Volume 24 - Issue No.1, 2016-2017
In this issue:
• Student Creative Works • Literature and the Fantastic • Overcoming Educational Obstacles with Technology BETHLEHEM University
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A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR
"From Small Acorns Grow Mighty Oaks" There are no words to describe the feeling of satisfaction and pride that we at Bethlehem University experienced when on June 25-26, 712 students received their diplomas at the 40th Graduation Ceremony of Bethlehem University. This special day marked a conclusion of one of the most important parts of their lives. Now, they begin a new chapter of their journey, one that we hope will be full of success, achievement, satisfaction, and perseverance. I am confident that many of these students will prove to be a testament to the mission of Bethlehem University by assuming leading positions and never wavering in their commitment to serve the Palestinian community in line with the values that have been put before them.
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How incredibly far we have come since Bethlehem University’s foundation in 1973 when 112 ambitious students began their studies at the first registered university in the West Bank. They were dedicated in their pursuit of knowledge in order to help improve the lives of their fellow countrymen and form a solid bedrock upon which their nation could grow and thrive. They left Bethlehem University armed with knowledge, still ambitious, and daring to dream. More than 15,000 students have now followed in their footsteps and graduated from Bethlehem University. Providing such opportunities for our students is our mission here at Bethlehem University, this is why we exist, and this is why we wake up every morning with a smile. Like their predecessors, our new graduates, the 40th group to emerge from Bethlehem University, face their own set of challenges and obstacles, whether due to the constant turmoil and restrictions within the region or the harsh economic realities of today. However, the knowledge they have gained and the skills they have acquired during their time here at Bethlehem University will allow them to meet and overcome these hurdles head on. It truly is difficult to convey the myriad of feelings one goes through when looking upon the faces of our successful graduates, donned in their robes and eager to sail into the future; joy at their success, pride in their achievements, hope for their future, and sadness at their departure. All of Bethlehem University’s faculty and staff work in tandem to ensure that these students receive the education they need and deserve. Whether it is those who work at the administrative offices, or those who directly instruct their students in class; we all contribute something unique to our students and I am deeply grateful to them all. However, it is you - our donors and supporters, our generous friends - who provide us with the resources and support that enable us to do our jobs and provide for the Palestinian community.
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Thank you for your support!
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BETHLEHEM University
Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University.
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Published by the Advancement Office Editorial Committee Mr. Alexander Musleh BU ‘14 Mr. George N. Rishmawi Mr. Isaac Sahhar Br. Stephen Tuohy, FSC
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Contributors Mr. Demitri Awwad Mr. Eric Crossley Br. Robert Deary Ms. Rania Hazboun BU ‘96 Dr. Jamil Khader Ms. Haneen Musleh BU ‘07 Ms. Shahinda Nassar BU ‘05 Mr. John L. Schlageter Br. Dominic Smith, FSC Ms. Annerieke Willemze Mr. Zane Wolfang Ms. Hanadi Younan Design and Printing Creative Ad Design & Print Co. Ltd. www.creative-ad.com
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Electronic address www.bethlehem.edu info@bethlehem.edu Mailing address Bethlehem University Communications Office PO Box 11407 92248 Jerusalem Location address Frères Street #9 Bethlehem, Palestine Bethlehem University Foundation USA
Table of Contents
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News....................................................................... 4
Student Creative Works................................... 14
Going Abroad....................................................... 9
Research: Literature and the Fantastic........ 16
University Matters............................................ 10
Profiles................................................................. 17
Overcoming Educational Obstacles............. 11
Thank you........................................................... 18
Student Scholarships........................................ 12
Visitors................................................................. 21
Mailing address Bethlehem University Foundation P.O. Box 355 Beltsville, MD 20704-0355 BDS@bufusa.org Location address Bethlehem University Foundation 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200 Beltsville, MD 20705 BDS@bufusa.org Cover Photo by: Munjid Kharoufeh (Creative Students at Bethlehem University)
BETHLEHEM University
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NEWS
“An Artful Crack in the Wall” The First International Arts Symposium was held at Bethlehem University 9-16 March, 2016. It was organized by Ms. Samar Ghattas, Lecturer of Arts at Bethlehem University, and Brother Peter Iorlano, Coordinator of Institutional Values, in collaboration with Ms. Antonella Prota-Giurleo, an Artist and Former Teacher, and Brother Enrico Muller. The primary aim was to expose young people to contemporary arts and paintings. Three artists were from Palestine: Mr. Mohammad Harb (Gaza), Mr. Ramzi Abu Sway and Ms. Samar Ghattas (Bethlehem); they were joined by three European artists: Ms. Susanne Müller-Baj (Germany), Ms. Antonella Prota-Giurleo (Italy) and Mr. Constantin Neacsu (Romania). A number of workshops were held by the artists and the symposium opened with an introduction to examples of their work. Artist books were also distributed at the symposium. The symposium allowed the participants to tackle political themes through art and to build relationships that will allow them to further collaborate on their works and ideas. Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, remarked that “I can say that we all have gained greatly from the experience. This first symposium might have the potential to become an artful crack in the wall. It might make walls more porous, the physical one, as well as the walls in our heads.” Artwork by Ms. Samar Ghattas
Lewis Aviation Building Named in Honor of Brother Neil Keiffe, FSC Bethlehem University is proud to report that the Lewis University Aviation Building has been named after Brother Neil Keiffe, FSC, who was director of the aviation program at Lewis University during his tenure there in the 1960s and 1970s. On Wednesday, March 30, 2016. a ceremony took place in order to dedicate the building to Brother Neil. Brother James Gaffney, FSC, President of Lewis University remarked that “Brother Neil is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding persons in the proud and accomplished history of this University”. He also spoke of the many qualities Brother Neil was most admired for, as well as his extreme dedication and focus towards his students. While at the ceremony, Brother Neil expressed his gratitude and honor at having the aviation building named after him. He also stated that “There are two great loves in my life, aviation and the Christian Brothers. I hope in some little way, the new name of this building represents the union of the strong aviation association at Lewis and the strong educational tradition of the Christian Brothers.” While at Lewis University, Brother Neil taught Physics and a number of aviation courses; in addition to holding the position of Acting President from August 1976- June 1977. Brother Neil has been working at Bethlehem University for over two decades. During his time here he has held the post of Vice President for Academic Affairs twice, as well as the post of Director of Instructional Technology. Currently, he holds the position of Resources Developer. Brother Neil has managed to balance all of these positions with his love of teaching and his dedication to Bethlehem University’s students.
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First Annual Conference of Psychology The First Annual Conference of Psychology took place Friday, Saturday 22 - 23 April 2016 at Bethlehem University in Furno Hall. The Conference was under the patronage of his Excellency Dr. Sabri Saidam, Minister of Education and Higher Education. The Conference was fully sponsored by United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), a USbased foundation, through their “Healing through feeling program”.
psychological research and studies related to the Palestinian society and review, through some research and studies, the reality of psychological services offered in Palestine.
A large number of guests from various organizations from outside the university were in attendance. Members of Faculty from the different departments as well as staff and students were also present.
The conference was a great contribution to the reinforcement and encouragement of stakeholders interested in scientific research in different areas of psychology, in addition, it introduced the main challenges facing Palestinian researchers in the publication of their research manuscripts.
Chair of the Conference, Dr. Nahida Al-Arja said the conference sought to introduce the most significant
The conference also aimed to introduce the challenges of teaching and learning psychology at Palestinian universities and benefit from scholarly papers on the development of psychological services in Palestine.
