Assembly for the Lasallian Educational Mission - (A.M.E.L.) – 2004: In its third edition, the AMEL - Assembly for the Lasallian Educational Mission - held from July 1 - 4, 2004 at Recanto Medianeira in Veranópolis-RS, gathered together 90 teachers who represented the Provincialate and the educational and religious communities from the District of Porto Alegre. There were also representatives from the District of Argentina-Paraguay.

In his talk at the beginning of the Assembly, Brother Edgar Genuino Nicodem, Provincial, greeted those present and he underscored the importance of the Assembly, since it had been called for by Proposition 14 of the Tenth District Chapter, and he stressed that its purpose was to assess and plan the Lasallian Educational Mission.

The 2004 AMEL proposed three great cores for work:

- First, to evaluate the 2003 Assembly. In this area, pedagogical experiences which were brought about by the 2003 Assembly were shared: PLANNING, METHODOLOGY and ASSESSMENT, as well as the repercussions and achievements of this work in the educational communities.

- Second, the idea was proposed to study, reflect, and make proposals as regards the educational program of the District of Porto Alegre, which is in a phase of revision. Good collective work was done, both in small groups and in general meetings. The level of discussion and involvement was intense and a unanimous decision was reached to adopt one pedagogical program that would strengthen our collective unity and commitment.

- Finally, Development Policies of the pedagogical program were defined, which added to the level of commitment on the part of the participants. There were strategies for the systematization and the accompaniment of educational practices in our school communities as well as for the socialization and dissemination of our objectives, expressed in the statement on "Mission, Vision, and Institutional Principles."
^{(Br. João Angelo Lando)}

"The Sixth Annual Report shows a university community characterized by its initiative, by its commitment, an enthusiastic and hard-working community, a community for whom there is no challenge that cannot be met and resolved successfully." With these words C.P. Juan Roberto López González opened the session for the Board of Governors. He summarized the achievements made for the period from July 2003 to June 2004.

Presided by the Honorable Board of Governors, the highest authority for De La Salle Bajío University and in the presence of approximately 250 representatives from the University (León, Guanajuato) the Sixth Annual Report was delivered by the Rector on July 16.

It is worth mentioning that with this Report the three-year period of service was completed for some members of the Board. This was not the case, however, for C.P. Juan Roberto López González, who we would like to congratulate for his well-deserved reappointment as Rector for the House of Studies for another three-year term. The same was true for Andrés Govela Gutiérrez, who also was reappointed as Vice-Rector for another three-year term.

At the end of the reading of the report, the President, Rodolfo Vivanco Polidura, responded to the Rector and congratulated the Lasallian community for these achievements and the way in which they were done.

That is how our institution grows stronger day by day and how each of us who form a part of this body grows stronger as we work in the most important private university in the region.

At the conclusion of the session there was a reception and entertainment was provided by the String Quartet under the direction of Maestro Ponce.

Congratulations for carrying out the Lasallian mission!
^{(Lic. Itzel Villanueva Marcocchio)}

New Novices in the International Novitiate in Bobo Dioulasso: Pictured here are 11 novices from the International Novitate in Burkina Faso. They made their first vows on June 12, 2004. The ceremony was attended by many Brothers from West Africa, a number of Religous, parents and friends. Congratulations to the new Novices.
^{(Br. Michel Koassi Messan, RELAF)}

Ceremony in Appreciation to the Gift Made by Pope John Paul II to the Students of Bethlehem University: On Wednesday, 8 September 2004, Bethlehem University students, faculty, staff, and Administration, came together for the unveiling of a plaque commemorating a very special donation made by Pope John Paul II. Because the Holy Father had asked that the donation be used specifically for the benefit of Bethlehem University students, the fund was used for renovating the Student Cafeteria in the Social and Cultural Center.

After being introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, Prof. Manuel Hassassian, Brother Vincent Malham, President-Vice Chancellor, opened the ceremony, mentioning that one stipulation was that the Pope’s donation be used to benefit our students, because “His Holiness Pope John Paul II loves the students of Bethlehem University.” The students spontaneously responded with a joyful round of applause. Brother Vincent added that “the Pope’s affection and confidence in the young Palestinian students of Bethlehem University will always be remembered by a commemorative plaque placed at the entrance to the Cafeteria.”

Brother Vincent Malham, Mr. Maher Turjman, and Mr. Hasan Faraj, unveiled the plaque expressing “grateful appreciation to the Pope for renovating the Student Cafeteria on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his Papacy.”

Mr. Maher Turjman, ’91, Regional Director of the Pontifical Mission for Palestine, expressed pride in being a graduate of Bethlehem University and pledged continued friendship and support of the Pontifical Mission to this University in its efforts to educate young Palestinians.

The President of the Student Senate, Mr. Hasan Faraj, thanked the Pope warmly on behalf of Bethlehem University students. He expressed his delight to see the cafeteria renovated, looking beautiful, and being enjoyed by some many students.

Bethlehem University Student Cafeteria was originally inaugurated in 1991 as part of the Social and Cultural Center which includes conference facilities, counseling office, art room, music room, and a physical training room.

The Fifth National Congress for Lasallian Schools of Law: will take place in León, Guanajuato, Mexico from October 6 - 8, 2004. Students, teachers and administrators will attend from all Lasallian schools that offer courses in the field of Law. The central theme for the Congress is "Law, Science and Technology" and the principal site will be De La Salle University, Bajío, Campestre campus.

For more information, please write to: derecho@bajio.delasalle.edu.mx achavez@delasalle.edu.mx

The postal address is: Avenida Unidersidad, 602
Col. Lomas del Campestre
C.P. 37150
León, Guanajuato, Mexico

Web Site: www.delasalle.edu.mx
^{(Lic. Andrea Leticia Chávez Muñoz)}

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