The Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice
Christian Brothers University
January 28, 2004
Brother Vincent Malham, F.S.C.
Centered in the City of Our Savior's Birth, Bethlehem University is an island of learning, compassion and spiritual and educational dedication. Sadly, in our modern and often complex world, this historical and sacred city is also a center of upheaval and violence.
The Brothers of the Christian Schools are blessed to have a teacher and a leader of the caliber of Brother Vincent Malham to guide and care for this special university in this most challenging place and time.
As president of Bethlehem University, Brother Vincent must take on the many responsibilities of his position in a manner that few other university leaders experience. On any given morning, the quiet of a classroom can be jolted by gunfire, mortar blasts and terror.
Last year, when tensions resulted in an inner city assault by Israeli forces, Bethlehem University was in the center of a war, invaded and wounded, but it prevailed to stay true to the Lasallian mission and ideals.
Brother Vincent, you are the inspiration, the breath, the spirit of Bethlehem University, and as you yourself have said, you are “standing firm in our commitment to keep the University open and to serve young people of this country, preparing them to help forge a country that someday will be theirs.”
Even now more than 550 students in this most difficult of economic and political situations are able to be part of the Catholic, Lasallian education tradition, regardless of race, creed, or religion. They know that education is the key.
Brother Vincent, although you have been guiding Bethlehem University since 1998, you have been sharing your knowledge and musical talent with many grateful audiences for many years. You are recognized for your work and scholarship in music education and choral conducting. You are widely admired for your work here at CBU, where you initiated the music program in 1973 and continued to direct it for many years.
Your life and work reflects the true Lasallian spirit, as a teacher of English, religious studies, and music to high school and college students. You served as Provincial General of the St. Louis Province of the Christian Brothers, as a member of the Christian Brothers University Board of Trustees, and have been keenly involved in the formation of Brothers.
Brother Vincent, you are a renaissance man dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students who face danger and strife but who hope for a better future. For your efforts as a leader, shepherd, innovator and warrior for peace, Christian Brothers University presents to you with great appreciation the 2004 Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice. God Bless You.