From left to right: Dr. Nahida Al-Arja / Dr. Antonio Puente, President of the American Psychological Association / Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University / Dr. Michael Sansur / Dr. Irene Hazou
National Currency Colloquium Mr. Yacoub Sleibi BU ‘11, Lecturer in Finance and Economics in the Business Administration Department, gave a talk on Wednesday, 26 April 2016, entitled “Is a National Currency good for Palestine? Multiple Exchange Rate Volatility and Macroeconomic Performance in Palestine”. During the talk, Mr. Sleibi discussed the significance of introducing a national currency in Palestine, which in turn would influence the stability and growth of the local economy. He used various research methods that examined the impact of fluctuations in the multiple exchange rates among different currencies used in Palestine on the GDP. The talk concluded with Mr. Sleibi recommending different policies that would help increase savings, reduce the uncertainty in the local financial market, and encourage sustainable growth.
This research project was funded by an Internal Research Grant from the Office of the Dean of Research at Bethlehem University, 2015-2016.
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NEWS
In Memory
Executive Director of the Bethlehem University Foundation Visits Campus
On March 14th of this year, John Schlageter was unanimously elected by the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem University Foundation as the Foundation’s new Executive Director.
Fr. Faysal Hijazin Bethlehem University mourns the passing of Fr. Faysal Hijazin, Director of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Palestine and Galilee, who passed away on 4 August, 2016. Fr. Hijazin was also a Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Bethlehem University. His passing marks a great lost for Bethlehem University as well as the local community. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to advancing justice and furthering the educational sector within Palestine. His funeral was held in Amman on Saturday, August 6 at the Good Shepard Church.
Dr. Maha Fatho A memorial was held at Bethlehem University on Thursday, 12 May 2016, in order to remember and honor Dr. Maha Fatho, former Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences and a Lecturer at the Faculty. She passed away last October after a long and arduous battle against cancer. Dr. Fatho established the Midwifery program at Bethlehem University, which was the first of its kind in Palestine. She was a strong believer in transforming midwifery from a general skill to an established practice with strong academic and humanitarian foundations; a fact which is reflected today among the Midwifery students who graduated under her guidance.
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John was a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation and served for nine years as General Counsel of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. He is a double graduate of the Catholic University of America, with a B.A in History and a J.D. from the CUA Columbus School of Law. John is a member of the Bar Associations of the State of Florida and the District of Columbia. He is a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and is outside counsel to the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn. John visited the campus of Bethlehem University from May 5th-12th. The reason for his visit was to further enhance coordination and strengthen the relationship between the various Bethlehem University Administrative Offices and the Bethlehem University Foundation. In addition, he was interested in experiencing first-hand the various projects occurring on campus. While in Bethlehem, John met with the Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, and their Staff. This process allowed the Academic Offices to share their particular needs in order to facilitate the work of the Foundation in filling those needs. In addition, John met with student ambassadors and attended classes in order to obtain a better understanding of the hopes and dreams of Bethlehem University students. When asked about the visit, John said, “Travelling to Bethlehem University gives you an appreciation for the selfless dedication of the Christian Brothers, faculty, and staff in their ministry of empowering the students with the gifts necessary to build a future built on peace and justice.” John went on to say that, “One does not learn about Bethlehem University. Rather, one experiences the University as an ‘Oasis of Peace’ while on campus and meeting the students.” John believes that Bethlehem University is an instrument of peace in a land characterized by conflict and serves as one of the few hopes for maintaining a Christian presence in the Holy Land. He cites these beliefs as the driving forces behind his acceptance of the position. The Bethlehem University Foundation is the non-profit organization entrusted with the sole mission of supporting and promoting Bethlehem University. The Foundation allows a United States citizen to make a taxdeductible gift to Bethlehem University. The Foundation office is located in Beltsville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C.
Special Needs Educational Film Screening One of three educational documentary films dealing with the subjects of curriculum and special needs education in Palestine was screened at Bethlehem University in the Furno Hall on Monday, 16 May, 2016. The films are part of a Bethlehem University project on improving education in Palestine. The project was funded by La Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID).The primary aim of the films is to present a nonbiased and factual view of education in Palestine and the issues surrounding it. Dr. Hala Rashed, Dean of Education, welcomed the audience, which consisted of faculty, students and Mr. Saleh Bello, Representative of the Ministry of Education, as well as Mr. Majdi Mu’ammar, Supervisory Representative at the Ministry of Education. She then gave the floor to Mr. Rizek Sleibi, the Project Director and former Dean of Education, who explained the overall purpose of the project. Mr. Sleibi highlighted some of the issues facing the educational sector in Palestine and explained that the project established resource rooms in Palestinian schools and worked alongside parents, teachers, schools, and the Ministry of Education. The first film, titled “Where is Failure From?”, follows a number of children suffering from learning difficulties, as well as their teachers and school counselors. The film highlights some of the issues facing these students on a social and educational level. In addition, it offered a platform for Palestinian teachers to express their opinions on the issues of the primary and secondary educational curriculum and their limited support in helping children suffering from learning disabilities.
The screening was well received and was followed by a Q&A session in which visitors, students, and teachers participated. They spoke of some of the issues within the film as well as their own personal experiences. Mr. Mu’ammar and Mr. Bello answered their questions and explained that this kind of productive atmosphere allows them to further identity problems within the educational sector and help solve them. The films were directed by Mr. Hanna Musleh, a Lecturer in the Department of Humanities and a Filmmaker. Mr. Musleh previously won first prize in the 5th Dubai International Film Festival.
First Festival of Poetry and Arts Lively music could be heard across Bethlehem University’s campus on Thursday, 19 May 2016, as the Wajd Musical Group played their instruments and sang as part of the Festival of Poetry and Arts. They were accompanied by a number of Palestinian poets who were also in attendance. Many of the participants read their poetry to the soft sounds of the Wajd Musical Group’s notes. The Wajd Musical Group, led by Tamer Sahouri, was named in memory of Wajd Za’rour, a Hotel Management Student and saxophone player at Bethlehem University who passed away in January 2007. It should be noted that this Festival is the first of its kind in Palestine and was organized by the Dean of Students, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Arabic Department at Bethlehem University. The Festival was broadcast live by Palestine T.V.
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NEWS
PALFEST 2016: A Forum for Poetry and Inspiration
Bethlehem University Celebrates its 40th Graduation Ceremony
Furno Hall was buzzing with students, teachers, visitors, and staff even prior to the start of the Palestine Festival of Literature on Monday, 23 May 2016. Many of the attendees were anxiously awaiting the speakers, while others were eagerly discussing their previous experiences attending PALFEST. At 1:00 PM, four out of the five main PALFEST speakers arrived at Bethlehem University. The Speakers Included: Nathalie Handal, Jehan Bseiso, Basima Takrouri, and Remi Kanazi. Unfortunately, Anjali Joseph, a British-Indian novelist, journalist and teacher, was denied a visa and couldn’t attend PALFEST 2016. Each of the speakers shared some of their works and poems with the audience. Different themes and ideas were poetically tackled and extremely well received by the audience. Nathalie Handal, Basima Takrouri, and Jehan Bseiso read some of their poems to the audience. Ms. Bseiso also included some of her works in Arabic. Remi Kanazi then further impressed the audience with his style of performance poetry.
