Bethlehem University News (BUN)
-Bethlehem University Welcomes Dr. Fathi Arafat -Succesful Trip to Abu Dhabi -Gardens and Flower Beds -From the Dean of Students -Cardinal Furno Visits Bethlehem University -Behlehem University Student, Ihab Lolas, is Palestinian Youth Ambassador -Alumni Association Building a Solid Future -Fairwells -A Story to Tell -Elias Freij -University Representatives Meet with Interfaith Group -Interview with Mr. Hanna Nasser -Scholarship Donations -Development Report -Silver Jubilee Update -The following sent in donations -Students Lending a Helping Hand 
University Representatives Discuss Bethlehem 2000 with UNESCOOn Wednesday, February 4, 1998, two senior UNESCO representatives visited Bethlehem University. Dr. Omar Massalha, Director of the Unit for the Coordination of Assistance to the Palestinian People, held discussions on the prospects of cooperation during Bethlehem 2000 celebrations. He was accompanied by Dr. Ernest Fassbunder, Head of the first UNESCO office to be opened in the Palestinian areas. Dr. Manuel Hassassian, Executive Vice President,
welcomed the UNESCO representatives and thanked UNESCO and Mr. Massalha
for their supportive role. Dr. Hassassian indicated that Mr. Massalha's
expertise is very much appreciated. He also welcomed Mr. Fassbunder, and
expressed the University's willingness to cooperate in every way
possible with the newly established UNESCO Office. He expressed the University's emphasis in presenting ideas for the 2000 celebrations that are dynamic and reasonable in order to rejuvenate Palestinian cultural traditions. To achieve that goal, the University's Committee has been very energetic in its work within the over-all Bethlehem 2000 celebrations. The meeting was attended by several members of the University's 2000 Committee; Dr. Alfred Abed Rabbo, Ms. Samira Hassassian, Mr. George B. Sahhar, Mr. Romel Sodah, Dr. Walid Mustafa, and Dr. Salim Zoughbi. UNESCO representatives were briefed on Bethlehem University projects for the 2000 celebrations concerning culture, arts, music, drama, and conferences. UNESCO representatives provided valuable input and suggestions on how the University should proceed in these areas. Mr. Massalha indicated that the new Palestine ought to be seen as protecting religions, whether Christian or Moslem, defending minorities, holy places, and welcoming pilgrims. The Palestinian objectives should be clearly defined. The Palestinian Emergency Action Plan must prepare Bethlehem to become the Cultural Capital, with the 2000 celebrations as an avenue towards meeting this objective. It is important that awareness-raising conferences be held throughout the Palestinian territories. At the end of the meeting Dr. Hassassian promised
that all the ideas raised will be studied thoroughly by the University
Administration, as valuable input on how the University should proceed
in preparing for the up-coming Bethlehem 2000 celebrations.
Bethlehem University Welcomes Dr. Fathi ArafatOn February 24, 1998, Bethlehem University hosted Dr. Fathi Arafat, Director of the Higher Medical Council and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Dr. Arafat was interested in receiving input from Bethlehem University representatives about the prospects of establishing a Palestinian Research Academy. A meeting was arranged for him with the deans and the University Administration.
Dr. Arafat, brother of President Yasser Arafat, has been an instrumental figure in the establishment of a system of medical services in Palestine and in the refugee camps of the diaspora. He returned to Palestine after the Oslo Agreement was signed, having been involved in the Palestinian struggle for many years. University representatives spoke about the
importance of research in the sciences, and in the humanities. It is
very important for Palestinians to be able to write and to document our
own history as we remember the 50th anniversary of Al-Nakba. As part of national efforts to establish the Palestinian Research Academy, Bethlehem University was being asked to provide research expertise. Our young graduates ought to be encouraged to develop their critical thinking and a spirit of innovation and research in order to prepare for a new Palestine in the new millennium. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Arafat was given a
commemorative gift, an olive wood box with the emblem of Bethlehem
University in ceramic on top.
