After 5 Years of Service Birzeit University Bids Farewell to its President

On 16 June 2015, Birzeit University community gave a warm send off to its President Dr. Khalil Hindi, as he will end his mandate later this month after five years of service. The event was attended by board members, Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Khawla Shakhshir, the succeeding president Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hijleh, a number of Palestinian figures, faculty and staff.

In his opening address, board chairman Dr. Hanna Nasir expressed his willingness to keep on attracting professionals and scientists from Europe, China, Japan, and India and even from some Arab countries to teach at Birzeit University.

Nasir added: "There is no doubt that Hindi’s mission was not an easy one, since it passed through intricate matters such as the difficult financial crisis in a country living under occupation.”

The Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Dr. Adel Zagha expressed the university’s pride of what has been achieved during the past five years, in terms of succeeding in getting aid from Qatar, as well as increasing the number of scholarships offered to students, in addition to the development of academic programs. Moreover, Hindi contributed directly to a generous support of the Saudi Development Fund to build a hostel for female students on campus- all of which no doubt will contribute to the sustainability and durability of the university, Zagha added.

The head of BZU Employees’ Union Dr. Salem Thawabah and the president of Friends of Birzeit University Association Mohammed Masrouji, and head of student council Saif Douglas gave speeches in which they commended Hindi’s achievements.

Prof. Hindi expressed his appreciation to this honorary ceremony, and his sadness to leave the university, saying: “despite the difficulties and troubles we passed through, yet these times are the happiest days of my life. Hindi added: “This is the first time that I live in a country in which all the citizens living around me are all Palestinians. Believe me; this has a special taste and distinctive flavor. Although, I will travel again, Birzeit University will have special memories in life."