Al-Quds Bard College graduates 10th and 12th cohorts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for 2022
Al-Quds Bard College at Al-Quds University organized a graduation ceremony for the 10th cohort of Bachelor’s students and the 12th cohort of Master’s students in Teaching Methods for the academic year 2022-2023 at the main university campus. The ceremony was attended by the President of the University, Prof. Imad Abu Kishek, President of Bard College in New York, Professor Leon Botstein, Dean of Al-Quds Bard College, Dr. Daniel Terris, as well as faculty, staff, and students’ families.
Prof. Imad Abu Kishek welcomed the attendees and expressed his gratitude to Dr. Leon Botstein for his unwavering support of Al-Quds Bard College since the beginning of its partnership with Al-Quds University, which is now entering its 14th year. The partnership has created a thriving and unique experience in liberal arts education in Palestine, with graduates becoming successful leaders in business, journalism, human rights, science, and education.
Prof. Abu Kishek congratulated the graduating students and their families, who, through their passion and dedication to their studies, contributed their best ideas and societal and intellectual contributions, saying, “Thank you for helping us achieve our great dream that we started 14 years ago!”
For his part, Professor Botstein congratulated the University President, faculty, graduating students, and their families, highlighting the 14-year-long partnership project with Al-Quds University that brought together two educational systems in Palestine to create new educational opportunities for Palestinian students and teachers to develop their talents and visions as a small contribution to development and progress in the region. He emphasized the importance of education in promoting freedom, peace, and understanding of others.
Dr. Daniel Terris began his speech by proposing the concept of “freedom” as a theme for the graduating class, considering the restrictions that Palestinian students face in various forms. He added, “The freedom of thought you have developed and the new ideas you have produced will grow and expand as you study, work, and demand your place in Palestine… You will live your lives tirelessly striving for freedom for yourselves and others, here in Palestine and around the world.”
Guest of honor Dr. Hind Khoury congratulated the visionaries at Al-Quds University and Bard College for providing this educational opportunity to Palestinian students and culminating in the partnership with Al-Quds Bard. She praised the young people for facing difficulties and actively engaging with modern professional tools and knowledge, despite the daily challenges and hardships in various parts of the country.
Dr. Amina Badran discussed the Qatar scholarship provided to all Master’s students graduating from the college this year, explaining the vision of Al-Quds Bard College, which is committed to the principles of creative learning and education, community service, and building effective partnerships with distinguished educational institutions, including the partnership with Qatar.
Graduate student in the Teaching program, Georgina McKracker, congratulated her colleagues and their families on their graduation, wishing them continued success. She emphasized that their educational experience at the college will remain a valuable chapter in their lives and serve as the foundation for a bright future. They learned at the college that teaching is both an art and a sustainable science.
Bachelor’s graduate Raghda Afghani spoke on behalf of the graduates, describing her experience at the college as a place for reflection, creativity, and self-discovery. She said that the graduates celebrate the first steps of success that will support the nation’s progress towards a promising future, concluding, “I hope our next chapter will be filled with achievements and successes.”
The ceremony included artistic performances showcasing Palestinian heritage, honoring the guests of honor and Qatar scholarship recipients, and finally, the graduates received their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
It is worth mentioning that Al-Quds Bard College is the result of an academic collaboration between Al-Quds University and the American Bard College, which began in 2009. The college offers a range of specializations in natural, humanities, and social sciences, including: genetics and genomics, life sciences, computer science, human rights and international law, economics, political science, urban studies, literature and society, and media. Graduates of the college receive two degrees, one from Al-Quds University and the other from Bard College in the United States. The college is staffed by experienced and highly competent Palestinian and American professors.
