The Catholic Voice Online Edition

Bethlehem University leader honored by St. Mary’s College

http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/inthisissue8.html
March 7, 2005 VOL. 43, NO. 5 Oakland, CA

Saint Mary’s College of California recently awarded an honorary doctorate in educational leadership to Christian Brother Vincent Malham, vice chancellor at Bethlehem University, and a renowned pianist.

Christian Brother Ronald Gallagher, president of Saint Mary’s, conferred the honor during the school’s annual convocation Feb. 16.

Brother Melham has served for the past eight years at Bethlehem University, the only Catholic University in the Holy Land “during an especially violent and volatile time of military occupation, when on any given day, the quiet of a classrooms could be jolted by gunfire, mortar blasts and terror,” said the Saint Mary’s citation.

Shortly after his arrival in Bethlehem, the new vice chancellor built much-needed additional classrooms and offices.

In addition, he played in benefit concerts to convince supporters around the world of the significance of Bethlehem University. As a result, he raised the funds to build Millennium Hall, as well as an endowment for a new religious studies program.

Throughout his career there, he has been an outspoken critic of suicide bombers and other violent methods of those fighting for the Palestinian cause. He has also called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories.

Brother Ronald Gallagher (right), president of St. Mary’s College, presents an honorary doctor of education degree to Brother Vincent Malham of Bethlehem University during the College’s annual convocation.
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE PHOTO