your futures”.

Guest speaker Mr. Samir Hulileleh, CEO of PADICO Holding, addressed the students and said “your lives are starting today, you’ll come upon many challenges, but you’ve been equipped here to face those challenges”.

Valedictorian Duha Al-Darras turned towards her peers and said she was incredibly proud of everyone’s hard work over the past four years. “What an accomplishment! We’ve been fortunate to spend those years here, at Bethlehem University where science and knowledge are blended with multiculturalism and spirituality. A big family, where professors are living examples, and where we are taught cooperation, tolerance and love. Thank you!”

Congratulations, mabrook, to our fantastic graduates! Come to learn, leave to serve!

Bethlehem University’s 39th Graduation Ceremony

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NEWS

MICAD program celebrates10 yearsMICAD (Master in International Cooperation and Development) was Bethlehem University’s first MA program when it was launched in 2005. On April 24th, the Shucri Ibrahim Dabdoub Faculty of Business Administration celebrated MICAD’s 10 year anniversary.

The MICAD program was started to train the primary actors of development in Palestine; the Palestinian people. The graduate program is multidisciplinary, incorporating economics, social sciences, international studies, and project management courses.

The celebration of MICAD’s 10 year anniversary included speeches by several partners of the MICAD program; the Consul General of Italy, representatives from the University of Pavia, the Fondation Assistance Internationale (FAI), the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS).

Representing the future of MICAD, a new specialized course on ‘Governance of the Public Sector’ was launched as part of the celebrations.

The Palestine Festival of Literature (PalFest), an annual travelling festival of writers, poets, and playwrights, came to Bethlehem University on May 27th. A great line up of poets and writers performed in the University’s Furno Hall, filled to the brim.

One of the performers was Malika Booker, who is a writer, spoken word and multidisciplinary artist. Her work spans literature, education and cross-arts. She performed her poems with enormous gusto, transporting her audience to other places. Dutch Journalist Dirk Wanrooij read from his book ‘Insurgence’, which chronicles the Egyptian revolution, sharing with the audience his experiences in Cairo during the past years. The writer and journalist Ru Freeman read excerpts from her work,

speaking about her identities and experiences as a Sri Lankan woman of color in the United States.

Leila Abdelrazaq, a Palestinian-American graphic artist, spoke to the audience about her graphic novel ‘Badawi’, of which everyone in the audience had received a sample copy in Arabic. She shared the story of her family, who became refugees in Lebanon during the Nakba in 1948. The graphic novel depicts her father’s life in the refugee camps and later in the United States.

Nathalie Handal, the author of four books of poetry, several plays and the editor of two anthologies, opened PalFest at Bethlehem University by reading one of her poems about Bethlehem’s role in shaping her identity.

The founder of PalFest and Egyptian novelist and political and cultural commentator Ahdaf Souief, donated several books of PalFest 2015’s participants to the University Library.

PalFest took place in Palestine from 23 – 28 of May, you can find more on their website www.palfest.org.

After the well-attended ‘Research and Scholarship Symposium’ featuring Dr. Basem L. Ra’ad at Bethlehem University in March, the Dean of Research Office organized a follow up Book Feast on April 21st around Dr. Ra’ad’s book ‘Hidden Histories: Palestine and the Eastern Mediterranean’ presented during his lecture. Twenty free copies of Dr. Ra’ad’s book were made available to students, staff, and faculty with the proviso the receivers would

participate in the Book Fest.

Everyone who had read the book was welcome to attend the Book Feast; students, staff members, and faculty members mixed in small groups and participated in a lively exchange about the ideas and research presented in Dr. Ra’ad’s book.

The discussion revolved around five major themes: remapping religious discourse, Palestinian cultural heritage and identity, language and the dialectic of naming and unnaming, the issue of “self-colonizing traps” and how Palestinians can decolonize their minds, and finally the extent to which the author and the book engage in mythmaking in consecrating the historical basis for the language of Palestinian rights.

Travelling Palestine Festival of Literature on Campus

Research Symposium and Book Fest

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A group of 10 hotel management students from Bethlehem University and Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem took a course in French Language and Culinary Arts in Grenoble, France.

The students were hosted by the Consulate General of France in Jerusalem. They took French classes each morning at Stendhal University of Grenoble, while their afternoons were devoted to exploring the culinary culture of France.

The culinary program was supervised by leaders of the Ecole Hôteliere de Grenoble and specialized in the cuisines and products from five regions of France: Provence, Perigord, Champagne, Brittany and Dauphiné.

The students did not only learn the subtleties of French cuisine, they also learned to assess the quality of raw products like oysters, snails, and cheeses. Other practicalities like data sheet preparation and culinary design were also included in the program.

The students were excited to cook with France’s beautiful products and made some beautiful dishes: ravioli of Provencal snails, foie gras salad with chutney, warm oysters of Bretagne, and salted butter and caramel ice cream.

The students said they found the course unforgettable.

Brother Cyril Litecky passed away on April 4, 2015 in Bethlehem in the Holy Land.

Brother Cyril was born as Bernard Litecky in 1927 in Minneapolis, MN, to Paul and Mary (Kovacs) Litecky. During World War II he served in the U.S. Air Force, then earned a BA in Economics from St Thomas College.

He entered the novitiate of the Brothers in Glencoe, MO, in 1950 taking the name Cyril; he professed his final vows in 1955. After becoming a Brother, Cyril earned an MA in Educational Administration at Saint Mary’s College in Winona, MN.

Brother Cyril first came to Bethlehem University from 1984 to 1989 serving as the Academic Vice President. He returned to Bethlehem University in 1991 where he served as Financial Vice President from 1991 to 1995 and then as Assistant to the Vice Chancellor until his death.

