Andrea Goren Appointed As A4BGU Board Chair
Andrea Goren Appointed As A4BGU Board Chair
December 12, 2024
Jewish News Syndicate, December 11, 2024 — Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) has announced Andrea Goren, a third-generation supporter of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and New York-based finance executive, as the new chairman of the organization’s board of directors. Goren assumed the role at the recently held A4BGU annual meeting in New York.
Goren, who succeeds immediate past chair Gary DeBode, previously held a variety of senior roles on the A4BGU board, including treasurer, chairman of the finance committee, executive committee member and vice chairman. He is a member of the first cohort of A4BGU’s Zin Fellows Leadership Program, which provides an in-depth immersion into the issues involved in the continuing development of the Negev, Israel’s southern desert region.
Andrea Goren, the new chairman of the Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) board of directors. Photo by Preston Rescigno.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as ambassadors for BGU, Goren is leading the A4BGU board’s efforts to amplify the modern relevance of the pioneering spirit of David Ben-Gurion, who envisioned that Israel’s future would emerge from the Negev. A4BGU’s main role is to fundraise for BGU, as the majority of philanthropic support for the institution comes from the United States. A4BGU is also building an aspirational movement of Americans committed to improving the world through a new 21st-century unifying vision for Israel. This is manifested by cutting-edge research that results in scalable solutions in water conservation, environmental science, medical research, AI, cybersecurity and more.
BGU was directly and disproportionately impacted by the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, with 117 dead from its community and 6,000 of its students serving in IDF reserve duty. Students, faculty and staff have volunteered in hospitals, aided families of IDF soldiers, and organized logistical operations to circulate food and supplies. As the largest non-governmental employer in the Negev, BGU is playing a vital role in the nation’s recovery and rebuilding process.
Doug Seserman, CEO of A4BGU, said of Goren: “His leadership is a modern manifestation of the Jewish value of l’dor v’dor—‘from one generation to another.’ It couldn’t be happening at a more crucial juncture, when BGU is leading the way forward for Israel in the ongoing aftermath of Oct. 7. We wish him our heartfelt congratulations on his new position and also give our utmost gratitude to Gary DeBode for his four years of dedicated service.”
Goren noted, “I visited BGU for the first time when I was 7 years old. It has been part of my life for as long as I remember, and I have been privileged to witness its amazing growth and development over the years.”
He continued, saying “I am deeply honored to lead A4BGU’s board at a time when it is more important than ever for Jews around the world to stand up and do what they can to secure a peaceful future for Israel. I can think of no better way than to follow in my father and grandfather’s footsteps to support an institution that is not only is a leading global university, but one whose research serves humanity as a whole and whose local community work plays a central role in developing the Negev, and, in so doing, makes Israel safer and stronger.”
To learn more, visit: https://americansforbgu.org/americans-for-ben-gurion-university-a4bgu-2/board-of-directors/
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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