BZU concludes 42nd commencement ceremony

Birzeit University concluded on July 2, 2017 its 42nd commencement ceremony by graduating the last batch from the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Engineering and Technology. Over three days, around 2050 students from eight faculties have graduated. The class of 2017 was surrounded by their family members, the university’s faculty, staff and administrators.

The University President Abdel Latif Abu Hijleh applauded the graduates for showing academic excellence and outstanding service to the university's community and their country. He addressed the students: "Today is a day to celebrate all the hard work that got all of you to this moment. Your graduation marks the end of one era and the beginning of a brand new chapter."

Abu Hijleh spoke about the university's development as one of the most prominent universities in the world. "Throughout Birzeit's history, the university has sought to provide an education that cultivates the imagination, enlarges perspectives, and prepares students to the upcoming challenges. Birzeit University sees its studies programs as one of the oldest, diverse and most well-established ones."

During the ceremony, the University honored Ahmad Al-Ayish, a graduate and a current prisoner by the Israeli occupation. Al- Ayish was supposed to graduate along with his classmates, but he is still under detention until today. He graduated with an honor degree for his distinctiveness in academia.

Mohammad Abda spoke on behalf of the students. “Birzeit University gave us many opportunities for our personal and professional growth. Our next mission is to be the university's ambassadors wherever we go."

Graduates were handed their certificates after they professed their commitment to the graduates’ oath, which was read by Abu Hijleh.