Brother Peter Iorlano shared a touching eulogy in the funeral mass of Br. Cyril:

“Brother Cyril, we gather here in the Chapel of the Divine Child, here at your beloved Bethlehem University, to recognize the rich and extraordinary life you lived. You touched the hearts of many of us as well as people in others places where you have served as a Brother. We are grateful to God, to your family, and to you for sharing your life with us and in doing so enriching our lives. We bid you a final farewell filled with fond memories. Paraphrasing what Brother Thomas Cooney wrote to me upon hearing of your passing: Here you lie where you longed to be… May you now rest in peace.”

Holy Mass Marks the New Academic YearBethlehem University’s community celebrated a festive mass on Thursday September 10th. The celebrants were Bishop William Shomali, the auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Fr. Peter Du Brul, SJ, professor of philosophy and theology.

Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray together with the De La Salle brothers and a large number of faculty members, staff and students attended the mass. Bishop Shomali stressed the importance of education and Bethlehem University’s role in providing a stable academic and social environment to its students.

Br. Peter Bray addressed the audience thanking the attendees for their care for the students, particularly the 994 new students who have joined the University. “We give thanks to God for the existence of this place and the new students who have recently joined Bethlehem University”, he said.

Culinary Students Receive Training in France

Brother Cyril Litecky, a Life of Selfless Service

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Raja Shehadeh, a Palestinian lawyer and award-winning author, came to Bethlehem University on May 5th to present his most recent book ‘Language of War, Language of Peace’. In this book he explores the ‘politics of language’ and the ‘language of politics’ in the Israeli Palestine conflict and specifically reflects on the legal and cultural walls that the language of politics creates, which confine today’s Palestinians just like physical borders and checkpoints.

Shehadeh was invited by the Department of English. Mrs. Hanadi Younan, Dean of Arts and Chairperson of the English Department, introduced the writer to the audience.

Shehadeh read excerpts from his writings and engaged in a conversation with attending students, faculty members, and visitors about the themes featured in his books: the language of colonialism and occupation, and the transformations of the land and natural surroundings as a result of geopolitics.

Professor Jamil Khader and a delegation of four student senate leaders from Bethlehem University visited Ireland from June 2nd to June 5th. They were received by Ireland’s president Michael D. Higgins and met with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

The visit was arranged by the Friends of Bethlehem University in Ireland and the students were guests of the University

College Dublin Student’s Union, with whom they conducted meetings with student union leaders of all the Irish universities.

Professor Jamil Khader, Bethlehem University’s Dean of Research and professor of English, also gave a lecture at the Dublin Institute of Technology on the ‘Ongoing Nakba’, hosted by Academics for Palestine and Friends of Bethlehem University in Ireland.

Ilan Pappé Lectures at Bethlehem UniversityOn April 14th, Israeli historian Ilan Pappé gave a lecture at Bethlehem University on “Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine: Past, Present and Future”. Pappé gave his lecture on invitation of Bethlehem University and Dar Al Karma for Media Research and Publication.

Professor Pappé is a Professor of History and the Director of the European Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter. His research and writings particularly focus on the modern Middle East and in particular the history of Israel and Palestine. He is a prolific writer and has also written on Critical Discourse Analysis, multiculturalism and on power and knowledge.

Furno Hall, where the event took place, was packed with students, staff, and visitors. Pappé presented the contents of his book “The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” and participated in a lively discussion with the participants afterwards.

NEWS

Award-winning author Raja Shehadeh on campus

Dean of Research and Student Senate leaders meet with Irish president

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Every summer, since 2009, a group of students from Bethlehem University is selected to take part in the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program. The program is funded by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre: USA Northwestern Lieutenancy, USA

Western Lieutenancy and Canadian Atlantic Lieutenancy.

This year, 10 students went to the US and 3 students to Australia. The students who went to Australia did student teaching at Loyola College in

Melbourne. The students who went to the US worked with Catholic Charities in different states and wrote blogs about their experiences. Here, Maram and Ali share their expectations and what they learned from a summer of volunteer work in the US.

INTERNS

MaramAbu Saada

“The first week we took part in an orientation week in Washington DC. Every person I met had a story to tell. Some told us about poverty in the US while others were interested in talking to us about the states they were from. For us as Palestinian ambassadors, it was important to share the Palestinian story and show our new friends that we are just like any other human: we want to live, love and be loved!”

“My work at Catholic Charities, involved working with homeless people. My neighbour Kate opened her home to the homeless every Sunday and I was invited as well. To be honest, I wasn’t completely at ease the first 10 minutes, until I talked with her visitors. They were really kind and nice, were enjoying playing music and happy to share food together. While they are homeless with no shelter or regular income to cover their needs, I felt they still loved their lives and appreciated every second of it. While the rich in this world grow in greed, these homeless people grow in God. While the rich learn to say I want more, they learned how to say thank you, even for the little things.”

“I experienced fulfilment through my work and meeting these people. I ask myself every day, what did I learn? What did I give? What do I value about today and myself? Sometimes people show others their wealth, their beauty, or their academic success. For me, fulfilment is how I rate myself in front of myself not in front of people. Learning to love others and experiencing our common humanity is something I am thankful having learned.”

AliAl Sharif

“The first weeks passed by very quickly, they were busy yet fulfilling. Being in new places and meeting new people while observing the month of Ramadan was overwhelming, but the welcoming and caring people around me made it possible to adapt quickly.”

“I am interning in the Department for Persons with Disabilities, an organization that provides caring homes for adults with intellectual challenges. Upon my arrival from Washington to DPD, they had a party to celebrate their 50th anniversary in which the staff and the residents danced and shared food together. Observing how kind and gentle the staff treat the residents left me in awe! DPD emphasizes that their Catholic values means respecting all humans regardless of their state of mind or any other factor.”