Bethlehem University celebrated its 40th Graduation Ceremony on 25 and 26 June. On Saturday and Sunday, 712 graduates joyfully celebrated their success and eagerly awaited their turn to receive their Diploma, Bachelor Degree, or Masters. Following the University Anthem, Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University congratulated the students and their families. He told the students that it was now, four years after they enrolled in Bethlehem University, that they see the fruits of their labor. He stressed the importance of their achievement and his hope that their education and knowledge will enable them to give back to the community. Other representatives from various Palestinian Ministries and Academic Institutions also gave their own speeches and extended their congratulations towards Bethlehem University’s students. The graduates then received their diplomas and proceeded to celebrate with their families, friends, and teachers. Since its inception in 1973, Bethlehem University now boasts 15248 graduates. Many of whom have risen to important and impactful positions in Palestinian society. Remi Kanazi at Palfest 2016
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INTERNSHIPS ABROAD
Going Abroad Bethlehem University Goes Global: 2015-2016 McGuckin Internships Since 2009 groups of Bethlehem University students have been selected to participate in the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program, funded by the EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy with additional support from the host institutions: Catholic Charities-USA, Loyola College-Melbourne and Manhattan College.
Catholic Charities USA (June 12-July 23)
Dina Awad Mira Amro Nicola Handal Christeen Darwish Over the summer, Bethlehem University sent four students to Arlington, Virginia, where they worked in varying capacities for Catholic Charities USA. CCUSA internships provided students with a vibrant crosscultural experience, and allowed them to gain valuable skills in various facets of nonprofit management. Mira Amro, a Physical Therapy major, worked in Fundraising and Human Resources. In the course of her work Mira met many inspiring women who have dedicated their personal and professional lives to social justice. Christeen Darwish and Dina Awwad, both Accounting majors, interned with the Finance department of CCUSA. Nicola Handal, an Occupational Therapy major, interned with CCUSA’s Programs and Services Department. All four
interns were afforded the opportunity to visit agencies in California, Virginia, New York, Kentucky and Nevada, which provided them with insight into the diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and access to opportunities across the United States.
Loyola College Melbourne
Manhattan College
Wafa Musa Rashan Shqair Jane Musalem
Nasri Yatim Sari Masri
(July 09-August 09)
Rashan Shqair, Wafa Musa, and Jane Musalem all traveled to Loyola College in Australia to complete student teaching internships. In addition to gaining classroom experience and valuable training in teaching methods, Wafa, Rashan, and Jane were able to bolster their English language skills and explore the complexities of cultural identity and comparison. Rashan, Wafa, and Jane all contributed to cultural seminars, sometimes as teachers and sometimes as students, where they were able to exchange insights about living, teaching, and coming of age in an era with an unparalleled capacity for human connection across international and cultural borders. Like many participants in the McGuckin internship, these young women found that they learned as much outside of the classroom as they did within.
(June 12-August 05)
Bethlehem University students Sari Masri and Nasri Yatim pursued their McGuckin internships at Manhattan College; this provided them with the opportunity to live independently in New York City while gaining valuable experience in their respective fields. Nasri, a Computer Information Systems major, worked on a project storing and analyzing data from the popular social media website Twitter. Sari is also a Computer Information Systems major, and his project dealt with robotics engineering. Under the excellent guidance of the Manhattan College faculty, both Sari and Nasri were able to acquire valuable programming, data management, and problem solving skills that will certainly prove an asset in their future careers.
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UNIVERSITY MATTERS
Avid Learners, Today; Professional Citizens, Tomorrow
Ms. Hanadi I. SoudahYounan is the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and the Chairperson of the English Department at Bethlehem University. She is a full time member of the English Department. Her primary interests are in the teaching of English and World Literature, critical theory, and research that focuses on identity.
Books are attractive when on the shelf, addictive when held in the hands, and engaging partners at all times. The relationship between humans and books is as ancient as the beginning of storytelling, and the invention of letters as conventional carriers of meaning. Through the medium of books, history is conveyed to the generations; art is delivered to the heart and mind; literature is disseminated to educate and entertain; and Philosophy is expressed, revised, contested to constantly be developed. This vehicle of knowledge allows the spectator, the curious, the scientist, and the philosopher to benefit from the education it provides. This is the connection between the Faculty of Arts and knowledge. The circle is completed when the fields of knowledge meet. This is the mission of the Faculty of Arts at Bethlehem University. It is the place where all fields of knowledge come together to bring out the best minds and hearts among its faculty members and students of the five departments it encompasses. My relationship with books started before I came to Bethlehem University as a student. I have always been fascinated by the power of language and its ability to capture or shun. When I entered the gates of Bethlehem University as an undergraduate student of English Language and Literature, little did I know that one day I would be at the helm of my beloved department and the Faculty of Arts. The energy and the knowledge that I gained from my education propelled me to pursue higher studies in order to fulfill one dream. I wanted to come back and teach literature. I wanted to give back to my university and my society. I did. Recently, when I was offered the chance to have a say in the direction my department is to take, I accepted the challenge.
Throughout its 40+ year history, The English Department at Bethlehem University has constantly updated, changed and developed its course offerings and program. The graduates of the department are equipped with the intellectual and professional skills they will need to pursue higher education and a career that requires analytical, critical, and communication abilities. The mission of the department is to evoke in its students a love for life-long learning, a higher sense of responsibility as local
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and global citizens, a commitment to diversity, and an ethical adherence to professionalism. As chairperson, my job is to facilitate the progress of the department and the accomplishment of the mission for the benefit of the faculty, students and the local community. The team within the department of faculty and staff are the wheels of the machine. They serve the purpose of the dissemination of knowledge and the preparation of committed, learned, professional, and open-minded graduates. The Faculty of Arts has the lion’s share in providing the core curricular courses needed to support the Liberal Arts philosophy the University adopts. The Religious Studies Department offers a unique course in Religious Studies that introduces students to the three monotheistic religions. This course is a university requirement and many students rave about how it changed their perceptions and opened their minds to the other. The Humanities Department offers a number of courses in philosophy, anthropology, human rights, political science, art and music to help students of all majors get a taste of areas of knowledge that may be different from their chosen field of studies. The Arabic and English Departments make sure students are able to pursue their education and communicate effectively in their academic or professional lives in both languages. My role as Dean of the Faculty of Arts is to choreograph the intricate dance so that students are placed at the center of the learning process and the mission of the Faculty and the University is being translated into an impeccable performance. In the Faculty of Arts, books will be read, concepts will be challenged and discussed, minds will be opened to the world, and the future made possible for the academically and professionally qualified and for those tolerant of diversity. The Faculty of Arts and all its departments work individually and in unison to help achieve the mission of Bethlehem University to prepare qualified individuals capable of leading change and acting as effective professionals and citizens in the local and global communities.
Overcoming Educational Obstacles with Technology
Since its establishment in 1973, Bethlehem University has been committed to furthering higher education in Palestine by constantly striving to improve local academic standards, engage with the international academic community, and participate in continuous research.
combatting the effects of years of rote learning, a product of the Tawjihi System (Palestinian Secondary Education Exams). All of these aspects combined empower students to go beyond the curriculum and truly begin to take part in a deeper and more constructive academic journey.
On 12 November 2015, two members of Bethlehem University’s English Faculty, Ms. Raphaela Mourra and Ms. Shada Shahin, presented a paper titled ‘Liberated Spaces: The Use of iPads and the Possibility for Change in Higher Education’ at the 8th International Pixel Conference for ICT in Language and Learning. The conference took place in Florence, Italy, and was part of a year-long pilot project which examined the role of iPads in higher education. Their research was undertaken in cooperation with Diak University in Finland and was later followed by another conference at Bethlehem University on 25 February 2016 and a comparative study on university students’ experience using iPads which was presented in Spain on the 7 – 9 May 2016. It must be noted that while similar research has been previously conducted in the developed world, there are very few, if any, such studies that have been attempted in the Middle East.
