Dr. Hanna Nasir Receives Honorary Doctorate

The American University in Cairo (AUC) conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters on Dr. Hanna Nasir, President of Birzeit University in recognition of his long lasting efforts in the field of higher education, and his diligent work in the defense of human rights in Palestine.

The Honorary Doctorate was conferred during the AUC commencement on Sunday, June 17, 2001. During his speech, Dr. John D. Gerhart, President of AUC, introduced Dr. Nasir who received a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics in 1967 from Purdue University in the United States of America, and returned to Palestine after the June 1967 War to participate in the development of Birzeit College which later became the first University in Palestine. Dr. Gerhart mentioned that the Israeli occupation forces deported Dr. Nasir in 1974 to the south of Lebanon, and while in exile, became a member of the Palestinian National Council, and was an elected member of the executive committee of the PLO for several years.

In 1993, and in the context of new political changes in the area, Dr. Nasir returned to Palestine, and reassumed his responsibility as President of Birzeit University. During the last general assembly of the International Association of Universities, Dr. Nasir was elected as one of the four vice presidents of its administrative board.

Dr. Nasir stated that he considers the honor a recognition also to Birzeit University and its staff for their commitment to the development of their community and their country.