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Volume 26 - Issue No. 2, 2018-2019 In this issue: • New Discoveries in World Heritage Site • Fostering a Culture of Excellence in Research • “Students Think We Perform Magic” A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR In the Spirit of Saint Paul VI Bethlehem University was established in 1973 following the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to the Holy Land in 1964. He wanted to help the Palestinian people and the spirit that created that desire was present in many of his actions as pope. In October 2018, Pope Francis canonized Paul VI as a new Saint. In the spirit of St. Pope Paul VI, Bethlehem University continues to seek to help the Palestinian people by creating an environment of respect and religious mutuality. Thus, Bethlehem University strives to show that it is possible for Christians and Muslims to live and work together as well as play and pray together. However, it is in the nature of our relationships, the way we organize our students, and the way we engage them in their studies that we aim to show our students that they are precious individuals, loved beyond their wildest dreams by a God who is suffering with them, by a God who is walking with them, by a God who is calling them to live life to the full. This issue of Bethlehem University magazine features stories about scientific discoveries in a world heritage site and a tutoring program led 4 by volunteer English language tutors. The first feature highlights the work of Bethlehem University’s Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. In a valley near Bethlehem, scientists from the Institute have been uncovering exciting results. The second story highlights a student-support program, for which native English speakers were recruited to help. In the student corner, we highlight a student-based science outreach program that aims to communicate scientific concepts in new and accessible ways to high school students. The graduate section boasts a 9 story regarding an alumna who defied all odds to reach her dreams of becoming a nurse and eventually the head manager of a hospital. New to this issue, we include a section on “Profiles in Philanthropy”, which includes donors and friends of Bethlehem University. NBA Coach George Felton talks about why he decided to support Bethlehem University. Your prayers and support are essential in continuing St. Paul VI’s vision of supporting the Palestinian people at Bethlehem University. Without the help of the worldwide community, the good work we aim to do in Palestine would be impossible. We are deeply grateful for the support we 10 receive and so thank you for continuing to think of our students. Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD Vice Chancellor Published by the Advancement Office Editorial Committee Ms. Jenny Hodali BU ’08 Br. Denis Loft, FSC Mr. Jarred McKinney Mr. George N. Rishmawi 11 12 Mr. Isaac Sahhar Contributors Ms. Rula Eid BU ‘17 Dr. Michael Hanania Ms. Rania Hazboun BU ’96 Dr. Jamil Khader Mr. Shane Littleton Dr. Maggie McCarty Ms. Amjaad Musleh BU ’15 Ms. Haneen Musleh BU ’07 Ms. Shahinda Nassar BU ’05 Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh Br. Dominic Smith Ms. Donata Vogelsang Ms. Hanadi I. Younan 13 14 Design and Printing Creative Ad Design & Print Co. Ltd. www.creative-ad.com Cover Photo by: Elias Handal (at Al-Makhrour Valley) Bethlehem University Electronic address www.bethlehem.edu [email protected] Mailing address 16 17 Communications Office P.O. Box 11407 92248 Jerusalem Location address Frères Street #5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Bethlehem, Palestine News .................................................................................4 Against All Odds ........................................................ 13 Bethlehem University Foundation Bethlehem University Foundation ............................8 Donors Meet Scholarship Students ...................... 14 Electronic address New Discoveries in World Heritage Site .................9 Fostering a Culture of Excellence in Research .... 16 www.bufusa.org [email protected] Volunteers Tutor Students ...................................... 10 Profiles in Philanthropy ........................................... 17 Mailing address P.O. Box 355 Student Corner ............................................................ 11 Thank You Donors ..................................................... 18 Beltsville, MD 20704-0355 Empowering Students ............................................... 12 Visitors .......................................................................... 