Perhaps even more importantly, Raphaela and Shada’s research found that the iPad also plays a unique role in the sociopolitical context of Palestine. Not only does the iPad permit students to remain engaged with their studies in times of political or social turmoil and Israeli restrictions, but it also plays a subtle role in the process of decolonization. The iPad allows students to take part in the political discourse surrounding their everyday reality by providing firsthand accounts of daily lives in addition to expressing their own sociopolitical opinions as civil agents.
The overall goals of the project were to analyze whether iPads increase students’ engagement, motivation, and achievement as well as the iPad’s ability in helping enhance critical thinking. This research was undertaken with English Literature students as part of their English for Advocacy course, which was remodeled to be built around the use of the iPad. The results that emerged were overwhelmingly positive. Raphaela and Shada posited that iPads, when used by a generation of digital natives, play a critical role in enhancing creativity, class engagement, team building, and increasing self-esteem as well as
Randa and Areej, two English Literature students who took part in the English for Advocacy Course, used the skills they learned in class and their access to the iPad to produce a project titled “The Israeli Apartheid Wall: A Siege of Dreams Since 2002” which was fully produced and edited using their iPad. Randa commented that “Anybody can write a research paper about the wall; however, using this device with the applications available to us made us more inclined to actually see the wall and interview the people who have been affected by it.” The students expressed their positive experience while using the iPad and touched upon many of the subjects that were presented within the research. When asked if they could think of anything negative associated with using the iPad, Areej remarked with a smile “The only bad thing is that we never got the keyboard attachment.”
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Student
I’m from the little town of Bethlehem. I’m a fourth year student majoring in Hotel Management. My father is a blacksmith; however, he currently works in our house because the Israeli soldiers destroyed his old work place twice. I’m a very optimistic person. I try to seize every minute of each day. I’m an active member of the university choir and the Christian Youth Group. I also volunteer at a nearby association called L’Arch. My volunteer work at L’Arch gave me a chance to understand the challenges people with special needs face. It feels good to give back to the community. This summer, I was chosen by the Institute of Hotel Management of Bethlehem University to participate in a two -week French Language Course and a French Cuisine Course in France. Bethlehem University continually looks for opportunities to develop its students. The support that I received through the Hani Abu Dayyeh Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality and Tourism gave me and my family hope and encouragement. I will always be grateful to Mr. Hani Abu Dayyeh for this generous support in honor of Mr. Emil and Mrs. Wedad Abu Dayyeh.
Marian Baboun
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Schol
I’m from Beit Jala, a city near Bethlehem. I graduated from the Faculty of Business Administration on 25 June 2016. My graduation day was the end of a beautiful and exciting journey at Bethlehem University and the beginning of my career. I started working at the Save Our Souls Bethlehem (SOS) as an accountant just one month after graduation. I owe my success to the Siman Family, who established the Natalia Jacir De Siman Endowed Scholarship, in honor of their mother. I’m really proud to be the first recipient and the first graduate of this very special scholarship. The support that I received through the Natalia Jacir De Siman Endowed Scholarship made a big difference in my life as a student and a member in the Palestinian Society. I will always keep the Siman Family in my daily prayers. Thank you!
Maida Fatouleh
arships
In the academic year 2015/2016, 1,097 students received scholarships and financial aid. 119 of them received Endowed Scholarships. Here, five of these students express their gratitude and talk about their studies and success after graduation.
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I’m a fourth year student majoring in Physiotherapy. I am really honored to be the recipient of the Grand Magisterium Endowed Scholarship for the academic year 2015/2016. I have always wanted to become a physiotherapist. I believe that physiotherapy is a noble profession. It gives you a chance to practice your passion and help people regain their health. This year I learned a lot from my clinical training at the UNRWA in the Dhesheh Camp. A young man suffered from a “Anterior Cruciate Ligament” tear. He was depressed and frustrated because he was not able to work and play football for some time. I worked on his leg for about six weeks and encouraged him to remain postitive. I was very happy when I saw him walk normally for the first time after six weeks of physical and supportive care. I thank God for this opportunity and I look forward to graduation next year.
Fadi Matar I’m a fourth year student majoring in Pre- School Education. I’m from Bethlehem. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Samir Abu Ghazaleh for supporting me through the Dr. Samir Zaki and Mary J. Abu-Ghazalleh Endowed Scholarship. Last year, my father passed away on Christmas day. He was a priest and a wonderful person. Ever since he died, our lives have changed. This most generous scholarship helped me regain my faith and hope for a brighter future. I chose to study Kindergarten Education because I love to communicate with little children and help them be the best they can. After graduation, I plan to specialize in Special Needs Education. During the Fall 2015 semester, I chose to accompany a special needs student as part of my Community Service Course. This experience changed my life and made me see the potential that all students have. The Dr. Samir Zaki and Mary J. Abu Ghazaleh Endowed Scholarship has assisted me to further reach my educational goals. Thank you for your faithful commitment and support to this special university and to students like me. You have given me hope when I needed it the most.
Rawan Marzouka I graduated from Bethlehem University on 25 June, 2016. The excitement that I felt after graduation was further elated after I signed a contract to work as an accountant with Actionaid in early August 2016. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Sir Michael and Lady Karen Hall and to the EOHSJUSA Northwestern Lieutenancy for supporting my education through the Sir Martin Hall Endowed Scholarship. My family faced many financial problems over the past few years; however, with the support of this generous scholarship, I was able to continue my studies and graduate with honors. I feel blessed for the opportunity to study at Bethlehem University, the only Catholic University in the Palestine. I will always carry with me the Lasallian values that I learned and experienced throughout my four years of study on this beautiful campus. Thank you for investing in my future!
Rawan Awad
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S t u d e n t
C re
Raghad Khamis The first impression one gets upon meeting Raghad Khamis is that she comes off as a little shy, innocent, and dreamy. However, within a few minutes of conversation with her, you might be left wondering as to why she is so humble and bashful. In addition to her innocent smile and warming personality, Raghad boasts a creative mind, full of knowledge, ideas, and intellectual prowess. You quickly realize that this particular individual will most likely achieve great things early on in life; only to learn that Raghad has already written and published her first novel, despite the fact that she is still a 3rd year student at Bethlehem University. Raghad now resides in Hebron and is the only child of her parents. However, She is quick to mention that her family originally hails from Iraq Al-Manshiyya, a village lost in the annals of history. It only exists in the memory of the few people who recall being displaced from their homes in 1948. Today the remains of Iraq Al-Manshiyya are referred to as Kiryat Gat, a thriving Israeli city nestled upon a lush, green, mountainous terrain with a population of around 600,000 people, one third of whom hail from the former Soviet Union. Raghad’s achievements go back before her years as a university student. She graduated from high school and completed her Primary Educational Exams with a GPA of 99.5%, the highest score in all of Palestine. However, she is quick to dismiss grades as something of great importance. Instead, she is keen to speak about her writing and the wondrous ideas that are bouncing about in her mind. She humbly points out that she recently won second place in the Palestinian Short Story Writing Contest. She describes her childhood with a sense of longing and otherness. Growing up in a literary household, she was greatly influenced by her grandfather, who frequently delved into literature and poetry. “A major reason that led me to put pen to paper was the passing of my grandfather” said Raghad. “I wanted to ensure that through me, his works will live on in some way.” His untimely death, the displacement of Raghad’s family, her status as a political refugee within her own country, as well as the charged political and socioeconomic turmoil that surrounded her were the main sources of inspiration for her novel, ‘A Taste of Blood’. “I didn’t choose the title lightly” Raghad pointed out. “Many people expressed reservation about such a controversial choice of words, claiming they came off as too violent, too gloomy, too abnormal. But there isn’t anything normal about our life, is there? Simply reading the novel would be sufficient to showcase why I settled on the title”. Her novel’s heroine, Thikra, hails from the Aroub Refugee Camp. The story follows Thikra’s romance with Majd, a young man from Jerusalem, and the barriers to the couple’s new found love. Thikra suffers a series of tragedies as a result of the social and political turmoil that surrounds her, including the death of Majd. The book ends in ambiguity, with Thikra wondering if the violence that surrounds her will lead her down the same path.
