After an invigorating welcome speech by Br. Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, Mr. Mohammad AlMbaid, Country Director of the International Youth Foundation, took the floor to congratulate and encourage the graduates to continue to develop their skills in leadership, social innovation, community development and research. Certificates were awarded for successful completion.

Mr. and Mrs. Andoni presenting an award to a past winner.

In an effort to recognize and encourage youth of Arab descent to excel in science and technology, Mr. Issam and Mrs. Jihan Andoni, herself a Bethlehem University graduate, established an annual competition and award, to be given to a young Arab demonstrating excellence and promise in science and technology. They have found plenty of promise at Bethlehem University.

In the Arab world, technology, namely social media technology, has shown its effectiveness in empowering a country's people in their pursuit of freedom and change. Innovation in technology is one of the primary components of success and advancement, in any field.

As part of the Alumni Office activities and the Summer Entrepreneurship Program, which came about after the University was awarded a grant by the Youth International Foundation (IYF). Grad Joseph Hodali '08, owner of his own enterprise Switch Interactive, majored in Computer and Information Systems at Bethlehem. Excited to come back to Bethlehem University, Hodali was able to share his insights into the job market, sharing them with current students, who are enthusiastic and eager to what happens beyond the textbook. He emphasized the importance of the spirit of entrepreneurship and how much students can benefit from taking initiatives in their careers.