HU holds annual symposium for College of Agriculture alumni

Under the auspices of Dr. Nabil Al-Jaabari, Chairman of Hebron University HU Board of Trustees, and in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, Professor Rizq Salimiya, HU held its annual symposium for the College of Agriculture alumni. The event was attended by many graduates, students, faculty members, administrative staff, and people with an interest in agricultural and educational issues.

Professor Raed Dayyeh, the dean of the College of Agriculture, inaugurated the symposium, welcoming Dr. Nader Hijazi, a representative of HU Board of Trustees, Professor Rizq Salmiya, the Minister of Agriculture, and attendees from HU administration and alumni. He outlined the symposium's goals, which include building ties with alumni and discussing the significance of agricultural education and agriculture in Palestine. He reviewed the stages of the College development in terms of educational outputs, research activities, and community service, emphasizing its role in preparing graduates to face the challenges of the agricultural sector, given that it is Palestine's first College of Agriculture with over 1,300 graduates.

Ms. Samiha Siaj, HU Alumni Unit Coordinator, highlighted the unit's efforts in supporting alumni through training, vocational rehabilitation programs, and job opportunities, particularly for the College of Agriculture. She praised their interaction with the unit and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation.

In his speech, Professor Rizq Salmiya, a former professor at the College of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of agricultural education and the low unemployment rates associated with agricultural specializations. He highlighted the development of the agricultural sector and the introduction of modern crops and technologies, particularly in palm and tree gardening. Salmiya also highlighted the challenges faced by the sector, including Israeli occupation and attacks. He emphasized the Ministry of Agriculture's complementary role with partners in supporting alumni through applied training. Salmiya was honored for his efforts and congratulated on his new position, as the State of Palestine's Minister of Agriculture.

Dr. Nader Hijazi, speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, praised the College of Agriculture's achievements, highlighting its pioneering role in qualifying agricultural cadres and its support for academic programs and scientific research.

The department heads at the College of Agriculture provided extensive presentations on the new specializations. Professor Raed Dayyeh discussed the "Animal Production Technology" which aims to graduate an agricultural engineer capable of producing, manufacturing, and marketing animal products while also using modern technology in the industry. Professor Talat Abu Rajab, Head of the Plant Production Department, discussed "Horticulture and Garden Management" which is a new specialization that seeks to graduate an agricultural engineer who is skilled at applying smart agricultural approaches. Mr. Wissam Sammar talked about the new Master's program, Sustainable Agribusiness, which is offered by the College of Agriculture in collaboration with four universities.

The symposium showcased distinguished success stories, with Eng. Duaa Zayed from the Department of Plant Production and Protection, Eng. Khalil Abu Aqeefan from the Department of Animal Production, and Dr. Muhannad Al-Ayoubi from the Department of Nutrition and Food Processing highlighting their personal experiences and contributions to their careers.