Birzeit University graduates more than 2300 students during 43rd commencement ceremonies
Birzeit University celebrated the graduation of the 43rd cohort of students from the faculties of Graduate Studies, Business and Economics, Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, and the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions. The university convened the commencement ceremony on three subsequent days recognizing the success of 2360 students.
On the three-day celebrations, president Abuhijleh delivered the keynote addresses. He congratulated the students on the occasion of achieving this important milestone, and encouraged them to continue their journey towards excellence. “With every batch we graduate, we also celebrate the achievement of Birzeit’s vision to create a knowledge platform and what they can offer their nation. Throughout the years, we have grown from a small school for girls to one of the most prominent universities in the world. Today we offer various bachelor and master programs, and a unique PhD program in social sciences, with around 14,000 students enrolled.”
Abu Hijleh applauded the graduates for showing academic excellence and outstanding service to the university's community and their country. “Our remarkable students and professors continue to bring Birzeit University to the forefront of international excellence,” Abuhijleh added. “Research carried out by the students Dureen Samandar Eweis and Fida’ Abed, under the supervision of the head of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry professor Johnny Stiban, was taken as a model on the BBC program ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.’ This international accomplishment has to be recognized and appreciated.”
Abuhijleh added, “The students have cemented Birzeit University’s place as the top university in Palestine, and its reputation as a center of excellence and the provider of a high-quality education. In pursuit of excellence, we continue to celebrate our achievements in academia. For the second year in a row, Birzeit University was ranked by QS, in its 2019 World University Rankings, in the top 2.7% of universities worldwide, a jump compared to last year’s rankings, in which the university was classified in the top 3% of higher education institutions in the world.”
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee at the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), spoke on the behalf of the President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas during the first day ceremony. Dr. Ashrawi congratulated the students, and expressed her enthusiasm at participating in the commencement ceremony. Ashrawi applauded the university’s ongoing evolution and constant achievements, not only locally but also internationally, which is reflected by the QS ranking. Ashrawi encouraged the students to continue their hard work, and unite their efforts to overcome the challenges that Palestinians face.
The Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Dr. Hanna Nasir conferred an honorary degree in Politics and Economics to the BoT member Samir Abdulhadi. Abdulhadi devoted his time to philanthropy and volunteer work and is a generous donor and contributor to the development of Birzeit University, by offering scholarships for students, and funding the building of an annex for the mathematics department.
The university also recognized Asad Toum, a staff member in Birzeit University’s Main Library as the Employee of the Year. The award is presented to staff in recognition for their exceptional job performance and distinguished contributions to the university community. Toum has created a custom-made book scanner that digitizes the library’s un-scanned material.
At the end of the ceremony, the graduates received their certificates after they professed their commitment to the graduates’ oath.
