Doaa Osman, Elisabeth Kent and Tara Makarem at the event

Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) hosted an informal alumni gathering earlier this month.
The late afternoon barbecue, spearheaded by Mark Saliba, a member of SFS-Q’s first graduating class of 2009, attracted close to 40 former students, faculty, and staff. Mingling and catching up with former professors, classmates, and staff members, the alumni sampled the famous Georgetown University Grilling Society burgers.
The event offered an unofficial opportunity to celebrate the success that graduates of Georgetown’s Qatar campus have achieved in their respective careers.
Employed by a broad range of industries and holding a diverse range of roles, SFS-Q alumni are developing a reputation as high-calibre professionals who demonstrate strong leadership qualities in the workplace.
Elisabeth Kent, a graduate from the class of 2011, now works in marketing at Texas A&M at Qatar. “It’s always great to get together with alumni to see how we’ve excelled in different areas.”
Now that she has entered the working world, she appreciates the analytical skills that SFS-Q taught her. “These are basic competencies which prepare students to succeed.”
Qatari national Abdulrahman al-Khawaga (Class of 2011), who is with Shell in the Contracting and Procurement division, said he works with people from over 27 countries.
“My work life is a continuation of the international exposure provided by SFS-Q. But the biggest plus to having completed my studies at SFS-Q is the access to professors.”
Herb Howe, visiting associate professor of government, was heartened by the strong turnout of the alumni, their fond recollections, and thoughtful insights.
“It’s encouraging, and really no surprise, how many of the alumni have become articulate young professionals,” Howe said.
Hala Sheik al-Souk (2010), who works at the Patton Boggs law firm as a paralegal, has kept in touch with her former classmates.
“We’re very close knit. I recognise everyone here,” she explained. When asked how her Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service has served her, she said it opened a lot of doors.
“I now plan on continuing my education in Business, and this degree has kept my options open, allowing me to contemplate a variety of directions for my career.”
Organisations looking to recruit SFS-Q students and alumni can contact the Office of Outreach & External Relations to learn more about engagement opportunities on campus and to register for the Career Fair being held on March 27.