Al-Quds Bard College E-Newsletter (2nd Issue)

Al-Quds Bard College Selected For Global University Network

Al-Quds Bard College is pleased to announce that it is been named an Educational Partner in the new Open Society University Network. OSUN is a new global network that integrates learning and the advancement of knowledge across geographic and demographic boundaries, promotes civic engagement on behalf of open societies, and expands the access of underserved communities to higher education. The network was launched in conjunction with an announcement of $1 billion in financial support by Mr. George Soros in a speech at Davos, Switzerland on 23 January 2020.

As OSUN fosters critical thinking, educates students to address tomorrow’s global challenges, and expands access to higher education, Al-Quds Bard College will play a key role in bringing its benefits to the Palestinian community. AQB's parent institution, Bard College, is a founding member of OSUN, and Al-Quds Bard College and Al-Quds University are the only institutions in the Arab world that have been named as Educational Partners in OSUN’s first phase.

Al-Quds Bard Debate Union Shines at National Tournaments

Al-Quds Bard College for Arts and Sciences (AQB) in Abu Dis Town, East Jerusalem, has had an unprecedented impact on debate tournaments throughout the West Bank. The team won the first best speaker for the International Palestinian Open Debate Championship, which was organized at An-Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine, in the fall of 2019. The tournament had invited participants from schools and universities all over the West Bank. Dalia Alayassa, a human rights student and the team captain, reflected on the team's performance, “[a]s a leader, I am very proud of my students and glad to witness a high sense of leadership.” Dalia looks forward to more successes in the future.

AQB student-led-Debate Union has been collecting trophies and titles locally and internationally. In 2017, AQB Debate Union won the first place for the international Palestinian Open Debate Championship. The team also made it to the finals at The European Universities Debating Championships in Serbia in 2018, the second biggest debate tournament in the world.

Florence Academy of Art at AQB

On Sunday, December 22, 2019, AQB was thrilled to host the classic-realist artist Simone Olivia Moritz for a guest lecture. Moritz is the director of the Drawing and Sculpture Program at the Florence Academy of Art (FAA). Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the United States and Europe.
The AQB Media Department, headed by Professor Saida Hamad, welcomed Ms. Simone Olivia to deliver an artist talk to the Introduction to Media and Investigative Journalism students on the topic “Political Art and Totalitarianism.” The artist discussed political art in Europe during the first half of the last century. She highlighted important artists and art movements that responded to the political context imposed by totalitarian regimes. AQB students made engaging comments and asked through-provoking questions.

Yes, We Play Soccer Too

Here at AQB we teach American liberal art–style curriculum, but we do not play American-style football or baseball; we prefer soccer. Every November, AQB holds the annual faculty/staff vs. student soccer match. This AQB signature community event is organized under AQB Student Activities Unite, coordinated by Mr. Yazid Al-Badarin. This event aims to break the ice between the students and the faculty throughout socializing and experiencing extra-curricula activities. As well as, it highlights the importance of sport in students' health. This year's match was intense and competitive, with the faculty/staff team barely winning a victory over the students.
The game began with a brief ceremony in which AQB Dean Daniel Terris delivered the opening remarks. He himself was on the faculty/staff team, had also introduced the prize drawing before the match started. The opening remarks were followed with students and faculty motivational speeches that got the whole audience cheering.

The match started with moderate control over the ball from both teams; toward the middle of the first half, both teams increased their pressure. The first half ended with a score of 3 to 2, with the faculty/staff team ahead. The students gained momentum in the second half, leading to a 7 to 7 tie. This led to penalty kicks towards the end, resulting in a faculty/staff win over the students, 3 to 1.
For AQB, the faculty/staff vs. student soccer match is an annual ritual that diversifies and enriches campus life. The event brings everyone together, including Al-Quds University faculty members, showing the energy and spirit of our community.

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Al-Quds Bard College for Arts and Sciences · Abu Dis · Jerusalem 00000 · Palestine