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a t i v e
Wo r ks
Nathalie Murad Nathalie discovered her passion for singing as a child. Despite the fact that she did not have any formal training, she continued to develop her skills alone. Her first performance in front of an audience was during the 5th grade, when she sang an Arabic Song by the Lebanese artist Wael Kfoury during her school’s Open Day. Her music teacher had taken note of her abilities and practiced her singing along with her. Eventually, she sang at three of the school graduations. During her own graduation she performed “Jerusalem” in front of a large audience. People’s positive reactions to her voice cemented her resolve to keep on singing in various contests. She is now a student at Bethlehem University, majoring in Accounting. When she has the time, she partners with internet content creators to produce cover videos of different songs.
Please follow the QR code for Nathalie Murad’s music videos
Nathalie plans to do a Master’s Degree in Business Psychology, while simultaneously focusing on her singing and creating her own music.
Layth Awwad Layth Awwad is a senior at Bethlehem University from Beit Sahour. He is majoring in English Language and Literature with a Minor in English/ Arabic Translation. He’s a member of Bethlehem University Student Ambassadors program, which offers him the opportunity to introduce groups from all over the world to Bethlehem University. Layth is also a member of a Bethlehem Study Center’s Book Club. In addition to his interest in reading books, he loves writing poems, swimming, drawing and watching TV shows. After the completion of his degree he aspires to pursue a master’s degree. Layth looks forward each day to new adventures, challenges and ways to improve himself.
‘Our Olive Tree’ by Layth Awwad
Please follow the QR code for Layth Awwad’s Poetry
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Research
Literature and the Fantastic It might seem unusual for a Palestinian scholar to be researching and writing about literature of the fantastic. Dr. Khader has a passion for three specific genres in fantastic literature: science fiction, fairy tales, and vampire fiction. Fantastic literature is not a well-known mode of writing in Arabic fiction, let alone Palestinian literature. But, as Dr. Khader explains, the major themes and narrative structures in fantastic literature resonate with the socio-political realities in Palestine.
Dr. Jamil Khader is Professor of English and Dean of Research at Bethlehem University. Since his arrival at BU two years ago, Dr. Khader has been promoting a vibrant and vigorous culture of excellence in research across the university. He has dedicated his time to highlighting all the cuttingedge research that is done at BU and celebrating faculty accomplishments and success stories. He is an expert in postcolonial studies, transnational feminisms, literary theory, and fantastic literature. Dr. Khader has published two books in these fields and scores of articles in peerreviewed international journals. He has also presented many papers on these topics at different national and international conferences. Dr. Khader is currently working on two books—one on Palestine and the other on fantastic literature tentatively titled, Žižek and the Fantastic.
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A major appeal of fantastic literature, he says, is its critique of different systems of power, oppression and exploitation. Colonial oppression is one of the most commonly criticized power systems in this genre. In particular, writers have used the alien invasion device to criticize colonial oppression. The parallels to Palestinian history cannot be denied. Writers of the fantastic have also redefined the meaning of Otherness and encouraged respect for what is different. As a result of Western colonialism, Western literature reproduced many cartoonish and one-dimensional images of the colonized and racial Other that robbed “alien” people of their humanity. Fantastic literature presents more humane images of the Other, putting a more positive spin on the many forms of difference, real and imagined. They showed the world that there is, in the words of Star Trek’s Mr. Spock, “Infinite diversity in infinite combinations” (IDIC). Another added value to fantastic literature is its emphasis on imagining a better future. There is a utopian element to fantastic literature that, Dr. Khader believes, makes the fantastic indispensable. After all, there are many stories about parallel worlds, virtual worlds, and completely new worlds that distinguish the fantastic from other genres. Without such utopian faith, people can lose hope and will not dare change our world into a better place. Because fantastic literature delves in out of ordinary experiences that seem irrelevant to our daily realities, it makes it possible for readers to explore their unconscious anxieties and fears in unthreatening ways. In conflict zones, like in Palestine, fantastic literature can serve
as a means for projecting anxieties and working through fears in more productive ways. These three aspects namely, power, multiculturalism, and utopia, are at the center of Dr. Khader’s work on the fantastic. In his book, Žižek and the Fantastic, he proposes a new theory of the fantastic that sheds light on the ways in which these three dimensions rub against each other within a text, producing a major contradiction at its core. This contradiction threatens not only to undermine the text’s organic unity and consistency, but also to show how the text maintains the status quo. Therefore, the text tries hard to deny or repress this contradiction. What makes fantastic literature unique is that it usually uses supernatural or fantastic images, whether it is an alien species, vampires, or witches, to represent this contradiction. Readers may enjoy these images and understand them at the literal level. Critics may view these images as evidence of the imaginative powers of the fantastic and its ability to think the new and the unthought. Dr. Khader thinks these approaches miss the point and interprets these images as symptoms of the contradiction that lays at the heart of the text. These symptoms tell us more about the conditions of the production of the text and about which the text remains silent. The beauties and subtleties of the fantastic can be enjoyed on many different levels. Through this work, Dr. Khader hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of the fantastic among critics, students, and the general public. So grab your fantastic text or watch a fantastic film; they not only provide catharsis and release of unnecessary tension. They also help show something deeper about the world.
Profiles
Chair of Bethlehem University Foundation Profile Sister Irene O’Neill, CSJ serves as Chair of the Bethlehem University Foundation and is also a member of Bethlehem University’s Board of Regents. Her involvement with Bethlehem University began in 2008 when she was invited to serve on Bethlehem University’s Foundation board. “I was familiar with the University long before then” she says. One of the Sisters of St. Jospeh had a brother who was a Christian Brother, Brother Cyril Litecky, who lived and served at Bethlehem University. Brother Cyril invited many Sisters of St. Joseph who were university professors to teach at Bethlehem University during its beginning years. “Our Sisters loved it at BU and returned home with many wonderful stories” says Sister Irene. Sister Irene began her career as a primary school teacher and later obtained an Ed.D in Educational Leadership. For the last twenty years she was the Executive Director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Ministries Foundation. Today she is a Development Consultant, mostly serving religious communities. Sister Irene’s visits to Bethlehem University have been marked by the “amazing meetings with students” she says. “I find great generosity of heart and brilliant, creative minds desiring a thriving, joy-filled future for themselves and the world. On campus, peace is palpable. I come away thinking that BU students may be the teachers for whom our world is waiting. In the midst of campus diversity and the strife outside of BU, students form a thriving community of life-long friends, colleagues, and peace.”
