HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani and other officials of Stenden University with the graduates. PICTURE: Thajudheen
Stenden University Qatar celebrated the graduation of Class November 2014 at a colourful ceremony held recently in Doha under the patronage of chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani.
Stenden University of Applied Science president Leendert Klaassen, international sites head Wayne Johnson, interim executive dean Ann Maneen and several distinguished guests from many private and government organisations in Qatar were present.
“Every year, Stenden University Qatar contributes to Qatari society by graduating a new group of brilliant young men and women who possess enough enthusiasm and ambition to become the country’s future leaders and serve Qatar with the highest levels of commitment,” HE Sheikh Faisal said while addressing the audience.
“Furthermore, the university actively contributes to Qatar’s educational system that has witnessed quantum leaps in quality under the visionary leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
“On this occasion, I cannot but praise the diligent efforts made by HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who are also the custodians of the Supreme Education Council and the Ministry of Higher Education, and their unwavering support.
“These efforts have always guided the people of Qatar on the road towards progress and development.”
Klaassen told the graduates, “From now onwards, you are off to ‘fly out’ into a fascinating industry in hospitality, tourism and business. Stenden has more than 10,000 alumni in that area alone – an alumni network, or ‘family’ that is spread throughout the world and to which you now also belong. We are confident that your talent will make you successful. We want to formalise this confidence in the form of an official degree.”
Johnson stated in his speech, “In Qatar, we have seen how our graduates have scaled to the highest levels in different government and private organisations and likewise you too will be afforded these opportunities once you show what you are capable of doing.
“The international educational experience you have received here at Stenden has prepared you to contribute to the ever-changing world in which we live. More and more, employers are looking for employees who have skills in problem-solving, who are inter-culturally sensitive and globally aware.”
Graduates Lamees Oraby and Joud Alsahelly gave moving speeches. They shared with the guests their experiences at Stenden Qatar.
Maneen pointed out that the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 describes education as a "vehicle for social and economic transformation".
“Institutes for higher education have a mission to identify social needs that can be met through education and research programmes that support government agencies, civil society and industry.
"Stenden Qatar strongly wants to contribute to these firm goals. ”
Stenden Qatar currently accepts applications for the full semester. Its current student body comprises 464 students from 40 nationalities.
