The Jim and Liz Breslauer Bridge Dedicated at BGU
The Jim and Liz Breslauer Bridge Dedicated at BGU
May 13, 2015
Leadership, Awards & Events, Press Releases
The Jim and Liz Breslauer Bridge was dedicated at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on Monday, May 11, thanks to the generous support of the Breslauer-Soref Foundation. The dedication ceremony took place as part of the University’s 45th Board of Governors Meeting being held this week.
Watch this time-lapsed video that shows the bridge being installed overnight>>
The new pedestrian bridge spans Ben-Gurion Boulevard, a high traffic street that bisects the main campus and the health sciences facilities. The bridge was designed by renowned Israeli architect Ada Karmi-Melamede who also designed the Life Sciences Complex on the Marcus Family Campus and the Health Sciences Complex, which the bridge now connects. The 135 foot-long bridge has staircases and elevators on both sides.
“This pedestrian bridge serves literally as a connector between two essential parts of Ben-Gurion University: the Marcus Family Campus and the campus of the health sciences,” explained Prof. Amos Katz, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, at the ceremony.
“It will allow pedestrians a safe, transit free passage. But this bridge will be much more, as it will also facilitate a different type of connection between the two campuses, a meeting of minds, practice and expertise. I am certain that by fostering the connection between the two campuses we can expect even more innovative, groundbreaking collaborations.”
In May 2014, Jim received an honorary doctoral degree from BGU for personally spearheading the development of and funding for Israel’s new Advanced Technologies Park (ATP) in Beer-Sheva. The ATP is becoming the cyber security center of Israel and a major high-tech hub. The government-academia-industry partnership is the only one of its kind in Israel, and perhaps the world. The Breslauers funded the bridge with the return on their early investment in the ATP.
“Whenever someone asks me what I love best about BGU – I love the students. Talking with them and learning from them, and finding out what makes them tick,” Breslauer said at the dedication. “Our family has been part of the BGU family for decades. It is an honor and a pleasure for us to be here.”
Jim Breslauer currently serves as chairman of the Breslauer-Soref Foundation and sits on a number of local, national and international boards, including: American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; the World Union for Progressive Judaism North American Council; Ronald McDonald House of Long Beach; Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach (past president); the Orange County Community Housing Corporation Advisory Board; the Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach (past president); and The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
He lives in Long Beach, California with his wife, Liz.
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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