March 02 , 2009

new vice chancellor inaugurated

Brother Peter Bray receives the vice chancellor's medallion

By Wala’ Al Bakri (BU ’10)

Bethlehem University officially welcomed Brother Peter Bray as the eighth Vice Chancellor in a ceremony on Thursday, 19 February 2009.  During the two-hour academic convocation, which was held in the University auditorium where faculty, staff and honored guests gathered and  also broadcast live to students in the main cafeteria, Brother Peter and other speakers spoke about aspects of education and global connections. 

Brother Peter comes to Bethlehem University from his native New Zealand.  He was born in the North island of New Zealand and has more than 30 years of leadership in education as a teacher in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Asia and Europe.

Brother Peter highlighted the similarities between the Maori people of New Zealand and Palestinians, noting that both small countries have similar populations and powerful ties to the land.  

“I come with greetings from the people of the land of Aotearoa New Zealand,” he said, speaking from memory in the middle of the stage as he delivered his heartfelt address to the assembly. “The Maori people had a big influence on me. As a result, like the Maori people, I identify myself by my mountain and by my river. So I come from a place where Mt Taranaki is my mountain and Waitara is my river.”

Later, Brother Peter presented a Maori War Club to Bethlehem University.  Attached to it, he’d added a feather from a dove in the Holy Land as a symbol of peace and solidarity between the two countries.

“As I begin my time here at Bethlehem University,” continued Brother Peter.  “I ask you to pray that God will give us the wisdom and courage we will all need to hold onto a hope that will sustain us, to seek after ever better ways to serve the Palestinian people, to support one another in our efforts, and to build here in Bethlehem University a place where people learn, a place where people take responsibility for what they choose to do, a place where people are respected, cared for, challenged and enabled to grow.”

His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine and Chancellor of Bethlehem University, announced Brother Peter Bray as the new Vice Chancellor of the University: “God give him wisdom to be able to help in the service of society.”   

Archbishop Francob and Mr. Fuad Kattan, Chair of the Board of Trustees, then presented Brother Peter with the Vice Chancellor’s medallion.

Brother Robert Smith had served as the Interim Vice Chancellor as well as the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the past 13 months, following the death of Brother Daniel Casey, the former Vice Chancellor who died of cancer on 30 July 2008.

“As Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University Brother Peter Bray now assumes the responsibility to lead, direct and implement our mission statement of Bethlehem University,” commented Brother Robert.

The inauguration ceremony also included remarks from representatives of the student council and faculty. “We are honored to welcome Brother Peter Bray as the New Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, where we share respect and faith,” commented Mr. Rizek Sleibi, Dean, Faculty of Education.

Mr. Fuad Kattan, Chair, Board of Trustees congratulated Brother Peter as the new leader of Bethlehem University: “The Board of Trustees and I have no doubt you will not let them down and are looking forward under your leadership and are all looking forward under your leadership, Bethlehem University will be guided through the challenges and opportunities that will not only shape its future but also preserve and build upon its traditions,” he said.

Firas Abu Sneneh, President of the Student Council said: “As Student Council, we will help the faculty to increase the level of education at the university.”

Brother Peter Bray thanked the assembled delegates, staff, faculty and students and accepted his new position as the new Vice Chancellor.  He said he hopes for success and plans to continue the fight against injustice. “I have come to stand with you, to walk with you, to share something your life, to serve you, to learn from you what it means for you to be people of the land here in Palestine where you suffer so much in being able to simply live in justice and peace.”

Click here to read the speech of Br. Peter Bray, FSC, Ed.D