Tribune News Network
Doha
Under the patronage and in the presence of Consort of HH the Amir Her Highness Sheikha Jowaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, Qatar University (QU) organised the graduation ceremony of its 47th batch of distinguished female students at the QU Sports and Events Complex on Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including members of the university’s Board of Regents, QU vice-presidents and families of the graduates.
Sheikha Jowaher honoured 478 distinguished female students, out of a total of 2,981 female graduates from various academic disciplines at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
The ceremony included a film presentation depicting students’ experiences across diverse academic fields, spotlighting the university’s accomplishments and its dedication to fostering opportunities for its students, equipping them with the necessary skills for their professional journey while also serving the community and the country.
In his speech on the occasion, President of QU Dr Omar Al Ansari said, “Today, we are filled with joy, happiness, pride and honour as we celebrate the inclusion of more than 3,500 graduates from Qatar University’s 47th graduating cohort. By fulfilling its essential role in supporting the ambitions of the state and implementing its developmental plans, Qatar University seeks to provide its students with high-quality education and its community with research that supports national development, in an effective institutional environment built on the principles of excellence, efficiency, and transparency.
“Throughout its distinguished journey, Qatar University has prepared more than 65,000 talented and ambitious young men and women to enhance the future and development of the nation. It takes pride in being a nurturing ground for fostering a knowledgeable generation carrying within its thoughts and hearts the spirits of determination, construction, and positive influence.”
Addressing Sheikha Jowaher, he said, “Under the leadership of the wise state and the legacy of the founding fathers, Qatar has assumed a prominent position both regionally and internationally. Our university, proudly bearing the name of our beloved state, is committed to elevating its contributions to match this status. It strives to utilise all its resources to support sustainable development across all levels of the country. Qatar University recognises that education in general, and higher education in particular, is one of the fundamental pillars upon which nations thrive. Its role extends beyond providing academic knowledge and degrees; it encompasses being a field for knowledge, development, research, innovation, and human empowerment.”
He added, “Qatar University is among the leading universities in the region in supporting and empowering women in both academic and societal environments. It is committed to providing educational, research and extracurricular opportunities in an educational atmosphere that encourages female participation and enables them to achieve their full aspirations. Qatar University aims to overcome any obstacles that women may face, seeking to develop their skills and enhance their personal, professional, leadership and entrepreneurial capacities. This is to enable them to positively contribute to realising the aspirations of society, its development and to participate in building a sustainable future, all while maintaining a full awareness of the importance of preserving our values, identity, social fabric, and pride in our religious and national values.”
Dr Ansari said, “With the beginning of the implementation of the Qatar University Strategy 2023-2027, it is worth noting that the university has achieved several local and international accomplishments, consistent with its distinction as an educational institution and a hub of expertise.”
Addressing the graduating Class of 2024, he said, “I extend to you my sincerest congratulations on your graduation. Today, you reap the fruits of your hard work and dedication over the years, as you stand on the threshold of entering a new world full of challenges and opportunities. I encourage you to continue learning and continuously develop your professional skills, drawing knowledge from experts in various fields of work.”
Dr Ansari said, “On this happy occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed parents on the graduation of your daughters from your university, Qatar University. Today, we share in the joy and pride of this great achievement, and we thank you for the support and encouragement you have provided to them, especially during their university studies. I also extend my thanks to my colleagues in the faculty, staff, and all employees of the university for all they have done for our female students during their educational journey and for your support of the university’s mission in graduating a distinguished, innovative, and entrepreneurial generation capable of effectively contributing to building a sustainable future.”
Hafsa Ahmed Al Ghiyath, a graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, spoke on behalf of the 47th graduating class and narrated her journey as a young girl, raised with a love for learning by her kind-hearted parents.
She said, “This is one story among many similar tales embraced by our esteemed university. Its protagonists persevered tirelessly until God granted them success. Today, our graduating colleagues witness the realisation of their cherished goals, reaping the fruits of their blessed efforts. They continue to give back, carrying on the journey of progress and development for our beloved nation, Qatar.”
Host of the ceremony, Hameda Al Janahi, a member of QU faculty in the Architecture and Urban Planning department, College of Engineering, said: “We are pleased and honoured to live with you these great moments, as Qatar University today celebrates a new batch of outstanding graduates, today we appreciate their efforts and the efforts of all those who supported them.”
As QU graduates its 47th cohort of graduates, the university continues to chronicle a long history spanning decades in which it contributes heavily to Qatar’s development and prosperity, through boosting the labor market with qualified graduates.
The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 included graduates from bachelor’s, diploma, master’s, doctorate and doctor of pharmacy degrees who completed the graduation requirements for the academic terms: Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Winter 2024, and those expected to graduate Spring 2024.
A total of 3,742 female and male students graduate as part of the Class of 2024.