“Before the internship started, I was looking forward to gaining my first real-life experience in accounting. However, by the end of my time in the US, I have an experience in accounting as well as an understanding of many social issues in the US and what many wonderful people are doing to challenge these issues and minimize their effect.”

“My mission in life was mostly about achieving financial and academic success. A new aspect has been embedded. I now think of what I can do for my society to make a positive change. Since I have accepted to receive support, it is my turn to pay back and support others.”

Experiences of the Sir JohnMcGuckin Interns

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“Winning the championship

was amazing. It gave us a huge

boost; I was only a freshman and

it really made me feel a part of

the Bethlehem University

community

Athleticsat BethlehemUniversity

SPORTS

Being active in sport clubs is the ultimate college life experience; not just in European or American universities, also in Palestine. Neda from Aida Camp, a refugee camp close to the wall separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem, joined Bethlehem University last year. She is a sparkling Arabic major who applied to be on the Bethlehem University volleyball team soon after she started her studies. “Winning the championship was amazing” she says. “It gave us a huge boost; I was only a freshman and it really made me feel a part of the Bethlehem University community.”

Hundreds of student participate in organized sport at Bethlehem University. Basketball, volleyball, and tennis are just a few of the possibilities. Ms. Samar Moussa has been the Athletics Department Director since 2006 and has built an impressive program. Bethlehem University has several coaches who train the teams, with great success. During the last academic year, Bethlehem University’s basketball team won the Palestinian and Jordanian championship and so did the women’s volleyball team.

Ms. Samar Moussa (top right) with the Bethlehem University volleyball team.

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Ms. Samar Moussa has not only played an important role in developing sports at Bethlehem University, she is also very active in Bethlehem’s community. In 2010, she was awarded the Teaching Excellence Certificate from AMIDEAST. She has also brought several organizations to Bethlehem University, such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, who have trained students and coaches.

Palestine has very little free space to practice sports in its urban areas. That is why sports at schools and at Bethlehem University are emphasized. Neda had played volleyball in the UNRWA school in Aida Camp and immediately joined the team when she came to Bethlehem University. “Playing volleyball is an outlet for me” she says. “It keeps me active and I like being part of a team”. In a society where women often spend a lot of time within the home and family environment, sport is an important place for self-development. Growing up in a refugee camp, there is very little space, a lot of social control and frequent incursions of the Israeli army into the camp. Participating in sport gives a sense of freedom and agency, which is not only important for children growing up in such an environment but also for Bethlehem University’s students who often are denied agency and freedom in their day to day lives.

Sport is not only important for women’s empowerment. Athletic programs also provide benefits such as health and wellness promotion for all students. Formal sport participation provides exercise for athletes, and also sets the stage for adoption of a healthy lifestyle and optimal health in life after college. In Palestine, where there is very little outside space and few opportunities for most people to exercise, it is great for students to be able to get into the habit of regular workouts. Bethlehem University also has a gym as part of its athletic facilities, which allows all members of the University community to exercise.

However, the gym and other athletic facilities are currently not sufficient for the large amounts of students participating in the athletic programming. The athletic facilities are part of the Social and Cultural Centre on campus which was built in 1988 with funds from USAID. Because the athletic department was growing out of its current facilities, plans have been proposed for a new building on campus which would house all athletic facilities, including a basketball court on the roof as well as a visitor centre to welcome the 2500 visitors Bethlehem University yearly receives. This new building will allow Bethlehem University to bring its athletic program to more students; who can be themselves, develop healthy lifestyles and build community.

The architect’s drawing of the proposed new building.

Neda is an avid volleyball player.

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Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem is the only radiotherapy center accessible for Palestinians and the only pediatric dialysis center in Palestine. The majority of patients are refugees or others in social need, referred to the hospital by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. In the summer of 2014, during the Gaza War, Gazan patients were brought to Augusta Victoria Hospital to be treated.

At this unique hospital, Jihad Khair serves as the Director of Nursing. With 125 nurses spread over 10 departments, he carries the responsibility for both the day to day care of patients and the wellbeing of his staff.

With his mom working as a nurse, Jihad was gripped by the nursing profession early on. “My mom was always helping, advising and educating people” he says. “It was something I looked up to.” So after he graduated high school when he was thinking of studying medicine, he eventually chose to study nursing at Bethlehem University.

After graduating with the highest honors, Augusta Victoria Hospital approached Jihad and offered him a job at the Intensive Care Unit. He worked in Jerusalem for one year when the Bethlehem based Holy Family Hospital asked Jihad to come work for them with the opportunity to specialize in neonatal intensive care. Newly married to Bethlehem University graduate Varehan Khair (’05), a shorter commute to work was welcome and Jihad transferred to the Bethlehem hospital.

While working at the Holy Family Hospital, Jihad completed a post graduate diploma in Neonatal Intensive Care from Bethlehem University.

In 2013 Jihad was asked to join Augusta Victoria Hospital again as an assistant nursing director. Within months, he was promoted to be the Nursing Director and was put in charge of streamlining the nursing processes at the hospital. At the same time he completed an MA degree in Health Policies and Management from Al-Quds University. This gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge about management, health policies and nursing.

The hospital is now expanding into a second Augusta Victoria Hospital that will focus on hospice and palliative care. Around 100 nurses need to be hired and trained for their specific jobs; a daunting task that Jihad is taking on. Bethlehem University has shaped him, Jihad says. “Not only

as a nurse but also as a person.” Another big influence on his career was Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, the former director of Augusta Victoria Hospital who passed away in May 2015. “He taught me that passion and thoughtfulness should go together, especially in our profession where people’s health is in our hands”.

