UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA'S LATEST NEWS

President Ron Robin (right) and President Lawrence S. Bacow.

President Ron Robin, Chairman of the Board of Governors Bradley Bloom and hundreds of guests recently ‘gathered’ for a festive online award ceremony honoring Prof. Lawrence S. Bacow, President of Harvard University. President Bacow is one of the most experienced and respected leaders in American higher education. He was recognized for his global leadership in higher education, redefining the critical role universities play in developing and sustaining communities and for his advocacy for the importance of diversity within education.

Taking part in the ceremony were Mrs. Adele Fleet Bacow, who performed the hooding, and Prof. Alfred I. Tauber, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Governors, honorary doctorate recipient (2010) and longtime friend of President Bacow.  A special lecture and discussion followed the conferment ceremony.

A Tribute to Tireless Pursuits

Following the conferment ceremony, President Bacow delivered a stimulating talk entitled: “Tireless Pursuits: Research Universities in the Era of COVID”. He provided a unique perspective on the impact of the pandemic on research universities in America and around the world, and the challenges still lying ahead. President Bacow noted that alongside the grave human losses, the Coronavirus has led to an increase in inequality and deep injustices, and has had a particularly harsh impact on the higher education sector in the US, where one in ten jobs has been lost. Yet against this somber background, he remains optimistic, asserting that in challenging times, research universities inspire action as evidenced by the way the global scientific community came together, working around the clock to fight this public health crisis.

“There are still reasons for hope and reasons to celebrate. Harvard and the University of Haifa, in their tireless pursuits that they inspire and enable, have never been more important to society as they are now.”

“The University of Haifa’s efforts to build a multiversity, connected across campuses as well as fields and disciplines, will create incredible opportunities for Israel and the world.”

President Bacow then fielded questions from the audience with his former research student, Prof. Deborah Shmueli (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies) currently heading the National Knowledge and Research Center for Emergency Readiness, serving as the moderator. Topics discussed ranged from the role of research universities in narrowing societal divisions and the positive aspects of long-distance learning to the importance of immigration policies in strengthening higher education, the economy and society.

Longstanding friends and supporters of the University, Shira and Jay Ruderman (2015 Honorary Doctorate Recipients), concluded the meaningful event by sharing their personal perspectives on President Bacow’s values, interpersonal skills and  professional achievements.

Upcoming Events

The award ceremony marks the first in a series of events to be held throughout the year as part of the 49th Board of Governors. View the full list of the distinguished 2021 Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) recipients and their inspiring achievements here.

The University of Haifa and the Rambam Health Care Campus are joining forces to establish a Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging. The new Center, outfitted with two state-of-the-art MRI machines, will support interdisciplinary research combining insights from the fields of behavioral science, cognitive psychology and physical rehabilitation. Encompassing an area of over 500 meters, the facility will be home to a community of researchers, clinicians and students who are dedicated to conducting sophisticated biomedical research and improving healthcare in northern Israel. The Center is being launched with generous contributions raised by the Canadian Friends of Haifa University and the dedicated efforts of leading members of the University’s Interdisciplinary Neuroimaging Forum. Additional funding is still needed. Please contact us for further information.

The Brazilian Friends of UofH co-hosted a successful webinar, Women in Power: Challenges and Achievements, featuring MK Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Orna Barbivai. Barbivai shared with the audience her experiences as the first woman to be made Major-General (Aluf) in the IDF, the role of women in Israeli society and the important perspectives that women bring to the political arena.  The event was picked up by a number of South American news outlets including R7 News Channel.

President of the Brazilian Friends, Mr. Avi Gelberg, recently chaired the Association's first board meeting.  The festive meeting was virtually attended by dozens of committee members, President Robin, Brad Bloom, and Shira Ben-Or, VP and CEO of the International Friends of the University of Haifa.  UofH alumnus, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Defense Minister Moshe "Bogie" Ya'alon delivered a keynote speech on Israel's security situation.  The meeting was coordinated by Adrian Teper, Director of the Latin America Desk.