Above: Members of the Halperin family at the unveiling of The Esther and Michel Halpérin Student Center plaque.
The Esther and Michel Halpérin Student Center was dedicated last Wednesday in memory of the late Michel Halpérin in the presence of his widow Esther, his son Lionel and additional members of the family on Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Sede Boqer campus. The dedication took place as part of the 48th Board of Governors Meeting.
Michel Halpérin headed the Swiss Associates of BGU for more than 25 years until his death in 2014. He succeeded his father, Vladimir, who founded the organization. Michel and Esther started the Keren Moshe Leadership Training Program 24 years ago, which offers 120 student scholarships in exchange for community service.
“I wanted to initiate something permanent that would link his name to the University he was so deeply involved with," Esther Halpérin said at the dedication ceremony. She also praised BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi's accomplishments, adding that she was very pleased to be dedicating the student center during Prof. Carmi's tenure.
“From the depths of your grief and sorrow, you transformed them into initiative and action and for that we thank you," Prof. Carmi told Esther.
The student center will provide a more relaxed space for students, faculty and residents.
Above: Esther Halpérin with BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi
In addition to the student center, The Michel Halpérin Chair in Global Law and Policy, The annual Halpérin Lecture and The Michel Halpérin Scholarships in Law, Policy and Ethics were also inaugurated. Prof. Dani Filc of the Department of Politics and Government will be the inaugural incumbent of the chair while honorary doctorate recipient Prof. Cary Nelson gave the inaugural Lecture about “The Academic Assault on Israel: A View from the U.S."
Above: Prof. Dani Filc, Inaugural Incumbent of The Michel Halpérin Chair in Global Law and Policy
Emily Tran, representing the students, described the international and unique nature of the Sede Boqer student body, which will make great use of the student center.
“What's unique is the mutual support and learning that occurs outside the classrooms and labs. We are already imagining the workshops and parties to be held in the student center. Thank you," she said.
Michel's son, Lionel, who took over as head of the Swiss Associates after his father's passing, spoke movingly about the family's deep connection to education and to BGU.
“I am very happy that my parents' names will forever be linked with Ben-Gurion University," he said. He noted that this commitment to education was inherited. The family is descended from Baron Horace Günzburg, a founder of World ORT.
“If you believe in education and you support Israel then I am sure you will agree there is no other option than Ben-Gurion University!" he emphatically concluded.
Above: Prof. Cary Nelson gives the Inaugural Halpérin Lecture - “The Academic Assault on Israel: A View from the U.S."