Jihad gives back to Bethlehem University; he started working with the Nursing and Health Sciences Faculty in 2009, and has been training nursing students in the practical application of medical theory in nursing labs and the hospital environment.

GRADUATE PROFILE

Jihad Khair ‘05

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REGENT PROFILE

ProfessorBart McGettrick

Professor Bart McGettrick from Glasgow, Scotland, is the current chair of the Board of Regents. Originally a teacher of Geography, he is now a Professor of Christian Education. He became Principal of St Andrews College for Teacher Education in Scotland from 1985 to 1999, and first Dean of the Faculty of Education at Glasgow University in 1999. He is now Dean of Education and Professor of Educational Development at Liverpool Hope University.

Professor McGettrick has widespread international experience and, as Regent of Bethlehem University, he is heavily involved in Christian Education in the Holy Land. He also works in India, Lithuania, and with the First Nations in Canada.

“Education is about transforming the heart”, he says, and Bethlehem University “is a particularly strong example of transformation”. The University is often called an ‘oasis of

peace’ and Professor McGettrick agrees with that description. At Bethlehem University there is a safe environment for students to develop their talents and meet people different from themselves: crucial for deeper understanding between the different Palestinian communities as well as for building Palestinian society. Bethlehem University’s mission of serving the Palestinian people is close to his heart. “Education is about the common good, it is about constant development, gaining knowledge and wisdom which benefits our societies.”

Professor McGettrick’s mission as Chair of the Board of Regents is focused mainly on the governance of Bethlehem University. However, as a professor of education he is also interested in the academic quality of the university and is passionate about the development of sound research and teaching. “The survival of Bethlehem University over the past 40 years is a miracle” he says. “But the vision of the founders is still relevant and still a shining beacon.”

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Palestine’s natural environment is very diverse and whoever hikes into the wilderness finds great beauty; exquisite flowers, beautiful butterflies and fascinating wildlife. It is not uncommon to see an ibex trekking through the hills.

Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh is an enthusiastic

Professor of Cytogenetics in the Biology Department and has always had a passion for the natural world and the promotion of responsible human interactions with our environment. In 2014, Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh opened the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) atBethlehem University.

The Palestine Museum of NaturalHistory at Bethlehem University

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YouTube video

The pond that has been created in the garden of the museum.

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In order to make the mission of promoting responsible human interaction a reality, the museum explores the diversity of the fauna, flora, and human ethnography of Palestine via collections and scientific research that includes morphology – the study of the form and structure of organisms – and genetics.

There are dynamic and experimental exhibits being built in the museum, such as a small exhibition on scorpions, butterflies and fossils. The museum also has a special interest in permaculture and aquaculture as well as recycling. The land around the museum has been cultivated

into a garden that exists of an integrated ecosystem of indigenous Palestinian animals and plants. The museum has also installed a pond to develop an aquaculture environment for different flora and fauna that naturally live in and around water.

The museum also welcomes school visits on its site; last year 2000 children visited. Several programs are offered to encourage children to develop critical thinking, love of the environment, and appreciation for biodiversity. The museum also has a traveling exhibit that it takes to schools to teach students about Palestine’s rich environment and culture.

Research is also an important component of the museum. Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh has published extensively on the natural world, especially with regards to cytogenetics, and there are several ongoing research projects at the museum on topics ranging from the chromosome studies of bats to studying camel spiders in Palestine and orchids that can be found in the wild.

The museum has ambitious plans for the future which include the development of a botanical garden with a greenhouse, the development of research departments, and developing interactive exhibits. These programs would create a necessary space to educate the community and conserve the unique natural world of Palestine.

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Research and the Future of Bethlehem UniversityProf. Jamil Khader, Dean of Research

UNIVERSITY MATTERS

Vice Chancellor Peter Bray often emphasizes Bethlehem University’s mission to serve the Palestinian people. He has stressed the importance of a vibrant culture of excellence in research at the university as instrumental in accomplishing this mission in a very competitive education market today.

Research, according to global university rankings, is one of the most important objective measures of a university’s quality, prestige, and standing in the world. Four out of the eight indicators that the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) uses to rank the top 1000 universities in the world have to do with research. Unfortunately, the majority of universities in the Arab world, including Palestine, did not make the cut in the world’s top 1000 universities.

These rankings should not discourage us, but should be used as an opportunity or a “learning moment” for developing Bethlehem University’s international reputation as a leading research institution.

Despite years of policies of underdevelopment of the higher education system in Palestine, the socio-political realities, in which we teach, learn, and do research, can provide faculty and staff with opportunities for growth and development against the odds.

Indeed, Palestinian researchers have a rare opportunity to distinguish themselves under conditions of unpredictability and dwindling resources and create a culture of excellence in research in all fields and disciplines. This is not an impossible dream, but a feasible and realistic feat.

This work begins with recognizing and celebrating all the cutting-edge research that is done at BU. It is important, therefore,

to raise and increase the visibility of this research in the community. Through various events and publications, the Office of the Dean of Research has tried to put faculty members and their research at the center of academic and intellectual life at BU, highlighting their accomplishments and celebrating their success stories in scholarship, research, and teaching.

Moreover, the Office of the Dean of Research has been working on consolidating the infrastructure needed for the development of a vibrant culture of excellence in sustainable research across the university and establishing new ways to increase its growth. Part of that development means supporting the research and scholarship of faculty and staff through Internal Research Grants.

More importantly, we have also been offering faculty and staff training and professional development workshops on research methodologies and best international practices in writing for publication.

At this point in the history of Bethlehem University, we cannot underestimate the challenge of rebranding the University as a leading research institution in Palestine, the region and the world. This requires that we make it possible for faculty and staff to conduct sustainable research according to sound disciplinary and interdisciplinary methodologies, in compliance with internationally-accepted standards. This also entails creating opportunities for developing a reflexive attitude about the nature of the research process and adapting alternative research methodologies that are more relevant and appropriate to the critical study of Palestinian society.

