A virtual commencement ceremony held recently marked the successes of the latest cohort of graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).
As many as 85 students, from VCUarts Qatar’s Art History, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, MFA in Design, and Painting + Printmaking programs, intend to graduate from the art and design university, this year.
Though online the event captured the enthusiasm and energy of the senior students, with faculty, staff, friends and family further infusing the momentous occasion with their good wishes and congratulatory messages. Phrases such as ‘a year of grit’, ‘resilience and perseverance’, and reminders to ‘keep in touch’, and to ‘keep laughing, learning and inspiring’, suffused the digital event with warmth and conviviality, as faculty and staff and students exchanged their – often emotional – thoughts with each other.
Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Director of Marketing and Communications, Qatar Olympic Committee, and VCUarts Qatar Graphic Design Class of 2010 alumna, was the Commencement Speaker. In addition to being a designer, Sheikha Al Thani is renowned as an avid sportswoman, adventurer and explorer.
Sheikha Al Thani delivered her message via a prerecorded video, as she is currently away in Nepal attempting to summit Mt. Everest – part of her journey to become the first woman from the Middle East to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, which involves climbing all of the Seven Summits and reaching the North Pole and South Pole. She is only the third Qatari to ever attempt the climb and, if successful, would become the first Qatari woman in history to stand 8,849 meters above sea level. The event was attended by VCUarts Qatar’s Dean Amir Berbić; Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Cherif Amor; Dr. Katherine Wildman, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; the chairs of the University’s many programs and departments, faculty, and staff. “As an art and design university, problem-solving is at the heart of practically everything we do,” Dean Berbić said.
“It’s a trait that kicks into autopilot mode when confronted with a challenge, helping us maneuver our way through the obstacles across our paths. And in a year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, each one of you did just that. "For that very reason when you leave VCUarts Qatar, you’re leaving with more than a degree in design or the arts; you’ll be leaving with a degree in adaptability and grit.," he said.
