University of Haifa's
2021 Honorary Degree Recipients
Prof. Bertil Andersson, Sweden
Prof. Bertil Andersson is a plant biochemist of international reputation and an expert in photosynthesis research. Over the course of his career, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Sciences at Stockholm University (1996-1999), President of Linköping University (1999-2003), Chief Executive of the European Science Foundation in Strasbourg (2004-2007), Provost of Nanyang Technological University (2007-2011), and as President of Nanyang Technological University (2011-2017). Prof. Andersson also served on the boards of several Swedish and international foundations, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Australian Academy of Science, Austrian Academy of Sciences, and the European Molecular Biology Organization. He was a research advisor to the Government of Sweden and served as the VP of the European Research Advisory Board. Prof. Andersson has a longstanding association with the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, as a former member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, Nobel Foundation, and the Nobel Foundation’s Board of Trustees. For his exceptional contributions to science, he received the Wilhelm Exner Medal in Austria and honorary degrees from the University of Edinburgh, Australian National University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Excerpts from Citation:
“In tribute to his pioneering research of the ‘artificial leaf’;… for his inspiring leadership of Nanyang Technological University and Linköping University… for devoting his time to distinguished public roles;… and for his efforts in promoting research collaborations between the University of Haifa and other universities in Singapore and Sweden.”
Prof. Lawrence S. Bacow, USA
Credit: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Lawrence S. Bacow is the 29th President of Harvard University. One of higher education’s most widely experienced leaders, President Bacow is committed to supporting scholarship and research, encouraging civic engagement, and expanding opportunity for all. From 2001-2011, he was president of Tufts University, where he fostered collaboration and advanced the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Prior to Tufts, he spent 24 years on the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he held the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professorship of Environmental Studies and served as Chair of the Faculty (1995-97) and as Chancellor (1998-2001). An expert on non-adjudicatory approaches to the resolution of environmental disputes, President Bacow received an S.B. in economics from MIT, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.P.P. from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Prior to his election to the Harvard presidency in February 2018, he served as a member of the Harvard Corporation (2011-18), a Hauser Leader-in-Residence at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (2014-18), and a President-in-Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (2011-14).
Excerpts from Citation:
“In recognition of his distinguished academic career and extraordinary leadership in the world of higher education; for setting the highest standards for civil discourse and mutual respect based on the traditions of Emet and Veritas; and for bringing his exceptional talents to confront boldly the major challenges of our time.”
Mr. Isaac M. Dabah, Israel
Isaac Dabah is the Chief Executive Officer of Delta Galil Industries Ltd., a global leader in intimate apparel. A staunch friend of the State of Israel and an active philanthropist, he began investing in Israel, first in Polgat Jeans of Kiryat Gat which he saved from closure, and then by acquiring a majority stake in Delta Galil. During his tenure as CEO, Delta Galil achieved top-line growth, reaching approximately $1.8 billion in sales and becoming one of the world’s premier manufacturers and designers of textiles for leading brands and global retailers. Delta Galil established the ‘Delta Program for Academic Leadership of the Ethiopian Students Community’ at the University of Haifa in 2013. This year marks the eighth anniversary of the Program, which provides a full range of academic support and personal mentoring to students of Ethiopian descent. In addition to empowering and encouraging leadership among participating students, the Delta Program aims to prepare and assist them as they begin their post-university lives and enter the job market. Mr. Dabah was recognized as Businessman of the Year by Israel’s leading business newspaper Calcalist in 2014. He serves as a member of the Board of Governors of Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art and the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation.
