MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT-VICE CHANCELLOR

Dear Friends,

As I watched 310 radiant graduates walk across the Auditorium stage to receive their diplomas this past November 3rd, I felt inexpressible joy for these young people, for their parents and families and for the entire Bethlehem University family. Delayed almost four months due to occupation and curfew, this public ceremony, culmination of a long, arduous and seemingly insurmountable odyssey, would not be denied these courageous young people and their courageous teachers. They had persevered to the end and were receiving their just reward. And once again Bethlehem University had delivered a promise!

How grateful we are at the time of this writing - so unlike the past two years - to be able to continue university life: to be conducting classes, teaching, learning, running student activities, planning for the future, however unknown that future may be.

As you can readily see in reading this issue of Bethlehem University News, we are happily engaged and productive. What was originally conceived as a contingency measure in our Strategic Plan to meet the hazard of the Israeli threat (“Managing and Designing Instructional Changes in an Uncertain Time”) has now become a “New Approach” to Teaching and Learning and can be, it is hoped, a major contribution to the future of the University and of Palestine. Exciting new projects are in the making, some of our teachers are receiving well-earned recognitions, selected students have once again been able to travel abroad for enrichment opportunities, cultural events are adding zest to campus life, and friends and visitors are resuming visits to the University, bringing personal, moral and financial support and encouragement.

In this issue we remember with loving gratitude two special persons, Msgr. Herbert Michel, one of the University's Founders, Regent, Benefactor and Friend, and Mr. Tarik Daoud, talented and creative Director of the Computer Center, whose untimely deaths are still mourned. RIP.

And finally, dear readers, we acknowledge with deep appreciation the gracious support of so many of you who continue to believe in and contribute to our work. With renewed hope during this holy Christmas season we wish you, from His birthplace and in His name, abundant blessings of Peace, Joy and Goodwill.

Brother Vincent in London and Washington

President-Vice Chancellor Brother Vincent Malham spent several days in London in early December attending various functions on behalf of the University. On December 6th, he spoke at the Investiture Vigil Service of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre (Lieutenancy of England and Wales) and attended the Chapter Meeting and Investiture Ceremony the following day. He helped launch an exhibition at the School of Oriental and Asian Studies on Sunday, December 8th. On Monday evening, December 9th, a reception for Brother Vincent organized by the Friends of Bethlehem University in England and hosted by Dr. Wesley Carr, Dean of Westminster Abbey, was held in the Jerusalem Chamber, Westminster Abbey. Other meetings in London, including those with Members of the Equestrian Order and Friends of the University, were organized for Brother Vincent by Sir Robert Benson, University Regent and Friend.

In late October, Brother Vincent participated in the Christian Holy Land Ecumenical Foundation Conference in Washington, DC, and along with Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Nasser and George Ghattas, from the Latin Patriarchate, shared views on the political situation at two meetings on Capitol Hill.

BU News Winter-Spring 2003

• Main Page
• Message From The President-Vice Chancellor
• Academic Life
• Spotlight On Students And Alumni
• A Day Of Triumph In A Year Of Challenge
• Thank You For Your Generosity
• Campus Activities
• Memorials
• Visitors To The University
• Israeli Incursion Brings Bu To A Standstill Again