July 1 , 2009

recognizing success
Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund Celebrates Graduating Scholars

The Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund supported 22 Bethlehem University students in their studies this academic year, and on 19 June 2009, five of those scholarship recipients successfully graduated.

Hiba Bannoura, Khader Sa’dy, Mariam Hazboun, Mira Sheibat and Rula Salman, this year’s graduating Association scholars, were honored on 25 June 2009.

They join the many students educated over the years through the generous support of the Association, a group of diaspora Bethlehemites who have maintained their ties in the area. Dr. Edward Hazbun, of Media, Pennsylvania, is the Fund Chairman.

Dr. Hazbun, who was not able to attend the celebration, requested that Michel Nasser, Bethlehem resident, serve as Association's local representative. Mr. Nasser welcomed celebration attendees and offered his congratulations to the 2009 graduates.  

 “The greatest gift any of us could have received is to have all the people who influenced us here to witness this milestone,” Rula noted.

Brother Cyril also welcomed the graduates and Association scholarship recipients on behalf of Brother Peter Bray, BU’s Vice Chancellor. “We want to appreciate all the work Bethlehem Association has done in cooperation with Bethlehem University over the years,” Brother Cyril said.

It’s a cooperation that produces lasting educational ambitions. Mariam Hazboun, a nursing faculty graduate, will be working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Bethlehem’s Holy Family hospital. She is hoping to continue her studies by pursuing a 2-year specialization in neonatal nursing.