Graduate Profile Shireen Odeh ’10, has a contagious smile, a first sign of her optimism and approach to life. She works at the Bank of Palestine, where she takes care of international transfers. She started working there in 2011, a year after she earned her BSc in Computer Information Systems from Bethlehem University’s Faculty of Science. Shireen did not have many options when she was deciding where to go to university. When she was 12 years old, she was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a hereditary condition marked by progressive weakening of the muscles. Bethlehem University’s campus is the only one in Palestine where there is full disability access; so, Shireen’s decision was quickly made. She hails from Bethlehem and she was happy to stay close to her family. Her family, she says, has been amazing throughout her journey having Muscular Dystrophy. With five sisters and two brothers, there are always people ready to help out and to share with. “My family has been my biggest self-confidence booster” she says. “I was never treated differently than the other kids.” That is also something she experienced at Bethlehem University; she received the help she needed but was not treated differently otherwise.
afraid of the future while she was in university. She wasn’t sure anyone would want to hire her, and if she could ever be independent. Indeed, finding a job after graduation proved not easy. Most buildings did not have disability access or did not think she was a good fit. She remembers feeling elated when she was hired by the Bank of Palestine, where she started as a teller. “The ambition and drive I had in university I also put into my job” she says. With a promotion under her belt already, there is no doubt she’ll go far!
“Studying boosted my self-confidence and made me feel strong”, she says, looking back on her time on campus. “In our society people with disabilities are still sometimes treated like they are not capable of anything, but Bethlehem University fulfilled the same role as my family, preparing me to fight for what I wanted in life and not to expect any less.” However, she says she was not always optimistic and was often
BETHLEHEM University
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Thank You $100,000+
$5,000+
Mr. Samir Aweidah Bethlehem University Foundation Christian Brothers Conference US Agency for International Development
Archevêché de Luxembourg CNEWA - Pontifical Mission for Palestine Daughters for Life Foundation De La Salle Brothers of the Christian Schools, DENA District Diocese of Brooklyn EOHSJ- German Lieutenancy EOHSJ - USA North Central Lieutenancy Friends of Bethlehem University in England and UK Members of Resurrection Catholic Church- Tualatin, OR Indiana University Katholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe MISEREOR e.V Major Issues & Theology Foundation Ltd Brother William Mann, FSC Ministry of Education & Higher Education Munib R. Masri Development Foundation Mr. Nader J. Qumsieh Mr. Mohannad Suboh United Palestinian Appeal World Vision, Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza
Signum Fidei
$50,000+ Founders’ Club
American Embassy Anonymous Alice Mae Hedwig Graner Charitable Fund, in Memory of Alfred and Mary Graner Association En Faveur De La Bethlehem University Diakonia-Finland EOHSJ - Grand Magisterium German Association of the Holy Land OXFAM Great Britain Prof. and Mrs. Mazin B. Qumsiyeh Salvatorian Sisters, Milwaukee, WI The Breast Cancer Research Foundation UBS Donor Advised Fund University of Washington
$25,000+ Trustees Club
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Christian Brothers CommunityBethlehem University EOHSJ - USA Western Lieutenancy Col. Richard S. Flahavan, KC*HS Holy Land Christians Society Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA
$10,000+
Chairman’s Club Sheikh Dr. Walid A. Al Attieh Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund EOHSJ - Canada, Toronto Lieutenancy Francis Herbert Ryan Charitable Trust German Jordanian University Hope and Play Ltd. Mr. Anton and Mrs. Lina Kattan Konrad Adenauer Stiftung E.V. United Holy Land Fund
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Chancellor’s Club
$1,000+
Vice Chancellor’s Club Abdul Qavi - Mazin Qumsiyeh Scholarship Edward and Rima Abraham Dr. and Mrs. Samir Abu-Ghazaleh Al-Zaytoonah Society for Youth Development AMIDEAST - West Bank Lt. Col. and Mrs. Michael R. Andriani, Jr. Anonymous Aramex Company Archdiocese of New York Assumptionist Fathers Jim and Kay Barmettler Mr. and Mrs. William Bean Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation Jim and Ginger Biedron Mrs. Jane A. Borst Brenda and Gregory Hamer Family Fund
Brothers of the Christian Schools, Turon Community Cana Communities Caritas Jerusalem Christian Brothers St. John’s Community Church of Our Lady and St. Dominic-Farnborough, UK Community Foundation of Acadiana Consulate General of the United States Ms. Mary C. Conti, In Memory of Cathal Mooney Mr. William D. Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Glenn M. Creamer Cultures of Resistance Network Foundation The Most Rev. Blase J. Cupich Mrs. Tamara Dabdoub Joseph Dableh Dannoun Corporation For Industrial Electricity Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul- Bethlehem David Daily Charitable Trust De La Salle Solidarieta Internazionale/SECOLI Mr. Waleed D’keidek Dr. and Mrs. Jared H. Dorn Mrs. Catherine C. Dunn, In Memory of M. Joseph Dunn William Guy Evans, Jr., KC*HS Joe and Elham Farah Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Rev. Adam Forno Dr. and Mrs. Hassan Fouda Bob & Kay Gareis Lois Harr and John M. Reilly The Most Rev. Richard Higgins Dr. and Mrs. Edward H. Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Johnson Mr. Nils and Mrs. Josephine Kamsvaag Latin Patriarchate School Diocese of Manchester Loyola College, Watsonia, AU Mr. Luca Marmo Marie-France Mathes Mr. and Mrs. Pat McCarthy Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McGivern Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Sally McGovern Drs. Matthew and Moira McQueen Don and Ione Minore Robert and Janet Northrup
For Your Generosity His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Palestinian Investment Bank PalTel Group Foundation Practical Compassion for Destitute Children Mr. and Mrs. Imad I. Qasim Ronald and Peg Riesmeyer St. Agnes Church- Arlington, VA SiParadigm Diagnostic Informatics Inc. Sit & Blake Ltd. Mr. Dave Stannard Tree of Life Educational Fund, Inc. Ms. Siow Vigman, In Memory of Brother Columbia Gleeson, FSC Wafaa Micro Finance and Capacity Building Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
$500+
Special Friends Anonymous (2) Dr. Farid Ayad Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Beit Jala Pharmaceutical Co. Peter and Marilyn Biggins Mr. Aloys Bolle Mr. Robert Brass Mr. and Mrs. Jim Burns Rev. Msgr. Paul A. Byrnes Ms. Rebecca Calaor Rev. Joseph P. Callipare Mr. and Mrs. James Coady, Ph.D. Brother Timothy Coldwell, FSC Jack and Yvette Connell The Honorable Geoffrey S. Connor, Esq Edward D. Jones & Co. Custodian Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Margild & Alexander Ercklentz Exxon Mobil Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Bernard J. Fechtel Frere Alumni Association Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Froehlich, In Honor of Rev. Lester E. Smith Mike Giacaman Diana and Andrew Jezycki Mr. Issa R. Kassis Kongregation D. Christi Schulen Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Geraldine Lawhon Ms. Joan F. Lewis Mideast: Just Peace
