Bethlehem University in the Holy Land: New Vice Chancellor Announced

(29 September 2008- Bethlehem-Palestine)
His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, and Chancellor of Bethlehem University, announced today (29 September 2008) that upon the nomination of the De La Salle Christian Brother Superior General, Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, FSC, the Holy See has appointed Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD, as 8th Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land.   

“Bethlehem University is a unique and important oasis in a troubled land – a place where people experience justice, peace, and joy as they make meaning in their lives and build up the Palestinian society,” said Brother Peter, reflecting on his appointment as Vice Chancellor and recalling his Christmas 2007 visit to Bethlehem. “I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues at Bethlehem University and the other Palestinian universities, as well as the many friends and benefactors of Bethlehem University as together we face the daunting challenges before us.  I realize that I am not alone in leadership and am confident that we will stay on the journey together in solidarity with one another.”

Brother Peter, a native of New Zealand, holds a doctorate in education from the University of San Diego, USA, and comes to Bethlehem University with more than 30 years of educational leadership experience from primary school to graduate degree programs, having served for the past seven years as the Director and CEO of the Wellington Catholic Educational Centre, New Zealand. 

“As we commemorate this 35th anniversary of Bethlehem University, on behalf of the entire university community, I want to express my gratitude to Brother Robert Smith, FSC, PhD, who, in addition to fulfilling the duties of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, has also served for the past 9 months as the Interim Vice Chancellor,” said Archbishop Franco.  Brother Daniel Casey, FSC, the former Vice Chancellor who died on 30 July 2008, left the university in January 2008 to receive treatment for a recurrence of cancer.   

“We are eager and excited to welcome Brother Peter, an internationally recognized educational leader, teacher, and administrator,” said Brother Robert.  “I am delighted that Brother Peter will soon be joining our university community. He is very positive and hopeful about the opportunity to serve the Palestinian people and the educational community of Bethlehem University.”