Mourning RBG, BGU Honorary Doctorate
Mourning RBG, BGU Honorary Doctorate
September 22, 2020
Leadership, Awards & Events, Press Releases
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) mourn the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a 2020 honorary doctorate recipient.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Ginsburg,” says BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. “She will continue to serve as a role model, especially to women, for her uncompromising fight for gender equality, and it is our obligation to continue her legacy.”
In his letter inviting her to receive the doctorate, Prof. Chamovitz wrote, “From fighting for your own right to excel as a lawyer in a male-dominated profession to becoming a human rights advocate for all people and fulfilling the demanding role of U.S. Supreme Court Justice, your courage to follow your inner moral compass has repeatedly shown the world how thoughtful, seasoned, compassionate judgment is a necessary guidepost for democratic rule.”
Justice Ginsburg was planning to travel this year to accept the degree from Prof. Chamovitz. The ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19. BGU is the only Israeli university to bestow a degree on the justice.
Americans for Ben-Gurion University Chief Executive Officer Doug Seserman adds, “Our board and staff share in the world’s grief over this heroic and fearless Jewish trailblazer. The world lost a guiding light. Now we must find our own. RIP RBG. May her memory be for a blessing.”
Justice Ginsburg’s family will be invited to Israel to accept the degree on her behalf at a future date of mutual convenience.
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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