Birzeit University commences its 48th annual graduation ceremonies
On Friday, July 28, 2023, Birzeit University commenced its 48th annual graduation ceremonies with the graduation of students from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and the Faculty of Law and Public Administration.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Dr. Mahmoud Abu Mowis, minister of Education; Dr. Hanna Nasir, chairperson of Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees; Dr. Beshara Doumani, Birzeit University president; members of the university’s Board of Trustees and the University Council; faculty members; national figures as well as students and their parents.
In his opening speech, Dr. Doumani remarked, “The past year was not ordinary, as challenges lurked on campus and outside of the university gates. This reflects the close relationship between Birzeit University and the Palestinian Political scene in general as well as the vitality of the university community in particular. We have succeeded in transforming these challenges into an opportunity to develop the university’s mission of academic excellence, national commitment and community engagement and also develop the unique social contract between the university constituents, including the Board of Trustees, university administration, employees and students. Relying on a great legacy and the commitment of the university community to its mission, we were able to continue the journey together, so that each generation can pass on the legacy of Birzeit University, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary of spreading knowledge and graduating cohorts of influencers next year.”
He added, “This year, Dr. Hanna Nasir will conclude his tenure as the chair of Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees. I want to thank him for all of his efforts, as he spent his life serving the university. The university was initiated by the Nasir family as a primary school for girls in the town of Birzeit in 1924. Today, Dr. Nasir leaves Birzeit University, the first in Palestine in terms of establishment and practice, after it became a well-established institution and a small city. I also want to extend my best wishes for Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, as she takes on the responsibility of leading the university.”
Dr. Doumnai also spoke about the end of his tenure as the university president. He maintained, “In a matter of days, I will be done with my two-year service at Birzeit University as its president. I have so much to say about this rich experience, which, despite being short, brought me back to Palestine that I love and Birzeit University in which I initiated my academic career. Although the university faced tremendous obstacles due to the exceptional circumstances we experience in Palestine, we continue to move forward in establishing a prosperous future for the university, which will be carried on by those who will bear the torch after me. Birzeit University is more than a university; it is a homeland that we leave but does not leave us. On my end, I will always be at the service of this established university, wherever I am, whenever I am needed.”
On behalf of Palestinian president Mahmoumd Abbas, Dr. Abu Mowis congratulated students and their parents on this special occasion and dedicated this success to the martyrs, prisoners and the wounded.
He said, “Birzeit University speaks for itself with its programs, research, high rankings, administration, employees, students, achievements and constant attempts for development to stay at the top nationally, regionally and internationally.”
He also spoke about the future vision for higher education and scientific research in Palestine, emphasizing that the Palestinian heritage and history provide fertile ground for following up with the fourth industrial revolution. He also pointed out the significant changes that universities will undergo in the coming years, as digitalization and artificial intelligence will be the key components of the upcoming phase, stressing that those who do not keep up with these changes will be left behind.
He also talked about the significance of focusing on climate studies, astronomy, epidemiology and digitalization. He highlighted that the call is open for promoting the “universities without boarders” approach and the need to develop skills; focus on entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation; and empower the younger generations in order to meet the needs of the market.
Dr. Nasir conferred an honorary doctorate in arts upon Palestinian artist Samia Halaby for her contributions to the artistic scene at the local and global levels, enabling her to bolster the statues of the Palestinian cause in regional and international fora.
Dr. Nasir elaborated, “I have known Samia Halaby at the regional and international levels as a pioneer in abstract art for her contributions to scientific and philosophical theories on adapting the visual concept of what we see with the naked eye into metal relationships. Her works also comprised distinguished scientific studies in optical science, including digital painting technology. Birzeit University had the honor of hosting her first exhibition for this technology in 1999. Birzeit University also hosted Halaby’s book launch and exhibition documenting the 1956 Kafr Qasim Massacre in painting in 2007.”
Samia Halaby thanked Birzeit University for this honor and urged students to stay dedicated and to keep learning in search of knowledge. She also encouraged students not to succumb to failure, but to persist and strive for success, stressing that knowledge is our weapon as Palestinians to stand against the occupier.
Birzeit University also awarded an honorary doctorate in business and economics to Palestinian businessperson Tariq Al-Akkad. Because he could not arrive in Palestine for this year’s graduation ceremony, Al-Akkad will be awarded the honorary doctorate next graduation ceremony.
Hala Abu Baker, student in the education master’s program, gave the valedictorian speech on behalf of the students of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. She maintained, “I came here today from my resilient city, Jenin, and from the alleys of its legendary camp for all of you to know that the battle of awareness is just as important as that of rifles and that knowledge is our weapon against the Israeli occupation.”
Ahmad Salameh, student in the Department of Political Science, held the valedictorian speech on behalf of the students of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration. After paying tribute to Palestinian martyrs, he emphasized the positive influence Birzeit University has on its students and commended the national and developmental role Birzeit University plays in the Palestinian community.
The ceremony featured an artistic performance by Birzeit University’s Al-Sanabel Troupe. Graduates received their certificates after they professed their commitment to the graduates’ oath, read by President Doumani.
The graduation ceremony will continue for three more days, to be held between Friday and Sunday, July 28-31, 2023. The university will graduate 2,627 students from across the Faculties of Arts, Law and Public Administration, Science, Education, Engineering and Technology, Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Art, Music and Design, Business and Economics and Graduate Studies and Research.