It is not an easy journey, but with the help of BU’s alumni and friends we can make this dream a reality.

If you have not done so, we invite you to visit the DOR

website and get a sense of all the work we have

been doing to support and promote a vibrant research

culture at BU.

18

Thank YouFor Your Generosity$100,000+Signum Fidei

Bethlehem University FoundationThe Breast Cancer Research FoundationChristian Brothers ConferenceUS Agency for International Development

$50,000+ Founders’ Club

American EmbassyAnonymousAssociation en faveur de la Bethlehem UniversityEOHSJ - USA Western LieutenancyFundacion Promocion Social de la Cultura - MadridGerman Association of the Holy LandKatholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe MISEREOR e.VUniversity of WashingtonWayne State University

$25,000+ Trustees’ Club

Sheikh Fayysal Al AdhamSheikh Walid A. AttiehBelgian Technical CooperationChristian Brothers Community - Bethlehem UniversityFriends of Bethlehem University in England and UKMrs. Suad Husseini JuffaliMax Planck InstituteMinistry of Education & Higher EducationOXFAM GBPontifical Mission for PalestineProf. and Mrs. Mazin B. QumsiyehSalvatorian SistersSchmidt Family Foundation

$10,000+ Chairman’s Club

Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund

Caritas Aotearoa New ZealandCaritas Veritatis FoundationCNEWAConstruction Products Holding Company – Sheikh Eng. Mu’taz Al SawwafEOHSJ - England and Wales LieutenancyEOHSJ - Grand MagisteriumFidelity Charitable Gift FundHoly Land Christians SocietyIntradeco Apparel Inc.Koch FoundationKonrad Adenauer Stiftung E.V.Mr. and Mrs. Peter McLeodMr. and Mrs. Cliff Mensing, In Memory of Mary Purack Religious of Christian Education Mr. and Mrs. Vincent ShawMr. Jose Eduardo SimanTelemachus FoundationUnited Holy Land FundVikesWorld Vision Jerusalem West Bank Gaza

$5,000+Chancellor’s Club

Charles Foundation Charitable TrustMr. James L. and Dr. Hildegard CharlesDe La Salle Brothers GeneralateDe La Salle Brothers of the Christian Schools, DENA DistrictDr. Walter EitelEOHSJ - USA North Central LieutenancyEOHSJ- German LieutenancyMr. and Mrs. John GriffinBrother William Mann, FSCMunib R. Masri Development FoundationNationwide Marketing Group LLC Operating AccountHis Eminence Edwin F. O’BrienPalTel Group FoundationMr. Nader J. Qumsieh BU’80Mr. Tony Saca and Mrs. Ilham SacaShubanu Bethlehem e.V.Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of JerusalemFrau Dr. Maria Elisabeth Velten-BockWhirlpool Corporation

$1,000+Vice Chancellor’s Club

Mr. Said S. Abu ZahraActionaid AustraliaSheikh Dr. Is’haq Al SahsahAl-Zaytoonah Society for Youth DevelopmentAnonymous (3)Assumptionist FathersMr. and Mrs. William BeanProf. Simon BenningaDr. Laszlo BirliMr. and Mrs. Joseph F. BoyleBrothers of the Christian Schools, Turon CommunityCatholic MissionMr. and Mrs. Glenn M. CreamerMrs. Tamara DabdoubDavid Daily Charitable TrustDr. and Mrs. Jared H. DornEOHSJ - Australia, Queensland LieutenancyWilliam Guy Evans, Jr., KC*HSCol. Richard Flahavan, KC*HSMarjane and Jim FraneFriends of the Holy Land - PalestineMr. and Mrs. Gregory HamerMrs. Paula HarrisJerusalem Center for Near Eastern StudiesMr. and Mrs. Anthony JohnsonMr. Nils and Mrs. Josephine KamsvaagMr. and Mrs. Les W. KirkLatin Patriarchate SchoolMr. and Mrs. Frank Litecky, In Memory of Brother Cyril Bernard Litecky, FSCMr. Hani MahshiMatthews-Sullivan FundMr. and Mrs. Pat McCarthyDr. Thomas and Mrs. Sally McGovernBrother Rodolfo Meoli, FSCDon and Ione MinoreMr. Anton NajjarMr. Berthold OrschlerOrthodox Cultural & Educational Center - Father Yousef HodaliPCDCMr. and Mrs. Imad I. QasimMr. and Mrs. Makram QumsiehLois Harr and John ReillyRonald and Peg Riesmeyer

19

1 March 2015 – 31 August 2015

Mr. and Mrs. Peter RyanSaint Agnes ChurchSaint Michael’s College Primary CampusSt. Patrick’s Cathedral of AucklandSiParadigm Diagnostic Informatics Inc.Mr. Hans M. StockmeierSuore Missionare Della CaritaTree of Life Educational Fund, Inc.Rev. Raymond Webb, AFSCMr. and Mrs. Robert L. WeisnerWells Fargo Bank, N.A.

