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What’s New at Achva
Spring 2015
President’s Message
‫המכללה האקדמית‬
‫אחוה‬
ACHVA Academic College
Dear friends,
Welcome to the first edition of "What's New at Achva". Through this newsletter, we will be delighted to update you periodically about major achievements and activities
at Achva Academic College. Achva is a key player in developing Israel’s southern periphery through
education, research, and community involvement. We place special emphasis on diversity, with an
eye toward increasing social mobility and inclusion of people hailing from the myriad of cultures
and backgrounds that comprise this socioeconomically challenged district.
I trust you all had a joyous Passover holiday, and I extend my best wishes to you for a happy Yom
Haatzmaut – Israel Independence Day.
Prof. Alean Al-Krenawi,
President, Achva Academic College
The US Ambassador Visits Achva
Our guest of honor at the opening of the 2014-15 academic year was US
Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Dan Shapiro. Ambassador Shapiro addressed
the faculty and student body, and he even made an impromptu stop at the
celebrations in the central campus square, jumping onstage to wish the
students success in their studies. Upon experiencing the college first hand, the
Ambassador said, “Achva is making a huge contribution to Israel.”
The Annual Achva Conference for Diversity and Multiculturalism
The second Annual Achva Conference for Diversity and Multiculturalism took
place at the college on February 23, under the title “Inclusion in Times of
Crisis.” Participants included leading Members of Knesset, journalists, academic
researchers, and representatives of Israel’s ethnic and religious communities.
Achva's president, Prof. Alean Al-Krenawi, presented the Israeli Social
Alienation Index for 2015. Musical interludes were provided by Druze Israeli
pianist, Tommy Hassoun, an IDF veteran and victim of sectarian street violence.
“Aiming High” for Higher Education in Kiryat Malachi
Achva’s Aiming High program helps high school students in the south succeed
on the all-important Bagruyot matriculation exams. Achva is now running
the program for talented, yet underachieving teens from neighboring Kiryat
Malachi. Two program cycles were held recently, with a very high success rate.
Aiming High opens the door to academic education for youth who otherwise
would be forced to give up on the opportunity to earn a degree.
Academic and Community Service Honors
In January, Achva presented honors certificates to 13 Presidential Honors
Students, 34 Honors Students, and 24 Honors Program students. Five students
received awards for Excellence in Community Service. Seven faculty members
received Outstanding Faculty awards. Presiding were Achva President Prof.
Alean Krenawi and Member of Knesset Ilan Gilon. Recipients represented the
full spectrum of population sectors in the south.
Tel: 972-(0)8-858-8002 Email: [email protected] http://english achva.ac.il/