BGU Presents ASU President Michael M. Crow with Honorary Degree
BGU Presents ASU President Michael M. Crow with Honorary Degree
May 24, 2024
ASU President Michael M. Crow
Beer-Sheva, Israel, May 22, 2024 — Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) proudly awarded an honorary doctoral degree to Dr. Michael M. Crow, President of Arizona State University (ASU), during its 54th annual Board of Governors Meeting on Tuesday.
This honor recognizes Dr. Crow’s achievements over two decades of leadership of ASU, transforming it into one of America’s premier institutions of higher education. His groundbreaking approach is outlined in his book, The Fifth Wave: The Evolution of American Higher Education. The innovative “Fifth Wave” model integrates academia with community development, focusing on social, economic, cultural, and healthcare improvements.
Dr. Crow’s collaborative efforts with BGU over the past 15 years have notably advanced both institutions’ contributions to sustainability and healthcare.
“I am deeply honored to receive this honorary degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev,” Dr. Crow said in a statement. “Our collaboration over the past 15 years on topics ranging from sustainability to health care have been of mutual benefit and it is my sincere hope that as I have learned through this engagement that I have also contributed to the university and its work.”
In his address at the Board of Governors Meeting, Dr. Crow emphasized the role of academic institutions in promoting democracy and the “Four Freedoms” as articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt: freedom of speech, of religion, from want, and from fear. He also expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership between ASU and BGU to enhance these freedoms globally.
Amid its transformation into Israel’s first “Fifth Wave” university, BGU is leading efforts to revitalize Israel’s South, particularly in response to the challenges following the October 7th terrorist attacks. Prof. Daniel A. Chamovitz, President of BGU, highlighted the University’s significant role in driving regional development and innovation.
“Today, we recognize Dr. Crow not only for his visionary leadership at ASU but also for his substantial influence on our strategies for advancing education and community development in the Negev,” said Prof. Chamovitz.
Doug Seserman, CEO of Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU), echoed this sentiment, celebrating Dr. Crow’s role in fostering robust partnerships and research initiatives between the two universities.
“Dr. Crow’s honorary degree celebrates his illustrious tenure as president of Arizona State University, highlighting his visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the roles of both ASU and Ben-Gurion University as anchor institutions and growth engines for their entire regions,” Seserman said.
In June, Prof. Chamovitz and Mr. Seserman will further discuss the impact of the collaborative initiatives between BGU and ASU during A4BGU’s webinar, “What is a Fifth-Wave University and How Will It Lead Israel Forward?”
For details and registration for the upcoming webinar, visit: https://americansforbgu.org/events/fifth-wave-university/
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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