$500+Special Friends

Mr. John AlexandraAl-Zaka CommitteeAnonymous (2) Mrs. Marlen M. Bandak BU’90Mr. and Mrs. Jim BarmettlerMrs. Jane A. Borst, In Memory of Lawrence B. BorstJohn and Christine BrownMsgr. Paul A. ByrnesMs. Rebecca CalaorRev. Joseph P. CallipareJack and Yvette ConnellDe La Salle College - MaltaRev. Martin DixonEphpheta Paul VI InstituteExxonMobil FoundationFrere Alumni AssociationMike GiacamanSusie and Jacob ImamDan and Tess JarquioDiana and Andrew JezyckiMs. Mary J. I. Juha BU’00The Hon. Justice Francois KuncFather Thomas LawnCol. John Linsenmeyer, KCHSFather Russ McDougall, In Memory of Brother Cyril Bernard Litecky, FSCMr. and Mrs. John MonaghanOrthodox National Charitable SocietyRev. Dr. Sue ParfittMr. Stephen and Georgina PearceMr. and Mrs. Leo N. Pohl, In Honor of Sr. Kari PohlSir Richard L. Purdon, KGCHS and Lady Susan A. Purdon, LGCHSMr. and Mrs. Robert Rogers

Mr. Jamal A. Sa’dSaint Brigid’s ParishLieutenant John Secker, KGCHSRev. Bruce M. ShipmanBrian and Betty Singer-TownsThomas J. and Mary E. Eyerman FoundationMr. and Mrs. Alex T. Trotter-GoetzeMs. Debra Van PoolenDr. Elaine WainwrightWestmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ

$100+ Century Club

George and Polla AbedJohn and Lucille AbrahamDr. and Mrs. Samir Abu-GhazalehMrs. Margaret Adams, In Honor of Charlene Shoen Father Nerwan Al-BannaAnonymous (8)Dr. Jacob S. ArajArellano FamilyAssociation of Sri Lankan CatholicsKathleen and George AustinSir Ross and Lady Janet Bacica, KC*HSRev. Joseph W. BandenMr. and Mrs. Nader BarakatProf. Katja BaurSister Antonia BlakeJim and Donna BoozerMr. Craig BorchardtMr. Henry BromelkampJoanne and Charlie BrownMs. Elizabeth BuchelMr. and Mrs. Paul Chester BushMr. and Mrs. Moira ButlerMr. and Mrs. John ButterfieldMr. Sam CaldwellMrs. Carole A. Cannon, DCHSMrs. Catherine CareyCaritas JerusalemBrother Robert Carnaghi, FSCMs. Susan M. CastellanMrs. Deanna CattellSister Maria Consuelo Celis, SPCCenacle Sisters Trust BoardSuzanne Ching, In Honor of Ibrahim Dawadh

Christ the King ParishChristian Brothers Saint Patrick CommunityRev. Msgr. Joseph A. CiampaglioCharles F. Clifford, KHSMr. and Mrs. James Coady, Ph.D.Anthony F. ColaoMr. George ComissoThe Honorable Geoffrey S. Connor, Esq.Ms. Marcia A. CorcoranPeter and Deirdri CostelloRobert F. Crawford, M.M.Mrs. Irene CrossanPedro L. Cuellar and Eva R. Cuellar Mr. and Mrs. Robert D’AcquistoMr. G. and Mrs. Elaine DewhurstLady Ann S. Dickson, LCHSHis Excellency Bishop Owen J. DolanThe Domestic & Foreign Missionary SocietyRev. Michael DooleyMr. and Mrs. Patrick DorseyAlbert G. DoumarTom and Karen DowdMr. John Carroll EganRichard and Kathleen EllenbeckerRev. Kail C. Ellis, OSA, Ph.D. Brother Christopher Englert, FSCEOHSJ - Australia, New South Wales LieutenancyMr. Barry and Mrs. Angela FairweatherRev. Joseph P. FallonMary D. FarrellFirstGivingSerry FitzpatrickMs. Kathy M. FlynnFranciscan Service OfficeRev. Francis GallagherDon Luigi GalliMs. Aurora Gonzalez GarciaDr. John C. GreenwoodProf. Mary GreyMsgr. Edmund GriesedieckBrother John Guasconi, FSCBrother Peter Henderson, FSCMrs. Anne R. HerkesMr. Luke HodgkinMrs. Pearl W. HoffmanFather Nicholas Joseph HoogeveenTom and Peggy HowenMr. Frank HughesMr. Kent H. Hughes

20

Ms. Mary HulettBrother Lawrence Humphrey, FSC, In Memory of Brother Cyril Bernard Litecky, FSC Huda and T.E. Jackson, In Memory of Hadiya BitarDr. Arland & Willy JacobsonRev. Felix Just, SJHarry and Ana KatzMr. James E. Keefe, KHSBrother James Kelly, FSCMary Jo KellyMr. and Mrs. Justin KerrWalter and Judith A. Kimbrough, Jr.Ann KohlRev. Owen W. KorteFather Franz KraftRev. Raymond J. Kupke, Ph.D.Ms. Tatia G. LaFormeLatin Patriarchate of JerusalemProf. Joseph LevineRev. Janet LoydArchbishop George J. LucasMr. and Mrs. James Maritz IIIMr. Luca MarmoJohn P. Martin, M.M.Brother Joseph Martin, FSCBrother William Martin, FSCThe Honorable and Mrs. Eugene F. MatthewsMr. Nigel McFarlaneLucy C. McGuirkDaniel Medinger, KHSMr. Christian J. MichenerMsgr. Dennis L. Mikulanis, STD, KCHS Rev. Thomas J. Millane Mr. Benjamin Monastero III Ms. Alice S. Moore Mrs. Maureen Mullally-ClarkeDavid M. MurdochMarguerite Joyce MurphyVery Rev. John Joseph MurrayMrs. Gudrun NassauerFather Kevin NealMr. and Mrs. Maurice D. O’DanielMr. Robert J. OnstineOrthodox University Students FundMr. L.D. O’ShaughnessyMrs. Patsy O’SullivanSir Peter N. and Lady Maria S. PangMrs. Fely Parker

