DOHA: H H Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, wife of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, yesterday graced the graduation ceremony of 1,708 female students of Qatar University’s (QU) Class of 2016.
Of the graduates, 204 excelled with a GPA (Grade Point Average) 3.5 and above.
Arabic language student Ayesha Siddika Nurul-Hoque (College of Arts & Sciences), economics student Yousra Rahmaha Hussein Emam (College of Business & Economics), and Dawa student Rokaia Alameldin Chalabi (College of Shariah & Islamic Studies) topped the class with a GPA 4.
The ceremony also saw the graduation of the first cohorts of several academic programmes — 16 (students) BA Policy, Planning and Development; 19 BA Psychology; and 19 BSc Public Health (College of Arts & Sciences); 10 BBA Economics; and two BBA Management Information Systems (College of Business & Economics); and 42 B Ed Secondary Education (College of Education).
QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, along with senior QU officials, deans, dignitaries, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and well-wishers attended the ceremony. “We are very proud of you, distinguished students, and you have made yourselves very proud by staying in the course and emerging confident and ready to achieve more success,” said Dr Al Derham. “I encourage you to continue to seek new horizons, develop your talents and strive for excellence in your undertakings. You are our distinguished ambassadors and the next generation of leaders and we look forward to hearing of your continued success. Again, congratulations and all the very best,” he added.
He said the ceremony is testament to the active role of women in Qatari society. “The university is committed to empowering young women with necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to take their place in the national development process.”
Dr Al Derham also highlighted QU’s achievements during the year which included establishing Health Education Cluster that merges the colleges of health sciences, medicine and pharmacy; accreditation for the colleges of education and law; growing positions in international ranking; and continued success in the area of research, among others.
“Today, QU is one of the top universities in the region, possessing a vibrant teaching/learning environment, a well-developed academic and research portfolio and enhanced undergraduate and graduate programmes. We have also had a steady increase in students over the years, being the first choice of Qatari students, parents and employers,” said Al Derham.
Valedictorian Maryam Khalid Al Zahra of College of Law greeted her colleagues and said: “Today we are starting a new phase in our lives. On your behalf, I extend sincerest thanks to Qatar University and our parents for their invaluable support and guiding us in our endeavours.”
The Peninsula