Succesful Trip to Abu DhabiA fund-raising dinner was held in Abu Dhabi, as part of the University activities to establish cooperation ties with the Palestinian and Arab community there, and to generate funds for Bethlehem University's scholarship endowment. The dinner, held in the presence of H.E. Sheikh
Nhayan Bin Mubarak Al-Nhayan, Abu Dhabi's Minister of Higher Education
and Scientific Research, was attended by some 380 dignitaries, along
with Monsignor Raouf Al-Najjar, President of the University, Brother
Vincent Malham, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Manuel Hassassian, Executive
Vice President. However, what attracted attention most, and constituted
a pleasant surprise, was the presence of a number of Bethlehem
University alumni holding key positions at the Crowne Plaza Hotel where
the dinner was held. It was truly a source of pride for the University
administration to see its alumni holding such fine positions. During the visit which lasted for 5 days, between March 5 and 10, 1998, meetings were held with representatives of the Government and local institutions. University representatives carried with them copies of constructions plans, aiming to provide the necessary infrastructure for the future, as the University prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee and to enter the 21st century. Also, Dr. Hassassian met with President of Al-Ayn University. Both men agreed to work on a cooperation program for the exchange students and faculty, and to cooperate in science research.
Gardens and Flower BedsIn January 1998, Vice Chancellor, Brother Vincent
formed a committee for the beautification of the campus. It has been
almost one year since the fountain was completed and the central area
renamed Al-Youssef Plaza. There are several locations on campus that
still need attention. The committee is to draw up plans, give ideas, and
carry our the necessary follow-up that will make the campus more
beautiful. Despite the lack of funds the Committee solicited ideas and
suggestions from members of the University community. Everybody seemed
quite enthusiastic about the whole idea. Following initial discussions and preparations, five locations were identified, New gardens and flowers beds have just been completed at the main entrance and in front of the science building. People entering the campus are already beginning to notice and feel the difference. The committee is now hoping to improve small locations elsewhere on campus.
From the Dean of StudentsBethlehem took a unique step among Palestinian universities in the West Bank and Gaza by designating an "activities hour" every Thursday afternoon, during which classes and labs are not offered. This gives an opportunity for extra curricular activities, an important aspect of linking the University with issues important to the local community. For many years, the University operated under the pressures of a direct military occupation, so students chose to confront Israeli military actions and to focus their activities on human rights, in particular, defending the right to education. Today there is a slight improvement in daily
living conditions, despite the fact that Israeli soldiers are still only
within walking distance of the campus. The University is trying to
create a normal situation which includes assisting the students to
develop their own activities and thus enrich their spiritual and
cultural life. The Student Council, therefore, is constantly carrying
out activities in the sports, cultural, social, the arts and heritage
clubs, that enrich the already diversified life on campus. A quick glance at student activities during the Silver Jubilee year reveals a large variety of celebrations in a calendar very busy with many events. The agenda includes religious and national celebrations, remembering the 50th anniversary of Al-Nakba and the creation of the refugee problem, and also inviting local and national theatre groups, folklore and sports activities with neighboring organizations, art exhibitions, and honoring outstanding students. When the National Authority launched the national census, Bethlehem University students mobilized quickly and showed great cooperation and support. They also helped with programs carried out by the Ministry of Health.
Cardinal Furno Visits Bethlehem UniversityIn his first visit to Bethlehem University, His Eminence Carlo Cardinal Furno, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, was hosted by the Administration and the Faculty Deans. In view of the long tradition of friendship with
the Order and with Cardinal Furno, University representatives expressed
great interest in anticipation of the visit. The schedule, even though rather brief, included a tour of the various facilities on campus, ending with the magnificent view from Bethlehem Hall, with its ornate middle eastern architecture, where a meeting took place. During his welcoming remarks, Brother Vincent Malham, Vice Chancellor, described this visit as "a great honor as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary." He also took the opportunity to thank Cardinal Furno for the two scholarships which he donates each year for Bethlehem University students. Dr. Jacqueline Sfeir, Dean of the Education Faculty, spoke about the community links for which Bethlehem University is becoming famous. Br. Neil Kieffe, Academic Vice President, outlined the mission of Bethlehem University as a place where Moslem and Christian Palestinians meet together and learn in a pluralistic environment which fosters mutual cooperation and respect. He also described how, from a modest beginning, with approximately 70 students, back in 1973, Bethlehem University has now reached an enrollment close to 2,000 students. Brother Neil emphasized the importance of high quality educational programs offered at Bethlehem University. Cardinal Furno indicated that the Order of the
Holy Sepulcher is very well aware of this important presence and work
conducted in Palestine, and described the University as a
"success." Count Ludovico, Governor General of the Equestrian
Order, announced that the Order will be giving an annual scholarship to
Bethlehem University students, in addition to the two scholarships
offered at present, as a sign of support for "this beautiful place
that was built one stone at a time." The meeting ended with warm wishes. A collective photograph was taken and the visit was commemorated by the signing of the guest book by Cardinal Furno and the accompanying delegation. Cardinal Furno was accompanied, during this visit, by Mr. Carducci, and by Monsignor Kamal Batheesh and Dr. Graziano Motto from the Jerusalem Latin Patriarchate.
"The mission of Bethlehem
University as a place where
Behlehem University Student, Ihab Lolas, is Palestinian Youth AmbassadorWorld Vision, a humanitarian non-governmental organisation, with over 6,000 projects in more than 100 countries, looked with confidence to the young people of today as the hope of tomorrow's world. A group of fifty Youth Ambassadors, each from a
different country, was brought together to share their life and
experience and their hopes for the future. After a rigourous selection
procedure, Ihab Lolas, a junior biology student at Bethlehem University,
was selected as the Palestinian representative. For three months of the summer of 1997 the fifty youth ambassadors lived together in the vastly different cultures of the USA, Guatemala, Taiwan and Japan. During this time, they got to know each other, their histories, something of their countries, their values and expectations in life. This getting to know each other and making friends with young people of so many different cultures, religions and races was a most enriching education. The young people learnt to accept each other, appreciate the differences, understand each others problems. The group took part in study workshops on family values, reconciliation, and on the means to promote a peaceful future. They had a concert tour in each of the countries they visited and sang songs in different languages about peace, justice and forgiveness. Ihab observed that "Something was joining us all together, Muslims, Christians, Free Thinkers, Buddhists, we were all living in the same world, we all sought peace and happiness in our lives. This togetherness was well expressed in our singing in harmony, an expression to the world that there is hope for a world of peace." Among the many people they encountered were government leaders, prisoners and orphan children. One of the things which made a deep impression on Ihab was the love and care for each other that soon developed in the group. For the first time in his life, he felt really free. He was able to express his feelings, his beliefs and his dreams for the future in a way he had not been able to do before. A poem was composed to summarize the experience of the group, which included the lines: We are gathered here today, Our purpose here is not what we can do tomorrow
Alumni Association Building a Solid FutureDespite its limited resources, the Alumni
Association is implementing a very challenging project. The construction
of 288 housing units is already underway for alumni who are otherwise
unable to build their own homes. Alumni will make their payments on
long-term installments. It is worth mentioning that this housing project is the largest in the Bethlehem area. President Arafat himself inaugurated the construction by unveiling the cornerstone in a ceremony held last year. He is also helping some graduates cover their payments for the housing units. In order to raise the necessary funds for the
interior construction, the Alumni Association is holding a lottery in
which each ticket costs 1 Shekel. The first prize winner will receive a
brand new V.W. Golf in a ceremony scheduled for July 3, 1998. Such a project will prevent Palestinian immigration from the Bethlehem area. And there are already plans for a second housing project, consisting of 230 housing units, to be located in the northern part of the City of Bethlehem.
FairwellsAt the completion of 6 years, six months and six days at the service of Bethlehem University, Sr. Clare Garcilano is now moving to Sau Paulo, Brazil. Throughout her years here, all were impressed with her fine communication skills and extreme politness. Back in 1991, Sr.Clare came to Bethlehem and she
was very happy to have this opportunity to serve in this city where
Jesus Christ was born. Now she is expressing mixed feelings at her
departure. Sr. Clare says that she is glad she had the opportunity to be
here and sad, at the same time, because the Palestinian people continue
to suffer. On Monday, January 19, 1998, sisters Mary Abdilla and Pia Powell were honored at a reception held in Sansour Hall at which the administration, faculty and staff attended. The two sisters were each presented with a certificate of recognition, a gift and a T-shirt embroidered with the University name and logo. Aftrerwards, Sister Pia Powell thanked those present and reminisced about her years at Bethlehem University as a member of the English Department and, with Sisiter Mary, her experiences at Mar Andrea. All those who attended the reception had mixed emotions about the departure of the two sisters. On the one hand, they were happy that the two sisters could earn a well-deserved break and on the other hand, sad at the loss of their experience and dedication.