Excerpts from Citation:
“In tribute to his extraordinary talents and unique business acumen…for fostering moral values, pluralism and an organizational culture promoting a spirit of integrity (within his organization); …for his partnership with the University of Haifa in advancing disadvantaged populations; …and for his vision for driving growth and prosperity in Israeli society (through investment in higher education)…”
Prof. Richard Charles Horton, UK
Credit: Douglas Fry for Piranah Photography
Prof. Richard Horton is Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet. He qualified in physiology and medicine with honors from the University of Birmingham in 1986. He joined The Lancet in 1990, moving to New York as North American Editor in 1993. In 2016, he chaired the Expert Group for the High Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth, convened by Presidents Hollande of France and Zuma of South Africa. From 2011 to 2015, he was co-chair of the UN’s independent Expert Review Group on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health. In 2011, he was elected a Foreign Associate of the US Institute of Medicine, and in 2015, he received the Friendship Award from the Government of China. In 2019, he was awarded the WHO Director-General’s Health Leaders Award for outstanding leadership in global health and the Roux Prize in recognition of innovation in the application of global health evidence. He wrote Health Wars (2003) about the need to place human dignity at the heart of health care. He has a strong interest in global health and medicine’s contribution to our wider culture. He now works to develop the idea of planetary health – the health of human civilizations and the ecosystems on which they depend.
Excerpts from Citation:
“In tribute to his ongoing and vital contribution to the promotion of public health and wellbeing on a global level and specifically in the most vulnerable of populations; for his firm stance on the dangers of global warming [to] human health;…and for his actions in promoting the visibility and status of the Israeli health system…”
Prof. Alice Shalvi, Israel
Credit: Debbi Cooper
Prof. Alice Shalvi is an internationally renowned pioneer of the Israeli feminist movement and revered professor of English. Prof. Shalvi founded the English Department at Ben-Gurion University (1969), and served as head of the Institute of Languages and Literatures at the Hebrew University (1973-1975), head of the Pelech High School for religious girls (1975–1990) in a voluntary capacity, and as Rector and later as acting President and Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (1997-2001). She also served as the founding Chairwoman of the Israel Women’s Network (1984-2000), Israel’s major feminist advocacy organization. Over the course of her career, Prof. Shalvi has received a variety of awards and accolades for her outstanding public service: including the Presidential Award for Volunteerism for her devoted work in improving quality of life in Israel, and serving as one of 12 inspiring torchbearers at Israel’s 30th Independence Day Ceremony on Mount Herzl. In 2007 she received the Israel Prize for her contributions to education, women’s rights and civil rights. She holds honorary degrees from the University of Judaism, Gratz College, Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Weizmann Institute of Science and Brown University.
Excerpts from Citation:
“In tribute to her vast and devoted work in the fields of human rights and equality for women in Israel; … for her profound achievements as founder of the Israel Women’s Network and a pioneer of democratic education; … and for her tireless efforts in the promotion of dialogue between Arabs and Jews.”
Ms. Ora Etrog Stibbe, Israel
Credit: Ornan Rotem
Ora Etrog Stibbe is a psychotherapist, certified instructor in art therapy psychodrama, and a social entrepreneur who supports and volunteers tirelessly to promote and advance social justice and human rights, particularly within disadvantaged populations and developing countries. For over twenty years, Mrs. Stibbe has worked as a therapist specializing in anxiety and depression. Ora and her husband Eytan founded Anatta Ltd., a social benefit company that founded the ‘Adam Campus’ academic and treatment center, serving the population of the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod, with treatments of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, diagnosis and program development for the local educational institutes and communities. The couple also supports a wide range of social interventions, including programs for at-risk-youth (Nirim), day care and after school programs for children of refugees with no Israeli status (Unitaf), and academic programs at a number of Israeli universities. At the University of Haifa, they have generously contributed to the University’s flagship International MA Program in Child Development, which has attracted dozens of professionals from over 30 developing countries. Ora Stibbe is passionate about and has been personally involved with the MA Program for over a decade, making a significant impact on human development while promoting the international standing of the University of Haifa and the State of Israel.
Excerpts from Citation:
“In tribute to her activities as a social entrepreneur in promoting equality, social justice and human rights on a global level, especially among vulnerable populations in developing countries; … for her steadfast friendship with the University of Haifa and …generous support of the International MA in Child Development Program; … and for her outstanding professional contributions to at-risk populations in Israel…”