Mr. and Mrs. John PolandPromocion 43-ACatherine QuigleyFrances E. Radencic, To Celebrate Brian Leu’s Graduation Sir and Mrs. Charles B. RadloffJean Raucent, To Celebrate the University and its PeopleBishop Greg and Marti Rickel, To Celebrate a Great Son, Austin RickelCurt and Marybeth RiesDr. Patrick RingMr. and Mrs. David W. RobinsonMs. Gayle L. RuediMr. and Mrs. Louis Jack RuscilliRev. Patrick RushBrother Larry Schatz, FSCRev. and Mrs. Gerald ScherkenbachMsgr. Konrad Schmidt, Ph.D.Mr. David R. Schultze IIDr. Paul SchwachRichard SchweitzerRev. Donald Senior, CPMs. Barbara ShanahanMr. and Mrs. Patrick J. ShepherdMs. Denise ShirleySisters of St. Francis of SylvaniaMr. and Mrs. Chris SitBrother Dominic Smith, FSCJohn and Kathleen SmithMrs. Zita SmithSons of Italy in America Lodge #321 Inc.Ana M. SpitzmesserRev. Paul W. StellarBrother Jerome Sullivan, FSC, In Memory of Brother Cyril Bernard Litecky, FSCMs. Hoong TangDr. Paul E. Teschan, M.D., F.A.C.P.Father Richard TeroMs. Janet ThewMrs. Marjorie ThorntonGeert van DartelKen & Pat VincentLinda WalkerDeacon Robert A. Walker, M.D., KCHS, In Memory of My Beloved Wife and Companion in the Faith Patrice M. WardMr. and Mrs. John Warta and FamilyMr. Michael WesterfieldMrs. Anne M. Wigley

Maria T. Wilms, LHSChristy WiseMs. Johanna L. WorleyProf. Alois Niggli-WüestMrs. May Young

Up to $99Silver Anniversary

Ms. Jina L. Ames, In Honor of James CharlesAnonymous (3)Rev. Bruce BarnesBrother Thomas W. Barton, OSFMr. William BaultBrother Robert Berger, FSCMadeleine D. BetzMr. and Mrs. William BoudetRev. Allen J. BratkowskiBernadette BrownbillMrs. Pauline BurtonMr. and Mrs. David M. CairnsMr. Sam Caldwell Miss Maureen CarrollMr. Murray and Mrs. Karen CarterMrs. Susanne M. CassidyJuan C. CatapangMs. Walda W. Cobain, In Honor of Father Adam FornoMsgr. Charles CooperMr. Raymond CorbyMr. and Mrs. Rodney CoulonMr. William C. Crain IVMr. and Mrs. Paul CrosseyDonna B. CurtissMsgr. John R. DaleMr. Paul DarbyshireMrs. Deborah DarnesMrs. Patricia DeWittMs. Eleanor DwightMs. Sheila M. FergusonMr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Finnegan, Jr.Mrs. Fay FordeMr. and Mrs. Athol ForrestThe Rev. Stan and Jeanne Fowler Deacon Tom and Mrs. Mary Jane FoxMr. and Mrs. Bernard FreemanBrother Michael Fugger, FSCMrs. Maureen GamberDennis and Monica Golden

Thank You For Your Generosity

21

Mr. Lucas GoodmanMrs. Anastasia GreeneMr. and Mrs. Paul B. GrunMary Ann F. HaywardDr. Annette HerskovitsMlle Frigga HiardMrs. Patricia HoarePat and Zaida HoggardMrs. Esme HughesMr. and Mrs. Gene IannottiMr. and Mrs. Ronald IngramBrother Michael Kadow, FSCRev. James J. Kane Adele KasinskasMr. and Mrs. Michael KeleherDr. David H. KellyRev. James P. KieselMs. Mary LaneBrother James Loxham, FSCMrs. Sheila M.M. Lupton, In Memory of Richard LuptonMrs. Joan LynchMr. and Mrs. William J. LynchMs. Maureen MaloneMrs. Venancia MashianeJim and Ann McGillBrother Joel William McGraw, FSC, In

Memory of Brother Vincent Malham, FSCMr. Kevin McGrealMsgr. James W. McLoughlinDes and Marjorie McMahonJohn and Vera McMahonMs. Cecily McNeillMr. and Mrs. Peter MinorMr. and Mrs. James R. MorrisDeacon Roger P. MullaneyDr. Yvonne A. NelsonMs. Daisy G. NevesJoseph NixMr. and Mrs. Russell NorrisMiss Rona K. ObertMr. and Mrs. Maurice O’ConnellCarolyn Osiek, RSCJBrother Leonardus Paauw, FSCMr. David ParkerMrs. Eileen PearceMr. Gustave PortenersMr. and Mrs. D.W. PryorMr. Phil PusateriMr. Jon RishmawiGeorgiana RitoMr. Stephen RoachMrs. Margaret RobertsonMiss Patricia Robertson

Mr. Lawrence M. RzepkaSt. Joseph’s Parish of New PlymouthMost Rev. Joseph M. SartorisMr. and Mrs. Mike SaxeMr. P. ScahillMsgr. Francis X. SchmidtMr. John ScottMr. and Mrs. Richard J. SiegelSister Marie SkidmoreMrs. Margaret SnowdenMr. and Mrs. Edwin StenardMs. Sandra J. SteratoreLaura J. SterlingMrs. Gill TebbsMr. Peter TitelmanMr. and Mrs. Michael TosoMr. Richard E. UllrichMrs. Marilyn K. VierraLady Carol Ann Walton, LGCHSMr. and Mrs. Richard WardMr. Edwin WeberMs. Pat Westwater-Jong, In Honor of Mazin QumsiyehWilliam and Barbara WilkinsonMr. Warren W. WolsMr. Manuel S. YbarraMr. Johannes Zang

1 March 2015 – 31 August 2015

22

01A group of

professors,

religious

members from

the Catholic

University of

the Sacred

Heart in Milan.

