In December of 2016, the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem University Foundation created the Patrons of the Bethlehem University Foundation.
The Patrons are individuals or couples who make a qualifying gift to the Patrons Endowed Fund. By their generosity, the members of this giving society invest themselves into the work of the Foundation in its sole mission of supporting and promoting Bethlehem University. By their gift to the Endowment, the Patrons make an investment into the future of Bethlehem University.
The Patrons Endowment, a board-restricted fund, ensures a sustainable future for Bethlehem University and the Bethlehem University Foundation. A gift to the Patrons Endowed Fund is a “forever gift" that allows the Foundation to grow its investment portfolio in order to better fulfill its mission of supporting Bethlehem University. This endowment is managed by the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem University Foundation and is invested in the United States.
There are three levels of Patrons:
Bronze Patron for gifts totaling $25,000 to the Patrons Endowment over a 5-year period
Silver Patron for $50,000 in lifetime giving to the Patrons Endowment
Gold Patron for $100,000 in lifetime giving to the Patrons Endowment
The Patrons serve in an advisory capacity to the Executive Director of the Bethlehem University Foundation. For this purpose, Patrons hold an annual pilgrimage/meeting in Rome, Bethlehem, or another city as deemed appropriate by the membership. The Patrons are recognized at all Foundation events.
The title Legacy Patron is bestowed on individuals or couples who have generously supported the work of the Bethlehem University Foundation by creating an enduring legacy through scholarships, endowments, building projects, or other means of support.
The inaugural class of Patrons was invested at a reception in New York at the home of the Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer to the United Nations, The Most Reverend Bernardito Auza.
Patrons of the Bethlehem University Foundation:
Legacy Patrons:
Dr. Samir and Mrs. Mary Abu-Ghazaleh
Mr. Elias and Mrs. Annette Aburdene
Mr. William W. Doty
Mr. Frank and Mrs. Julie Jungers
Mr. Jose Eduardo Siman and Mr. Teofilo Siman Jacir on behalf of the Natalia Jacir de Siman Family
Mr. John and Mrs. Nan Steger
The Reverend Monsignor Archimandrite Robert Stern
Dr. George L. Zarur
Gold Patrons:
Mr. François and Mrs. Calleen Letaconnoux
Sir Keith and Dame Ginger Myers
Mr. Tony and Mrs. Ilham Saca
Mr. Ghassan and Dr. Suava Salameh
Silver Patrons:
Colonel Richard Flahavan
Mrs. Sandra Andreas McMurtrie on behalf of The Andreas Foundation
Bronze Patrons:
Mr. Albert Bateh and Family
Ms. Lisa Marie Conte Browne
Mr. John Henry Butta and Ms. Anne Butta
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Jane Chopko
Dr. Brian and Mrs. Helena Christine
Ms. Ann S. Dickson
Her Excellency Vicki Downey, DGCHS
His Excellency Dr. Thompson M. Faller, KGCHS
Speaker Newt and Ambassador Callista Gingrich
Dr. Guy and Mrs. Gisela Di Spigno
Drs. Thomas P. Perone and Barbara Golden
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Kirsten Keller
Mr. Jack and Mrs. Mary King
Mr. Gerald McAfee
Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Sally McGovern
Mr. Tony and Mrs. Mina Milburn
Dr. Mary E. Moran
Her Excellency Mary Currivan O'Brien, DGCHS
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Rainey
Honorable George and Mrs. Rhonda Salem
Mr. George and Mrs. Breda Shelton
Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Mary Clare Starshak
Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Thomas
Honorary Patrons:
The Most Reverend Bernardito Auza
The Reverend Adam R. Forno
Brother Joseph Loewenstein, FSC
The Most Reverend William E. Lori
His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien
The Most Reverend Christophe Pierre
To further inquire about joining the Patrons, please contact the Bethlehem University Foundation at 240-241-4381. Or click here to download a pledge form to become a Patron.
*The Patrons have been underwritten by the generosity of Samir and Mary Abu-Ghazaleh.