DOHA: Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) saw 68 students graduating at the eighth Commencement ceremony in Education City.
This year’s graduating class included 24 men and 44 women receiving Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degrees — a unique, interdisciplinary programme that prepares students to tackle the most important and pressing global issues by providing them with training in critical thinking and analytic and communication skills within an international context.
H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, and Reach Out to Asia, and Co-Chair, Joint Advisory Board, GU-Q, was the guest and delivered the traditional address.
She quoted Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who said Georgetown had been part of Qatar for the past 10 years, and played an important role in the development of Qatar and the region.
“Already, your fellow hoyas (alumni) have made a mark in Qatar and worldwide. Tonight you join Georgetown’s extensive orbit of graduates, and will become part of the Georgetown family,” she said, listing world leaders and change makers who are Georgetown alumni and the vast array of careers alumni pursue.
“The list includes three of my siblings who attended GU-Q,” she said, noting that her brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the chairman of Qatar’s winning bid to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
“Qatar will continue to make progress using its National Vision 2030 to propel us into the future.
“If a hoya (alumnus) could bring the FIFA World Cup to Qatar, I have no doubt you can achieve great things. No matter where you go, you will always be part of Qatar Foundation and Qatar’s narrative,” she added.
“There are several reasons why it is particularly fitting that Sheikha Al Mayassa is today’s commencement speaker,” said Dean Dr Gerd Nonneman in his introduction of the honoured guest, highlighting her career dedicated to education and turning Qatar into a global art hub.
The presentation of the candidates for the degrees was performed by Dean of School of Foreign Service on Main Campus, Dr Joel Hellman.
The Tropaia Awards were held prior to the commencement ceremony.
The Peninsula
