Al-Quds University celebrates the graduation of students from Al-Quds Bard College from the bachelor’s and master’s levels

Jerusalem - Ofoq News - Al-Quds University celebrated the graduation of students from Al-Quds Bard College of Arts and Sciences from the bachelor’s and master’s levels for the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, in a ceremony that brought together male and female graduates from the disciplines of natural, social, and human sciences, arts, and master’s programs in teaching methods, European studies, and American studies, in the presence of the university’s president, Professor Dr. Imad Abu Kishk, the vice president for international initiatives at Al-Quds University and Bard College, Dr. Daniel Teres, and the college’s dean. Dr. Amna Badran, along with members of the academic and administrative bodies and the graduates’ families.

The President of the University, Professor Dr. Imad Abu Kishk, affirmed his pride in the achievements of Al-Quds University and Bard College, noting that the partnership between Al-Quds University and Bard College, despite the challenges it faced during the past four years, created a sustainable impact on the students, the university and the Palestinian community, and contributed to consolidating the education of liberal arts and literature and promoting critical thinking.

He added that this experience was also reflected in the development of teaching methods through the Center for Teaching and Learning, which supports interactive learning, educational research, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance human thinking.

Prof. Dr. pointed out Abu Kishk noted that the college is working to expand its impact through an ambitious plan to establish a network of secondary schools in Palestine, combining arts and liberal arts curricula and scientific thought. He explained that the university launched the Al-Quds Bard College Preparatory Program (AQB Prep Program) at the Arab Institute School, and plans to establish more schools in various parts of the West Bank. This model aims to provide students with the opportunity to complete the final years of secondary school, in parallel with obtaining university credit hours. We congratulate the male and female graduates on this occasion.

For his part, Dr. Daniel Terris conveyed the greetings of the Acting President of Bard College, Dr. Jonathan Baker, and his apologies for his inability to attend, expressing his appreciation to the college students and their adherence to the principles of justice, democratic practice, and civic participation, despite the challenges they are experiencing.

Dr. confirmed. Therese said that cooperation, solidarity, and dialogue constitute fundamental pillars of the Al-Quds Bard College experience, which allows students to develop critical thinking skills and joint work through class discussions, group projects, scientific research, and interaction with their peers around the world. He called on graduates to continue dialogue with those who disagree with them, be open to new ideas, and work in partnership with others to create positive and sustainable change in their communities and the world.

In turn, the Dean of Al-Quds Bard College, Dr. Amna Badran, expressed her pride in the college’s graduates, male and female, who continued their educational journey despite the difficult circumstances, stressing that the college’s commitment to academic excellence and placing the student at the heart of the educational process, in addition to promoting critical thinking and linking theory with practice and community service, contributed to preparing graduates capable of competing in the labor market and pursuing their postgraduate studies at prestigious universities, including Oxford, Harvard, Syracuse, and Dublin City University.

Dr. indicated. Badran noted that the college represents a space where the local meets the global, allowing students to be open to diverse cultures and visions, while maintaining their connection to their homeland and their commitment to the Palestinian cause. She also thanked the college's partners and supporters, and singled out the Education Above All Foundation for its support of students and enhancing their educational opportunities, appreciating the efforts of the organizing committee for the ceremony, and congratulating the graduates and their families.

In a speech to the bachelor’s graduates, student Gabi Kharoufa expressed his pride in arriving at this station after an educational journey that contributed to refining their abilities to think critically and ask deep questions, stressing that the Al-Quds Bard College experience went beyond the limits of academic knowledge to building a more aware vision and ability to deal with complex issues.

Kharoufa thanked his teachers, family, and colleagues for their support during his years of study, pointing out that college graduates carry with them an intellectual and moral compass that guides them in their future paths, and not just ready-made answers. He called on his colleagues to continue working for a better future for Palestine and the world.

For her part, Ruba Musa, representative of the master’s graduates, expressed her gratitude to Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Bard College and to all those who contributed to supporting the students until they reached this stage, stressing that the certificate is the culmination of an educational journey that expanded their horizons and changed their ways of thinking. She explained that her experience in the Master’s program in American Studies went beyond the study of American politics to include history, culture, identity, literature, and power.

Musa stressed that academic degrees are associated with the responsibility of contributing to society and making change, praising the role of professors, families, and friends in supporting students and overcoming challenges, and calling on her colleagues to continue to be curious, honest, responsible, and have the courage to question. She stressed that graduation is not the end of the journey, but rather the beginning of a new phase of giving, and that the shared experience will remain an essential part of their journey and future.

The ceremony included the distribution of certificates and various artistic performances, which included a dabke and folk arts performance presented by the Istiqlal Band, in addition to performances of musical talent presented by a number of college students.