Mr. Gerhard Mueller-Alfers Msgr. Ronald A. Newland Timothy and Julia O’Keefe Monsieur Marcel Paris Sir Richard L. Purdon, KGCHS and Lady Susan A. Purdon, LGCHS Professor Rush Rehm, In Memory of My Mother June Rehm Mrs. Deanie Reis Jane and Richard Rodeheffer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rogers Mr. Jamal A. Sa’d Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Brighton, AU Seraj Company (Non Profit) Ms. Hala Sfeir Kathleen Sheehan Brian and Betty Singer-Towns Dr. Clayton S. Sinyai Chris Skinner The Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society Toronto Council Knights of Columbus 1388 Vanguard Charitable Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ Mr. Michael J. Westerfield Mr. Patrick White and Ms. Pauline Smetka Mrs. Anne M. Wigley
$100+
Century Club Associazione Mimi Dr. Elizabeth Aaronsohn George and Polla Abed Ms. Diane Adkin Anonymous (11) Arab Orthodox Ben Society Ms. Gina Aranki, In Memory Of Nuha Aranki The Rev. Christopher Armstrong, STD, JCD Dr. Robert Ashmore Mr. and Mrs. Tom Auffenberg Kathleen and George Austin Rev. Ismael Ayala Sir and Mrs. Ross S. Bacica, KC*HS Rev. Joseph W. Banden Mr. and Mrs. Nader Barakat Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel John Batarseh Rev. Justin Biase, OFM Conv., In Memory Of Brother William Spellman, FSC
March - August 2016
Sister Antonia Blake Mr. Craig Borchardt David Braden The Most Rev. Timothy Broglio Rev. Msgr. Hans A. Brouwers John and Christine Brown The Most Rev. Neal James Buckon Rev. John R. Burke Mrs. Carole A. Cannon, DCHS Mrs. Catherine Carey Br. Robert Carnaghi, FSC Mr. William Carr Mr. Jack and Mrs. Gerry Casey Ms. Susan M. Castellan Cenacle Sisters Trust Board Mlle Peiyun Cheng Christian Brothers of the Midwest, In Memory of Br. Vincent Malham Christ the King Presbytery, Coventry, UK Anthony F. Colao Colgate-Palmolive Company Jim and Mary Comerford Mr. George Comisso The Most Rev. Eugene Jerome Cooney Peter and Deirdri Costello Mr. William C. Crain IV Deacon and Mrs. Pedro L. Cuellar Mrs. Deborah Darnes Jim and Marilyn Day Rev. Daniel B. Devore Mr. G. and Mrs. Elaine Dewhurst Lady Ann S. Dickson, LCHS Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Di Giacomo The Most Rev. Owen J. Dolan Albert G. Doumar Mr. Lynn D. Durham, Jr. Colette and Robert Ehnow Sister William Eileen, D.C. Rev. Kail C. Ellis, OSA EOG Resources Ms. Mona Evans Mr. Barry and Mrs. Angela Fairweather Dr. Maria Filippone Rev. Msgr. John J.M. Foster, JCD Dr. Miriam Garfinkle Brother Brendan Garwood, FSC Brother Florent Gaudreault, FSC Prof. Dr. Terri Ginsberg Mr. and Mrs. John E. Glenski Brother Paul Grass, FSC Prof. Emeritus Mary Grey Brother John P. Guasconi, FSC Mr. James Guinivan Mrs. Mares Hirchert BETHLEHEM University
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Thank You Rev. Brendan Hogan Mr. Lyndon Howells Mr. Kent H. Hughes Mr. Jonathan Igoe, In Honor of Rami Salfeti Huda and T. E. Jackson, In Memory of Hadiya Bitar Rev. Msgr. Ronald Jameson Dan and Tess Jarquio Mrs. Theresa M. Jennings Mr. Robert Johnson Dr. Salim Jreissaty Harry and Ana Katz Kevin A. Kavanaugh Mr. James E. Keefe, KHS Mary Jo Kelly, In Memory of Parents Rev. James P. Kiesel Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kimbrough, Jr., KC*HS Rev. Daniel N. Klem Mrs. Robin Kobler Ann Kohl Rev. Owen W. Korte Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kruse Atif Kubursi Rev. Msgr. Raymond J. Kupke Ms. Tatia Gibbons La Forme Prof. Dhafer Laouini Dr. and Mrs. Dean R Larson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Latona Mrs. Patricia M. Latteri Rev. Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis Col. John Linsenmeyer, KCHS Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Little Liverpool Carting Co., Inc. The Most Rev. George J. Lucas Mr. & Mrs. George Malone The Most Rev. Gregory John Mansour Mr. Nigel McFarlane Ms. Deirdre McGuire, In Memory of our Wonderful Mother, Marie McGuire Lucy C. McGuirk Msgr. James W. McLoughlin Ms. Cecily McNeill Mr. Christian J. Michener Msgr. Dennis L. Mikulanis, STD, KCHS Rev. Thomas J. Millane Mr. and Mrs. Peter Minor Rev. Bill C. Moisant Mr. Benjamin Monastero III Ms. Margaret Mooney Ms. Alice S. Moore Ms. Mary Geraldine B. Munoz
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David M. Murdoch Joyce Murphy Rev. Kevin Neal Ms. Daisy G. Neves Joseph Nix Ms. Avelina Obejas Mr. and Mrs. Maurice D. O’Daniel Ms. Margaret L. O’Donnell and Mr. Kurt J. Bauman Rev. Robert Oldershaw Orthodox University Students’ Fund Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ Our Lady of the Sacred Heart- The Retreat, Herne, UK Our Lady Star of the Sea ParishMiranda, AU Mr. Michael John Jude Palmer Sir Peter N. and Lady Maria S. Pang Ms. Kathleen Anne Parker Stephen and Rita Peters Dr. and Mrs. David Pham Wilmot and Diane Phillips, In Memory of Martha Alexander Heyward Lady Kristin W. Piknjac, In Memory of Mother Linda Walker Mr. Frederick Plaeger Mr. and Mrs. Wincelaus Mr. WincelausPodbielski, In Memory of Deceased Loved Ones Mr. Gustave Porteners Project Loving Care Society/ Fatmeh Abu Al-Suud Fund Catherine Quigley Jean Raucent, To Celebrate Peace Brother Joseph P. Reilly, FSC, In Memory of Charles Kitson, who touched the hearts of students and confreres Curt and Marybeth Ries Mr. and Mrs. David W. Robinson Rose Cottage- De La Salle Brothers The Rev. Msgr. Walter R. Rossi Brother James J. Roszak, FSC, In Memory of Brother Vincent Malham Rev. Patrick J. Rush Saint Catherine Parish- Bethlehem Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Louis A. Santalesa Deacon and Mrs. Gerald A. Scherkenbach Ms. Jenny Schrauder Mr. and Mrs. Warren Schumacher
Schwab Charitable Fund Mr. and Mrs. Howard G. Seitz Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Barney J. Skladany, Jr. John and Kathy Smith Rev. Richard Smith, To Celebrate The University’s Work Brother Robert J. Smith, FSC, PhD Ana M. Spitzmesser Rev. Paul W. Steller Sister Judith Sullivan, SDS Rev. Richard Tero Terra Sancta Pilgrimages Mr. and Mrs. Jacob E. Terpstra Dr. Paul E. Teschan, M.D., F.A.C.P. The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming Rev. Michael Tugendhat Mr. Richard E. Ullrich University of San Diego Geert van Dartel Ms. Maria Victoria Ken & Pat Vincent Mr. John F. Waldron Deacon Robert A. Walker, M.D., KCHS, In Memory of My Loving Wife Patrice M. Ward Mr. Bryan Webber, In Honor of Joseph and Elham Farha’s Dinner Event Brother Robert Werle, FSC Ms. Gwen E. Williams Mr. and Mrs. John Winkler Bernard W. Wolff, KGCHS, In Honor of the Southwestern Lieutenancy of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Ms. Jenna Wolfsgruber, In Loving Memory of Sami Atallah Ms. Johanna L. Worley, In Honor Of The Wonderful Staff At The PMNH Mrs. Elisabeth Wrobel Mrs. Gabriele Wulfers Mrs. May Young Hayah Zabana, In Memory of Amal and Sami Atallah
Up to $99
Silver Anniversary Anonymous (6) Ms. Enriquita Ararao Gloria S. Ash Ms. Roxane Assaf, M.S.J, In Memory of Jonathan Walden Assaf
March - August 2016
For Your Generosity Albert and Ivy Bacher, In Memory Jay Hamburger of Archbishop Giuseppe De Ms. Mary Ann Hanretty Andrea Mr. John Hardman KCSG Steve and Paula Baransky Mr. William Harvey, In Memory of Brother Thomas W. Barton, OSF Dr. Anthony Bing Mr. William Bault Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Helmer Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Beare Dr. Iman Hilal Madeleine D. Betz Mrs. Patricia Hoare Dr. and Mrs. Marcello Bisotti Ms. Sherrill Hogen Ireo Bono The Most Rev. Martin D. Holley Ms. Angela Bonventre Ms. Mary Hulett Ms. Marilyn Bouzaid Mrs. Esme Hughes Mr. and Mrs. David Bryant, In Mr. and Mrs. Gene Iannotti Memory of Sami Atallah Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Ingram Mrs. Pauline Burton Rev. James J. Kane Mrs. and Mr. Moira Butler Dr. David H. Kelly Mr. Sam Caldwell, To Celebrate Col. J.J. Kelly, KHS Happy Easter Mrs. Kathy Kelley Mr. and Mrs. Martin Canning Robert and Kay Kenney Miss Maureen Carroll His Excellency Will Kininmonth, Mr. Murray and Mrs. Karen Carter KCHS Juan C. Catapang Mr. Steve L. Legendre Carol J. Chroninger Rev. Ron Lewinski Ms. Walda W. Cobain, In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lindley Father Adam Forno Mr. and Mrs. William J. Lynch Mr. Hubertus Commissaris Donald L. Mahoney Msgr. Charles Cooper Mrs. Andrea Marais, In Memory of Rev. Robert Crawford, M.M. Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crossey Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Marshall C. Walker Group, Inc. (Chuck Mrs. Venancia Mashiane ETHLEHEM Walker) Jim and Ann McGill NIVERSITY Mrs. Irene Crossan Brother Joel William McGraw, FSC, Msgr. John R. Dale In Memory of Brother Vincent Mr. Paul Darbyshire Malham INDIVISA MANENT Ms. Mary J. Duffels Des and Marjorie McMahon Peter and Kathy Eder, In Memory John and Vera McMahon of Archbishop Giuseppe De Alice T. Meyer Andrea Mr. and Mrs. James R. Morris Terri and Karl Eder, In Memory of Deacon Roger P. Mullaney Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea Mr. Donald W. Muncy Mr. John Carroll Egan Dr. Yvonne A. Nelson Ms. Candida Esposito, In Honor of Ms. Linda Nishi Brother Joseph Lowenstein John and Alison Noble Lucy Fallon Mr. and Mrs. Russell Norris Clelia Farina Sir John H. Nutley, KGCHS Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Finnegan, Jack and Honey O’Leary Jr. Mr. Robert J. Onstine Mrs. Fay Forde Orthodox Cultural & Educational Claire A. Fordrung, In Memory of Center Brother Brendan Fitzgerald Brother Leonardus Paauw, FSC Mrs. Shelly Angelo Forrest Mrs. Fely Parker Brother Michael Fugger, FSC Mary Patania Mr. and Mrs. Rufino Garcia Mrs. Eileen Pearce Christa M. Gorman INDIVISA MANENT The Most Rev. Alphonsus L. Mrs. Anastasia Greene Penney Dr. and Mrs. John C. Greenwood The Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, Mr. and Mrs. John Griffin OMI
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Michael and Debbie Player Mr. and Mrs. D W. Pryor Mrs. Anne Richards Mr. Stephen Roach Miss Patricia Robertson Mr. Erhard Ruchnewitz Mrs. Elaine Jiries Rumman Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Rusin, In Memory of Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea Rev. Msgr. Francis X. Schmidt Rev. Henry C. Schmidt Mrs. and Mr. Mary Schulte Ms. Linda H. Sekiguchi Rev. Lawrence A. Seyer Mr. and Ms. Graeme Siddle Richard J. Siegel Sister Marie Skidmore Mrs. Margaret Snowden Mrs. Anne Stapleton Mr. Paul Bundock Steel Ms. Priscilla Stephan Mrs. Gill Tebbs Mr. Phil Thielen Dr. and Mrs. David Toorawa Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Tortorella Mr. and Mrs. James Vanek Mrs. Marilyn K. Vierra Ms. Sharon B. Ward Mr. Robert J. Weindorfer Ann A. White Mr. Edward Wiglusz Irene and John Wood Mr. Warren S. Wright Robert & Dianne Younkin Mr. and Mrs. Jahan Zeb
Gift in Kind
Juma AI-Majid Center for Culture and Heritage
INDIVIS
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Visitors
March 01 - Salt & Light TV - Canada
March 07 - Cardinal Raymond Burke - U.S.
March 07 - Catenians - U.K.
March 07 - Resurrection Catholic Church - U.S.
March 10 - Japanese Student Group
March 10 - Ms. Constance Van Wesemael - Belgium
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BETHLEHEM University
March - August 2016
March 11 - Educational Travel Christian group - U.S.
March 11 - Guiding Star Staff Visit - Local
March 11 - Msgr. Rossi Group - U.S.
March 15 - Franciscan Group - U.S.
March 15 - Houmo Thibodaux Diocese - U.S.
March 21 - Msgr. Konrad Schmidt Group - Germany
BETHLEHEM University
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Visitors
March 22 - Ecce Homo group - Internationals
March 31 - Belgium Teacher Group
April 06 - Fr. Brendan Hogan - Australia
April 08 - Fr. Alex Kratz Group - U.S.
April 8 - Marist Brothers - Australia
April 11 - Mr. John D’Isacco Group - U.S.
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BETHLEHEM University
March - August 2016
April 11 - Napa Group - U.S.
April 21 - Fr. Paul Maddison - U.K.
April 25 - Fr. Richard & Troy - U.S.
May 09 - EOHSJ - Australia
May 12 - EOHSJ- USA Middle Atlantic Group
May 13 - Dr. Marcello and Mrs. Martine Bisotti - Germany
BETHLEHEM University
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Visitors
May 13 - Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel - India
May 20 - Fr. Jacek Group - U.S.
May 23 - Aid to Church in Need - Netherlands
May 24 - CTU Group - U.S.
May 25 - CTU Group - U.S.
June 02 - Kennington Group - U.K.
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March - August 2016
June 16 - University of San Diego - U.S.
June 22 - EOHSJ South Africa
July 18 - Belgium Group
July 19 - Australian Group
July 19 - Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay - Australia
August 05 - Christ the King Seminarians - U.S.
BETHLEHEM University
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Giving to Bethlehem University Gifts from the local and international communities can be made via check to ‘Bethlehem University; or by bank transfer. For more information please contact: Bethlehem University Advancement Office P.O. Box 11407 – 92248 Jerusalem TEL: +972 2 274 1242 FAX: +972 2 274 4400 sfarha@bethlehem.edu www.bethlehem.edu
Gifts from the United States can be made via check to: ‘Bethlehem University Foundation’ – a tax deductible non-profit eligible for employer matching gifts. (TAX ID 22-3600739) For more information please contact: Bethlehem University Foundation P.O. Box 355 Beltsville, MD 20704 – 0355 bds@bufusa.org www.bufusa.org
To keep hope, faith, and the dreams of so many young people in Palestine alive, please consider making an immediate difference with an online contribution to Bethlehem University. Visit www.bethlehem.edu/donate/online to make a convenient and fast donation. Alternatively, follow the QR link using your smartphone.
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