02An Austrian

group led by

Msgr. Ludger

Bornemann.

03Fr. Donald

Senior from

the Catholic

Theological

Union leads

a group to

Bethlehem

University.

04Representative

of the Japanese

International

Cooperation

Agency,

Ms. Yuko

Mitsui, visited

Bethlehem

University and

met with Br.

Stephen Tuohy.

05Ms. Sabina

Gebauer from

Gesellschaft für

Internationale

Zusammenarbeit

at Bethlehem

University.

06Mr. Alexis

Sfeir, General

Director of

Bethlehem

2000

Foundation

from Chile.

Vis

itor

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arch

201

5 –

Augu

st 2

015

01 04

0502

03 06

23

08 Sr. Bernadette

Mary Lynch

leads a group

from the Ecce

Homo Biblical

program.

07First

Presbyterian

Church from

Boulder,

Colorado led

by Dr. Carl

Hoffman.

09A group from

Tantur enjoys

lunch with

students.

10 Fr. Tom Smith

with a group

from St. George

Catholic

Church in the

U.K.

11 Bishops from

the Holy Land

Coordination.

07

08

09

10

11

12

12 Mr. Joris van

Voorst, the

director of the

Dutch Church in

Need and group

members are

welcomed by

Communications

Officer

Annerieke

Willemze,

herself from the

Netherlands. Vis

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17Visitors from

the Italian

Catholic

University on

Bethlehem

Hall’s Rooftop.

15Fr. Pollman’s

group from

Germany

enjoyed a

lovely dining

experience at

the Institute

of Hotel

Management

of Bethlehem

University.

18A member

from Dr. Gail

Greenwell’s

group enjoys

a “hookah”

at a local

restaurant,

Bethlehem

University

students joined

the group for

lunch at the

establishment.

16Lieutenant John

Secker and

members of the

Knights of the

Holy Sepulcher

of Jerusalem

– Australia

visited

Bethlehem

University.

15

16

18

17

13

14

13 Vice Chancellor

Br. Peter Bray

and Vice

President of

Development

Br. Stephen

Tuohy with

Fr. Felix Just’s

group.

14 Archbishop

of Montreal

Christian

Lépine and

several

members of the

Knights of the

Holy Sepulchre

– Canada.

Vis

itor

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19Dr. Dennis

Warner listens

to student

Shaden Shaer

during a

meeting.

20Dr. Stephen

J. Binz visited

Bethlehem

University

with a pilgrim

group to

meet students

and faculty

members.

21All the way

from the

Philippines,

the La Salle

Green Hills

students and

faculty pose for

a photo with

Br. Mark and

Br. Joe at the

Chapel of the

Divine Child.

19

20

21

23 Students and

faculty from

Antwerp

University in

Belgium pose

for a photo

with Bethlehem

University

students at

the rooftop of

Bethlehem Hall.

22Members from

the Tantur

international

group enjoy

lunch in the

Institute

of Hotel

Management

at Bethlehem

University.

24A guest from

the Marist

Brothers group

from Australia

poses for a

photo with

students at the

entrance of the

Chapel of the

Divine Child.

23

24

22

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26

30A group from

Australia, led

by Fr. Martin

Dixon in the

Chapel.

30

2825

29

27

26

25 The visitors

of the Turkish

Cooperation

and

Coordination

Agency pose

for a photo at

the Bethlehem

Hall rooftop.

26 Ms. Anna

Robertson from

Caritas New

Zealand and

Ms. Shahinda

Nassar,

Development

Officer.

27 Australian

Catholic

teachers visit

campus and

have lunch

with students

in a restaurant

in Bethlehem.

28 The Archbishp

of Cologne

visits campus

and meets with

students and

Br. Peter Bray.

29 German

Development

Volunteer Toni

Mayer explains

the history

of the Chapel

to Prof. Dr.

Katja Baur and

Dr. Wolfgang

Baur who led

a German

Biblical group

to Bethlehem

University. Vis

itor

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32A group from

the Diocese of

Springfield,

TX, visited

Bethlehem

University for

an encounter

with students.

33The choir from

the Södra

Vätterbygdens

Folkhögskola

(SVF), a high

school located

in the town

Jönköping,

Sweden

performed at

the Chapel.

31Ms. Barbara

Shanahan

along with a

group from

the Catholic

Biblical studies

program, many

from New York,

visited the

University on a

quiet Saturday.

34A group from

St. Elizabeth

Ann Seton

Catholic

Church led

a group to

Bethlehem

University for

a meeting with

students.

35Grand Mufti

of Palestine

Sheikh

Mohammad

Hussein with

Isaac Sahhar,

Assistant Vice

President for

Advancement.

36Br. Peter

Bray meets

the Indian

Representative

to Palestine.

31 34

3633

32

35

Vis

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28

Giving to Bethlehem UniversityGifts from the local and international communities can be made via check to ‘Bethlehem University; or by bank transfer. For more information, please contact:

Advancement OfficePO Box 11407 – 92248 Jerusalem Tel: +972 2 274 1242 Fax: +972 2 274 4400sfarha@bethlehem.edu

Bethlehem University Foundation Gifts from the United States can be made via check to: ‘Bethlehem University Foundation’ – a tax deductible non-profit eligible for employer matching gifts. (Tax ID 22-3600739) For more information, please contact:

Bethlehem University FoundationP.O. Box 355Beltsville, MD 20704-0355dc@bethlehem.edu

To keep hope, faith, and the dreams of so many young people in Palestine alive, please consider making an immediate difference with an online contribution to Bethlehem University. Visit www.bethlehem.edu/donate/online to make a convenient and fast online donation.

Scan the QR codes in the magazine using a QR code reader application on your smart phone.