Spring Semester Begins at Bethlehem University

21 January, 2008

All Bethlehem University staff and faculty gathered in Furno Hall Friday the 18th to prepare for the coming spring semester.

Held on the last day before the school semester began, Brother Peter Iorlano, Coordinator of Institutional Values, opened the meeting with a prayer about love intended to guide the faculty and staff in their relations with their colleagues and students. He also reminded the teachers that, according to John Baptist de la Salle, the founder of the Christian Brothers, it is the responsibility of each teacher to show the students how to live good, moral lives “that contribute to building the world as they believed God intended it to be: a family of brothers and sisters; a community of justice and peace”.

Dr. Irene Hazou, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, informed the faculty and staff about the great progress that has been made regarding academic programs, student and faculty exchanges, and international relations. Moreover, Mr. Sami El Yousef, Vice President for Finances and Planning, updated those present about the financial situation of the university. The acting Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University Brother Robert Smith, thanked the staff and faculty for their enormous efforts made during the fall semester and then introduced new faculty. “I know that you are all working hard and I thank you for your commitment in serving those young students”, Brother Robert said.

During the reception, faculty and staff expressed their excitement at beginning a new semester, noting the many new experiences that lay ahead.

Today, Monday the 21 st , students are back on campus to attend the first lectures of the spring semester.

We wish our staff, faculty and students a successful and fruitful semester.