Last week, Bethlehem University Foundation had the pleasure of hosting Br. Hernan Santos, BU Vice Chancellor, and Br. Jack Curran, BU Vice President for Advancement, in the United States. Alongside James Howell, BUF’s Executive Director, the team engaged with several key partners in Washington, DC, and New York City:
- Discussions with US Senator Chris Van Hollen (Maryland): The BU/BUF delegation provided Sen. Van Hollen and his foreign policy team with updates on Bethlehem University’s situation and its students in the West Bank, expressing gratitude for his ongoing support. Ghassan Salameh, Chair of the BUF Board, was also present.
- Meeting with Georgetown President Dr. Jack DeGioia: Dr. DeGioia, a long-standing supporter, exchanged ideas with Br. Hernan regarding potential collaborations between the two universities. Georgetown’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies annually hosts two interns from Bethlehem University.
- Conversation with Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations: Accompanied by BUF Board Member John Dautzenberg, the BU/BUF delegation conveyed appreciation to Archbishop Caccia for his support and provided an update on the situation of Bethlehem University’s students and faculty amidst heightened tension and violence in the West Bank.
- Meeting with Ambassador Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations: The BU delegation received an update on the UN’s work to stabilize the region and the Ambassador received an update on the specific educational/logistical challenges facing the university.