American Associates Ben-Gurion University Of The Negev

Supporting Education And The Future Of Israel

Doug Seserman’s passion is raising awareness of, and connecting Americans to, Ben-Gurion University (BGU) – a vital university in Israel established in the vision of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

Seserman is chief executive officer of American Associates,Ben-Gurion University of theNegev (AABGU), the U.S.fundraising organization forBGU. It is the economic engine that drives growth and innovation in the Negev region of Israel.

“It encompasses the best of Israel’s contributions, and the future of Israel depends on the research that is happening now at BGU,” Seserman says.

The University has enrolled20,000 students from Israel and worldwide, many who participate in groundbreaking research in medicine, water, agriculture, cybersecurity and more. 

“BGU is also an engineering powerhouse; 33 percent of Israel’s engineers graduate from the University,” Seserman says.

The medical school has grown to three campuses with a university, a hospital and a medical center. A specialized program in global health is geared toward doctors who work in developing countries.

Adjacent to the University is the advanced technology park with 70 companies and 2,500 employees who are affiliated with BGU.

By train, Tel Aviv is only an hour away, so students, professors and employees can now commute to the Beer-Sheva station and the technology park.

Seserman stepped into his new role with AABGU after a lengthy career as executive director of JEWISHcolorado. 

“I want to use my skills to make a difference in the world,” he says.

AABGU has nineU.S. offices. It funds theUniversity’s ground breaking research, endowments and scholarships to 1,300 students. 

AABGU will be sponsoring “Ben-Gurion’s Epilogue,”a documentary on his life and how BGU fulfills his dream of sustainable Negev development. The screening is Monday, March 11, at the Bocaire Country Club in Boca Raton at 11:30 a.m.Admission and lunch is $18.

American Associates Ben-Gurion University has nine U.S. offices. For more information, call 561-705-0117or visit aabgu.org.

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