BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD

MONSIGNOR ROBERT FUGLISTER

Monsignor Fuglister, you were already deeply engaged in the work of the Church in Bethlehem when the University came to be established. Both in material assistance and in time and labor you enthusiastically supported the new university foundation with the accumulated experience and the material resources of the Swiss Holy Land Association.

Your uncommon devotion to Bethlehem University has been expressed in many ways, principally and strategically through your Presidency of the Association en Faveur de Bethlehem University. Your effective chairing of twice-yearly ABU meetings insured that pertinent questions be addressed, always in the best interests of the University. During the 1987-1990 closure, it was you who elicited a clear statement from the Vatican that Bethlehem University should be kept going. It was also you, who through the years, kept asking the question as to who was ultimately responsible for the University, given that it wasn’t ABU, thus paving the way for the constitution of the International Board of Regents.

You have also been most effective in supporting various campus projects as specific needs arose. At the time of the construction of the Social and Cultural Center you were instrumental in obtaining a grant from the Swiss Government. A few years ago, through ABU’s financial support, the Computer Lab was re-equipped. And this year, in response to a request for assistance to finance Silver Jubilee activities, you promoted a most generous gift from ABU for the University, as well as personally presenting a proposal in Switzerland for computer and print shop updating.

In addition to the above-mentioned administrative and financial services you have so strategically rendered, Monsignor, perhaps your greatest gift to the University has been your warm fraternal relationship with the Brothers. In your frequent and regular visits to the University through the years you have quite deliberately and sincerely shared your enthusiasm for the importance of Bethlehem University with the Community of Brothers serving here. Your patience, kindness and fraternal spirit have been a source of great encouragement to the Brothers, particularly through difficult and trying times. And your exemplary charity founded in faith has been a source of inspiration to all here at the University to pursue excellence in the spirit of the Gospel.

Monsignor Fuglister, esteemed affiliated Christian Brother, in gratitude for your unswerving loyalty and outstanding contributions to Bethlehem University, it is our distinct pleasure, on the occasion of our 25th Anniversary, to present to you the Bethlehem University Special Service Award.

Chancellor

President

Given at Bethlehem on October 3, 1998