Bethlehem University, through the Brother Vincent Malham Center (BVMC) for Teaching Arabic to Foreigners, celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of international students on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, marking the completion of their studies in the Summer 2024/2025 semester.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ms. Hanadi Younan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, faculty members, and students. The event was organized by Ms. Nadia Bani Shamsa, Director of the Center.
In her remarks, Ms. Younan commended the students’ efforts and expressed her joy at seeing them successfully complete their studies at the BVMC. Prof. Saca praised the commitment of the international students and thanked them for choosing Bethlehem University’s distinguished Arabic language program, noting that their trust in the University enriches its global academic community.
The graduating students, in turn, expressed their gratitude for the high quality of teaching and the professionalism of the instructors, emphasizing their pride in being part of the Bethlehem University family. Several students introduced themselves in Arabic, sharing their happiness and sense of achievement in completing the program.
Among the graduates were three nuns from the Institute of the Incarnate Word in Jordan, who praised the program and offered a moving hymn to Mary. Other students also presented reflections in Arabic, thanking their teachers and sharing their experiences of studying in Bethlehem, highlighting their love for the Arabic language and Palestinian culture.
As part of the celebration, Ms. Bani Shamsa presented films documenting the students’ activities throughout the semester and showcasing the Center’s achievements in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates, followed by a celebratory lunch featuring traditional Palestinian dishes, kunafa, and Arabic coffee; providing students with one final cultural experience before their return home.
Bethlehem University congratulates all graduates of the Brother Vincent Malham Center and wishes them continued success as ambassadors of the Arabic language and culture around the world.
