Changing the world through social entrepreneurship was a key message at Northwestern University in Qatar’s (NU-Q) fourth annual graduation ceremony that honoured 41 graduating students from NU-Q’s journalism and communication programmes.
Keynote speaker Shiza Shahid urged the graduates to take sensible risks when facing challenges, saying: “The truth is there are no super-heros, there’s just us.”
Shahid is global ambassador for the Malala Fund, named for the young activist who was shot in the head for her efforts to get an education in her Taliban-occupied town in Pakistan.
Shahid, one of Time magazine’s “30 Under 30 World Changers,” spoke about Malala’s resolve in the days after she was attacked. “She looked at me and said, ‘I’m fine, tell them to help the other girls.’ I knew then that what Malala had started had the potential to change the world and that she, like before, wanted to fight the battle to get girls in school. There are certain moments when you have to decide who you are. In those moments, be bold.”
Everette E. Dennis, dean and CEO of NU-Q, encouraged the class to continue their public service as they pursue their careers. “The Class of 2015 has a singular interest in and commitment to helping others. They are poised to become exceptional global citizens, which will add purpose and direction to their careers as media professionals.”
Class speaker Najwa Abdulrahman al-Thani looked back on her time at NU-Q and urged her peers to continue their pursuits with creativity and professional rigour. “Northwestern has taught us to take creative risks,” she said. “We gained the necessary tools to have the power to shape history. Do what you love and not what is expected of you.”
The 41 graduates received their diplomas in the presence of 800 guests, including some of Northwestern University’s highest ranking officials: President Morton Schapiro, board chairman William Osborn and provost Dan Linzer. Dana Shell Smith, US ambassador to Qatar, was also present to honour the graduates.
This is the fourth graduating class for Northwestern University in Qatar.Members of the Class of 2015 hail from 15 countries worldwide. A total of 17 students graduated with academic honours, with 10 students making the Dean’s List seven times.
The NU-Q Class of 2015
