Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees honors Dr. Hanna Nasir

In recognition of his contributions and his academic and national role, Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees organized a ceremony honoring Dr. Hanna Nasir. The event commemorated the end of Dr. Nasir’s tenure as chairperson of the Board of Trustees, a position he has undertaken since 2006.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi; chairperson of the Board of Trustees; members of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Talal Shahwan, Birzeit University president; members of the University Council; Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, minister of Internal Affairs; Dr. Nasri Abu Jaish, minister of Labour; Dr. Mai al-Kaila, minister of Health; Dr. Amal Hamad, minister of Women's Affairs; Riad Attari, minister of Agriculture; Dr.Laila Ghannam, governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh; political, national and economics figures; and the Nasir family.

The ceremony commenced with a musical performance by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, under the leadership of musician Suhail Khoury. The event featured another artistic performance by singer Tania Nasir, wife of Dr. Nasir, and his sister Rima Tarazi.

On behalf of the Nasir family, Bassem Nasir, son of Dr. Nasir, talked about his father as a person, an academic and a national figure, highlighting the special bond between his father and Birzeit University. He elaborated on how his father dedicated his energy and time to consolidate Birzeit University as a reputable academic institution.

Dr. Mamdouh Aker, deputy chair of the Board of Trustees, gave a speech on behalf of the Board of Trustees. He talked about Dr. Nasir’s achievements and the faith he had in Birzeit University, particularly in 1972, when he led a team comprising the late Dr. Gabi Baramki and the late Dr. Ramzi Rihan to develop Birzeit College into a university. As a result of their collective efforts, Birzeit University became the first Arab university in Palestine, headed by Dr. Nasir as its president until 2004.

He also talked about Dr. Nasir’s progressive and democratic mindset that he tried to embody at Birzeit University and Palestine, highlighting Dr. Nasir's consistent efforts as the head of the Central Elections Commission to conduct national elections despite numerous obstacles and challenging circumstances.

Later, Dr. Ashrawi honored Dr. Nasir with an architectural sculpture embodying Birzeit University. She affirmed that Dr. Nasir's resignation aligns with Birzeit University's tradition of leadership rotation, particularly in senior positions. She also announced that the university's Board of Trustees elected Dr. Nasir as an honorary chairperson of the Board.

In a speech, Dr. Nasir thanked Dr. Ashrawi, the board and the guests and mentioned the major challenge of securing university accreditation in April 1976, a few months before the graduation of the first batch of students on July 11, 1976.

Dr. Ghannam granted Dr. Nasir a falcon award plaque, noting that the falcon, a symbol for courage and the spirit of initiative, resembles Dr. Nasir. She also added that, although Dr. Nasir decided to leave his position at the university, like a falcon, he will keep an eye on Birzeit University from a distance and protect it from the dangers that surround it.

At the end of the ceremony, a short film was screened under the title “Hanna Nasir and the History of Birzeit University.” Produced by the Public Relations Office at the university, the film highlights Dr. Nasir's contributions to Birzeit University and milestones in its history.