22 Location address 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200 Beltsville, MD 20705 USA NEWS Oncology Conference Held on Campus The Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bethlehem University held its first International Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing Conference on 4 December 2018. Four research papers were presented by Faculty members from varying institutions and universities in the UK, all of which engage with cancer patients. Other contributions included research papers from Palestinian researchers from universities and local institutions such as the American University in Jenin, the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, the King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Pope Paul VI Canonized as Saint Bethlehem University joined Christians around the world in giving thanks for the canonization of Saint Paul VI on 14 October 2018. Eventually, following the 1964 visit of Pope Paul VI to the Holy Land, three Institutions resulted: the Ephpheta Institute for hearing-impaired children, Tantur Ecumenical Institute, and Bethlehem University. In 1973, Bethlehem University became the first registered and the only Christian university in the Holy Land, fulfilling Palestinians’ wishes of having a university in their own homeland. From the beginning, Bethlehem University has been a joint venture between the Vatican and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Thanks to St. Paul VI’s efforts, the strong relationship between the Vatican and Bethlehem University Photo from the visit of St. Paul VI to the Holy Land continues to this day. Cultural Heritage Protection Project The Palestine Museum of Natural History at Bethlehem University held a launching event for the "Building the Capacity to Protect the Palestinian Land and Heritage through Museology and Ecotourism" Project on 27 November 2018. The project is funded by the British Council through the Cultural Protection Fund and is implemented by the Museum in partnership with Masar Ibrahim (Abraham Path). It aims to preserve and protect the Palestinian cultural heritage related to natural and agricultural history in Palestine. BETHLEHEM 4 UNIVERSITY Grand Master of EOHSJ Visits President of Malta Lectures on Bethlehem University "Tourism for Peace" The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, visited The Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Bethlehem University and gave a lecture titled “Tourism for Sepulcher of Jerusalem (EOHSJ), His Eminence Edwin Peace” on 31 January 2019. Cardinal O’Brien; the Governor General, His Excellency Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone; and a delegation In her lecture, she explained that tourism can open a wide of Knights and Ladies visited Bethlehem University on 4 area of rapprochement between people, especially in February 2019. Bethlehem. President Coleiro Preca said that the people of Malta view, with utmost importance, the suffering of the Members of the EOHSJ appeared visibly happy to be touring Palestinian people. campus and were delighted to meet our students. Their visit ended with lunch at the training restaurant of the Institute of She continued, “Our visit today to Bethlehem University Hotel Management where students provided quality food and is to emphasize our long-established relations with the service. Palestinian people, whom, we believe, have the right to self- determination and fundamental human rights.” The EOHSJ is an international Catholic order that supports Christians in the Holy Land and a longtime friend and Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray thanked President Coleiro supporter of the University. Their continuous support has Preca for her visit, stating that it “shows our students that contributed to many projects and scholarships at Bethlehem people are standing in solidarity with them.” University. Patrons of the Bethlehem University Foundation Visit Campus Bethlehem University welcomed a group of Patrons and friends of the Bethlehem University Foundation on campus on 28 February 2019. Led by John Schlageter, the Foundation’s Executive Director, the pilgrimage was directed by Monsignor Walter R. Rossi. Among the group were Her Excellency Valencia Camp, DGCHS; Patrons Suava Salameh, Joe and Mary Clare Starshak; and Her Excellency Michele Bowe, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Palestine. John Schlageter, Suava Salameh, and Valencia Camp visited campus prior to the pilgrimage and toured the future site of Cardinal Foley Hall and the Library. The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy contributed 1.5 million dollars for the construction of Foley Hall. The Library will be named in honor of Suava Salameh’s parents during a dedication ceremony scheduled for the Spring of 2020. BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY 5 Alumni Reunions in Bethlehem and Abu Dhabi The Alumni Relations Office hosted two October reunions for Bethlehem University graduates. The reunion in Bethlehem (pictured above) took place on campus for the graduates of the Institute of Hotel Management. In Abu Dhabi, the Friends of Bethlehem University group held the event at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Vice Chancellor Brother