Bethlehem University proudly celebrated the graduation of its 50th Cohort – the Golden Jubilee Class during two commencement ceremonies held on 25 and 26 June 2026, marking fifty years of academic excellence, service, and commitment to educating future leaders.

Over the two days, a total of 633 graduates received their degrees. The first ceremony honored graduates from the Shukri Ibrahim Dabdoub Faculty of Business Administration, the Tarek Ahmad Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism. The second ceremony celebrated graduates from the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Technology and Engineering, and the Faculty of Education.

The ceremonies were attended by His Excellency Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, Chancellor of Bethlehem University; Brother Dr. Hernán Santos, President of Bethlehem University; Mr. Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Governor of Bethlehem; Dr. Enas Attari, Minister of Labor; Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Lutheran Pastor and Director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice; members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Council, faculty and staff, distinguished guests, and the families and friends of the graduates.

A special highlight of this historic celebration was the lighting of the Golden Jubilee Torch, symbolizing the continuity of Bethlehem University’s mission across generations. On the first day, the torch was lit by Dr. Khalil Shokeh, a member of the University’s first graduating class of 1977, who passed it to Christy Abumohor, the top graduate of the Shukri Ibrahim Dabdoub Faculty of Business Administration. On the second day, Dr. Fouad Bannoura, also a graduate of the first cohort, carried the torch before passing it to Rami Darras, the valedictorian and top graduate of the University’s 50th cohort.

Addressing the graduates, Brother Dr. Hernán Santos praised their resilience and determination in completing their studies under exceptionally challenging circumstances. He reminded them that their education is not only an academic achievement but also a responsibility to serve others with integrity, compassion, and hope.

The keynote speakers reflected on the significance of education in Palestine. On the first day, Dr. Enas Attari described graduation as “a triumph of hope over adversity” and encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams while contributing to the future of Palestine. On the second day, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac emphasized that their degrees stand as a testament to perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning despite every challenge.

Student representatives Christy Abumohor and Rami Darras addressed their fellow graduates, reflecting on the friendships, experiences, and personal growth that shaped their years at Bethlehem University while expressing gratitude to their families, professors, and the University community for their unwavering support.

During the first ceremony, Bethlehem University also presented the Mrs. Widad Abu Dayyah Award for Academic Excellence in Hotel Management and Tourism for 2026 to Nada Nairoukh, a top-performing student in the Bachelor of Hotel Management program at the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism. The award recognizes her outstanding academic achievement and included a cash prize of US$2,000 along with a certificate of academic excellence.

The ceremonies concluded with the conferral of degrees by Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, Brother Dr. Hernán Santos, and Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, together with the deans of the University’s faculties and institute.

As Bethlehem University celebrates the graduation of its Golden Jubilee Class, it also celebrates five decades of empowering generations of graduates to lead with knowledge, integrity, and a commitment to service. The University extends its heartfelt congratulations to all members of the 50th cohort and wishes them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys.