BGU PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2021

OUR NEXT FIFTY

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FIGHTING COVID-19 Researchers from across the University enlisted in the President’s Coronavirus Research Taskforce , coming up with some remarkable solutions that really make a difference. Read more in our report. Members of the Faculty of Health Sciences (and additional departments) played key roles in public discussion and national policy making regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Dozens of students from the Faculty of Health Sciences volunteered at labs and testing stations, especially early in the pandemic. They also assisted overworked staff at hospitals and clinics, initiated and ran public information campaigns and more. Thanks to the generosity of our friends and benefactors around the globe and the hard work of our worldwide Associates, BGU raised over US$ 6 million through the Support Our Students (SOS) fundraising campaign to ensure that students experiencing financial hardship caused by COVID-19 could continue their studies. Some 500 students received NIS 1,600 in aid at the beginning of the pandemic, and in September some 3,000 students received grants of NIS 3,000-5,000. Read the report here. Toni Young of New York graciously contributed the meaningful lead gift to support BGU’s SOS campaign. SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS CAMPAIGN

 President Daniel Chamovitz and Shir Tzadok, Chairperson of the Student Union, rededicated the Rose and Paul Wiener Garden in honor of all those who contributed to SOS Coronavirus Student Assistance Fund and supported BGU’s students in their time of need.

The Paul and Edwina Heller Memorial Fund of Vancouver, BC graciously contributed Canada’s lead gift to support BGU’s SOS campaign. The Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) generously donated to Russian-speaking students affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This is the Israeli foundation’s first direct collaboration with Ben-Gurion University. Additional major gifts were received from generous supporters around the world. More than 1,000 donors from 15 different countries gave donations to the campaign – including many BGU faculty and staff members.