A Story to TellDr. Jacqueline Sfeir, Dean of the Education Faculty, has been associated with Bethlehem University since the very early beginning, maybe earlier than most people can imagine. As a child, she went to Kindergarten at the Fre[U1]res School, long before the location became Bethlehem University. On her recollections of the earlier times, when she was only three or four years old, Jacqueline used to come here with Tony, her older brother, and she remembers the Arabic teacher Mr. Kamal who was very firm. The Kindergarten was located in the exact room
where the University Physician is now located. Only the main building
existed, and where the Library is today, there was a garden with lots of
spruce trees. Dr. Jacqueline recalls Brother Etianne was once the School
Principal, and Brother Bernard Rock who used to train the choir, while
she used to come to Freres School Chapel for choir practice with the St.
Joseph School. Dr. Jacqueline left the place when she was four years old and returned when she completed high school, at the dawn of a new era with the first University class at Bethlehem. Of the first year of Bethlehem University, Dr. Jacqueline recalls how the whole University consisted of 3 rooms (currently where the Student Senate is housed next to the fountain). Those rooms did not exist back during the Kindergarten year but were built later on. The school had not moved out yet, and operated alongside the University. Yet there was no contact with the school students, who used to look curiously out of their windows into the basketball area at the University students. At that time, the cafeteria had 4 tables in the area where the telephone operator is now located. At this time, there were only 77 students. It was during the time when students had to go to the factories and to Solomon Pools to collect samples. They went with their teacher Dr. Basheer Al-Issa to eat ice cream at a place then known as the Horse Shoe to collect their thermos cups in which the ice cream was served to use it later as calorie meters. Dr. Basheer Al-Issa also used to bring his car battery to the lab when a direct current was needed for electrolysis. Dr. Jacqueline, recalling what they had to live through, noted that they were " pioneers in this place. There was no University but we were the University. This created in us a special link with the place. We used to carry things, do volunteer work, and the University was our entire life." Some of the faculty members who are still at the University include Mr. Omar Moussa and Mr. Amin Zeit and Dr. Violet Fasheh and Dr. Said Mansour. Dr. Jacqueline graduated in Chemistry and Biology, with the first graduating class, then taught at schools but frequently came back to the University because her students were always allowed to use the laboratories. The late Dr. Zurub was in charge then, and he was very helpful and cooperative. At that time Brother Joe Lowenstein was the Dean. Dr. Jacqueline recalls how as a school teacher, she received tremendous support from the University's Teacher's College, from Dr. Violet Fasheh and Mr. Jerad Dorne, who always answered her questions about difficulties she encountered in the class-room. Both of them strongly encouraged her to specialize in early childhood education. The second time she returned to the University in 1984, she returned as a Faculty of Education staff member and in 1997 became Dean of the Education Faculty. When suddenly the Intifada started in 1987, the University once again had no campus, no library and no facilities. Yet people believed that they could do it, and the off-campus teaching recalled memories of the early years. She feels that as Dean, the responsibility and the dream are combined. As we enter the 21st century, she is hoping to see a University without walls with links to the factories and the schools, and not to depend on receiving information only but rather to the development of knowledge.
