Graduates from Theology, Mass Media and Tourism participate in Bethlehem Bible College’s 28th Commencement

Bethlehem Bible College was filled with excitement and emotion as graduating students prepared to take part in BBC’s annual commencement ceremony. Dozens gathered to celebrate the graduates as well as Rev. Alex Awad last commencement as part of BBC’s Faculty.

Vera Baboun, mayor of Bethlehem was one the special guest along with Nicola Khamis, head of Beit Jala Municipality, Dr. Bishara Awad, founder and president emeritus of the College and Dr. Jonathan Kuttab, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Ms. Grace Zughbi, master of ceremony, welcomed everyone to the celebration.

After the entrance of the faculty and alumni, Dr. Bishara Awad opened the celebration with a word of prayer, followed by the Palestinian national anthem.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, president of Bethlehem Bible College, gave a special commencement address sharing encouragement and appreciation to the new graduates.

Each department chose a delegate to give a word of thanks in the ceremony.  Jwana Zreinah gave a speech on behalf of the Bible Studies Program. Thekrayat Khair spoke on behalf of the Mass Media Department and finally Gabriela gave a short speech representing the students of the Tour Guide Department.

The Mayor of Bethlehem, Ms. Vera Baboun, gave an encouraging speech to the graduates. As her final instruction she urged the graduates to love and serve their homeland whether in the Media, or in Tourism or in Church Ministry. During the ceremony, Rev. Alex Awad, was honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree and Rev. Dr. Hanna Katanacho with the title of Professor. Additionally, Mrs. Shirin Hilal was formerly introduced as Bethlehem Bible College new Dean of Students.

The celebration concluded with the Lord’s Prayer sang by Bethlehem Bible College’s Choir, and a word of prayer by Rev.Alex Awad.