New Computer Major Inaugurated in Cooperation with Leading Cellular Phone Company

Dr. Salim Zoughbi, Head of the new Computer program

On February 23, 2005, the Faculty of Science inaugurated a new major in Computer Information Systems. The Mathematics Department organized and hosted the event. In attendance were Hisham Kuhail, Assistant Deputy Minister for Higher Education; Dr. Labib Arafeh, Director of Programs in the Ministry of Higher Education, and Hanna Nasser, Mayor of Bethlehem and Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, in addition to students of the new Major and guests from the various Palestinian universities. Jawwal Company, sponsor of the event, was represented by Hakam Kanafani, CEO. Jawwal is the leading cellular telephone company in Palestine. The event started with the Palestinian national anthem.

Brother Vincent Malham, President-Vice Chancellor, welcomed the guests, and spoke about the new Major in the context of the Strategic Plan of Bethlehem University. Brother David Scarpa, Dean of the Faculty of Science, spoke about the importance of the new Major in the development of Palestinian society. Hisham Kuhail, Assistant Deputy Minister for Higher Education, addressed the students of the new Major, and he highlighted the importance of technology in their lives and in the development of Palestinian society. Hakam Kanafani, Jawwal CEO, announced that his Company will give scholarships to students in the new Major for three consecutive years. Dr. Saleem Zougbi, Coordinator of the Program, spoke about the unique aspects of this new initiative, and he added that the strategy is to complement other programs that exist in Palestinian universities.

Hakam Kanafani, Jawwal CEO

Hisham Kuhail, Deputy Minister for Higher Education Education

Dr. Haifa Kuncar with Computer students

The audience in Furno Hall