Elias FreijElias Freij, the former Mayor of Bethlehem, died in Amman, Jordan on Sunday, March 29, of kidney and heart failure at the age of 81. The funeral services took place in the Basilica of the Nativity in his beloved Bethlehem on March 31. Mayor Freij served as Chairman of the local Board
of Trustees of Bethlehem University from the earliest days until his
retirement. He was very proud of the university and promoted its
interests at home and abroad. As Mayor during the difficult and dangerous years of the Intifada, Mr. Freij maintained a moderate stance. "He was able to offer," observed his friend, Hanna Siniora, Director of the Palestinian Chamber of Commerce, "a sense of solidarity to the residents, and could secure aid and funds for the town's infrastructure more effectively than anyone else in the Occupied Territories." Elias Freij was born into an old Bethlehem Family that could trace its ancestry in the city for more than half a millennium. He remained faithful to the Greek Orthodox faith. Elias joined the family souvenir business and was soon running several successful shops. He served as Head of the City Chamber of Commerce and the City Coucil before becoming mayor in 1972. He was re-elected in 1976, holding the post until 1997. He survived while other Palestinian mayors were imprisoned, killed or severely injured, and he always promoted a moderate and pragmatic position. Freij wanted Jew and Arab to live peacefully together. "We cannot live as enemies and fight each other forever," he said in an interview some years ago. More recently he remarked that he did not believe that there could be a military solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but that logic and common sense would, in the end, prevail. Elias Freij was a skillful negotiator at the Madrid Conference of 1992. He looked forward to a two-state solution. Elias Freij was an unimposing figure, short in stature, but holding himself erect. He was soft-spoken, but deliberate and straight forward. He welcomed the withdrawal of Israeli troops from his City and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1995. He was appointed Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in the new Palestinian Authority. These last two years, Mr. Freij has suffered ill health and had to withdraw from his official duties. He was anxious to see "Bethlehem 2000" a successful enterprise, a renewal of the city that could welcome the many pilgrims for these celebrations. He was distressed with the present lack of progress in the peace process, the severe travel restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities and the consequent rise in unemployment and fall in tourism. Elias Freij will be remembered as a man of peace at a time of conflict, a moderate when aggressive confrontation was the norm and a champion of the holy city of Bethlehem as Mayor, negotiator and fund raiser. Bethlehem University remembers with gratitude all that he did for the university and for th epeople of Bethlehem.
University Representatives Meet with Interfaith GroupA meeting was held between representatives of
Bethlehem University and a group of Church leaders and Rabbis from the
U.S. A delegation of 15 senior representatives of the Catholic Church
and Rabbinates in the U.S. was jointly headed by H.E. William Cardinal
Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, Maryland and Rabbi Joel H. Zaiman,
Chizuk Amuno Congregation, Baltimore. The meeting took place at the
Tantur Ecumenical Institute, in the quiet and scenic location on a hill
overlooking Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Brother Vincent Malham, Bethlehem University Vice Chancellor, warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed delight for this opportunity. He described the role of Bethlehem University in this troubled land as a little island, a sign of hope for this country, and he expressed confidence that thus it would continue. Brother Vincent announced that the University is now working on its 5 - year strategic plan, and with God's blessing that process will help the University continue, because there is no better way than education to enter the hearts and minds of young people. Dr. Bernard Sabella, a long-time Sociology Professor at Bethlehem, said that this visit was "promoting hope which we should not lose." Dr. Sabella stated that in addition to providing quality education, the University is also providing a venue for inter-religious dialogue between Moslems and Christians, as a beautiful model for society. He also expressed pride in the role of the University in keeping tens of thousands of Palestinians in their own country. The visiting delegation described Bethlehem University as a precious gift for this region and as evidence that there is hope for the future. Cardinal Keeler expressed his appreciation for the Christian Brothers, and described them as "people with whom we have an on-going personal relationship." He also described Bethlehem University as witness to what the Christian Brothers are doing in this Holy Land.
Interview with Mr. Hanna NasserMr. Hanna Nasser, new Chairman of the Board of Trustees, has just assumed this important post at Bethlehem University. Mr. Nasser, also Mayor of Bethlehem, brings with him a long and distinguished experience in public service. He was interviewed by Mr. George B. Sahhar, Public Relations Officer, on his vision, views, and challenges facing the University. Following are excerpts from that interview:
Scholarship DonationsThank you to the following individuals, parish groups and fraternal associations who have supported our special appeal for scholarship funds. FOUNDER'S CLUB (100,000 +) TRUSTEES' CLUB (25,000 +) CHAIRMAN'S CLUB (10,000 +) VICE CHANCELLOR'S CLUB (1000 +) SPECIAL FRIENDS (500 +) THE CENTURY CLUB (100 +) THE SILVER ANNIVERSARY CLUB (25 +)
Development ReportFund-rasining is often the least favorite part of
running an educational organization. But without it, the organization
would find it hard to survive. Such activity is especially vital to the
life of Bethlehem University since tuition covers only about thirty
percent of the cost of educating the young men and women who study at
the University. Secuting funds for operating expenses and updating our
computer facilities are annual concerns. Funding for scholarships and
tuition aid for needy and deserving students are a priority at the
University as an increasing number of families cannot afford to pay
tuition and fees in this depressed economy. Research and study grants
are also needed to maintain our level of academic excellence. The good news is that the University does have many friends who support our various activities. The two listings of contributions to our special Silver Anniversary Fund and to our Scholarship Fund are published in this issue of the Bethlehem University News. It is most gratifying to list our supporters. The University also benefits from the generosity of various funding agencies throughout Europe and North America. Among those who contributed to the University this year are: The Congregation of Eastern Churches (Rome), The European Union, The Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order (Rome), Friends of Bethlehem University in Abu Dhabi, UNESCO, Save the Children Foundation (England), Kinderhilfe Bethlehem (Switzerland), DFG (Germany), Caritas (Jerusalem), The British Council (Hebron), Porticus (The Netherlands), Canada Fund, Association in Favor of Bethlehem University (Switzerland), Irish Aid, The International Center for Theoretical Physics (Italy), United Nations Development Program, NORAD (Norway), The Norwegian Occupational Therapy Association, Misereor (Germany), The Swiss Holy Land Fund, Missio (Germany), Van Leer Foundation (The United States), USIS (USA), The Welfare Association (Geneva), The Konrad Adenaeur Association (Germany), The Government of Navarra (Spain), The Latin Patriarchate (Jerusalem), The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (United States), the Agnelli Foundation (Italy), etc. Several of our corporate and individual donors wish to remain anonymous.
Silver Jubilee UpdateThe calendar is moving closer to the October celebrations of the Bethlehem University Silver Jubilee. Already in place for the 1998 Silver Jubilee are
new entrance signs for the university. Beginning January 1st, 1998, new
25th Jubilee Bethlehem University stationery is being used for all
outside correspondence. At the start of the 1997 fall semester, faculty and staff members received a desk-top 1998 Jubilee calendar which contained photographs of the campus for each month of the year. All students, at the start of the fall registration, received a pocket-sized 1998 Silver Jubilee calendar. Various faculty committees in the areas of publicity, publications, Board of Trustees, homecoming and Jubilee items have been meeting regularly all year. Silver Jubilee events will be concentrated in the week of October 4-10, 1998. The week of celebrations will start on Sunday, 4th October with the opening Silver Jubilee mass taking place at Bethlehem University. The mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Pio Laghi, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education and formerly the Apostolic Delegate for Jerusalem and Palestine at the time of the founding of Bethlehem University in 1973. Religious and civic leaders will be invited to the opening mass and reception. It is expected that a number of former vice chancellors of Bethlehem University will be present for this occasion. On Monday, October 5th, guests will be invited to take part in tours of the campus. A special photographic exhibition will be opened in the afternoon. A formal academic convocation will take place, with an address being given by Brother John Johnston, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
We extend our thanks to the many Christian Brothers' Districts and Communities in the United States that supported our appeal for funds for our Silver Jubilee Celebrations.
The following sent in donationsThe following sent in donations: Long Island-New England Distrct
Students Lending a Helping HandIn order to encourage our students to be caring
and sensitive to community needs, and in order to promote volunteer
spirit, the University developed a Community Service Program as part of
the Education Faculty. For the last 15 years or so, students are
required to do 45 hours of voluntary work during the time-span of eleven
weeks, in activities that provide support to needy members of the local
Palestinian society. This course allows students to learn about
community development needs and the various institutions meeting these
needs. Students doing the voluntary work learn to be
particularly sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, develop the
ability to function as a member of a team, develop a greater sense of
responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for people. Students spend
those precious hours alleviating the suffering of others, or simply
being the needed friend. Feed-back on this important project is very positive. Students are excited about participating. They feel fully satisfied when helping the disadvantaged, the orphans, the blind and the disabled. The beneficiary organizations greatly appreciate the help our students are offering them and they always think highly of Bethlehem University. They keep telling us that what we are doing "boosts their morale." At the completion of each Community Service Program, students fill an evaluation form, and their responses confirm the positive impression already developed about this program. One student wrote "I learnt how to assume responsibility and to work in a team," another one wrote "I met new people and I learnt more about society." Another student even asked that "more hours should be required" for the Community Service Program. |
