May 13, 2004. Father Bernard Lee, Assistant Vice Chancellor of St. Mary's University, St. Antonio, Texas, a priest of the Society of St. Mary, is conducting the external academic review for the Humanities Department at Bethlehem University.

Father Bernard has reviewed the Humanities Department self-study prepared as part of the on-going Strategic Planning process, is attending classes, and is meeting with the faculty and students of the Humanities Department. He will be providing his feedback with the aim of helping the Humanities Department understand itself and plan for the future. Father Bernard will meet with the Bethlehem University Executive Council at the conclusion of his visit. Upon his return home he will prepare a detailed written review, based on his observations and after listening to the faculty and students.

During his visit to Bethlehem University, Father Bernard Lee has been living with the Brothers community whose hospitably he described as “extraordinary.” Father Bernard commented on his visit to Bethlehem University by saying: “What an extraordinary Christian presence this is in Palestine. This is the only Catholic University in the Middle East. How important this University is to Palestinians and what a contribution it makes to young people's lives, both Christian and Moslem. I am really touched by the kind of interaction that goes on between students and teachers in the classes that I have attended, and I think this is very healthy. In the best of times it is difficult here. So it is very important that students have the chance to talk with faculty and adults and to feel understood, to voice their opinions, and to feel appreciated. I have seen a lot of that.”