Northwestern University in Qatar celebrated its inaugural graduation yesterday in a commencement ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre, welcoming a new generation of aspiring media professionals to the field.
NU-Q graduating class with NU president Morton Schapiro and NU-Q dean and CEO Everette Dennis
Graduation speaker Rami Khouri, the prolific Middle East author, columnist and commentator, charged the 36 graduating journalism and communication students to use the power of knowledge and storytelling for good in these transformative times.
“When you decided to pursue your studies here, you became part of something much bigger that marks an important milestone today,” said Khouri, who is director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University in Beirut and a columnist for the Beirut-based Daily Star.
HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, also commented on the importance of the occasion for Qatar: “This first graduation from Northwestern University in Qatar represents a moment of great opportunity for our pioneering students and also for our country.
“Media and communications are more than industries—they are an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people with a significant role to play in shaping and changing societies. As members of the Class of 2012 embark on their chosen careers, my dream is to see them play an active role in the shaping of our society and our region,” Her Highness said.
HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani speaking at the graduation ceremony
Fifteen students received their Bachelor of Science degrees in journalism and 21 in communication during the inaugural commencement ceremony, which also featured a speech from HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, director of HH the Emir’s Office and co-chair of NU-Q’s Joint Advisory Board.
Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro, NU-Q Dean and CEO Everette E. Dennis, and student leader Zainab Sultan also spoke.
Top figures from Northwestern University and Qatar’s media and education community joined the NU-Q faculty, staff and students in celebrating the graduation. The entire NU-Q Joint Advisory Board was also present.
NU-Q Dean and CEO Everette E. Dennis delivered the welcome address for the occasion, and remarked, “As we gather here in solemn convocation to recognise this inaugural class of 2012, we do so with great gratitude to HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation; and to Qatar Foundation and the supportive leadership of Northwestern University.”
Members of the Northwestern University in Qatar Class of 2012 are as follows: Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Science degree in journalism, awarded by the Medill School of Journalism: Laala al-Jaber (Honours), Mai al-Mannai, Jawaher al-Naimi, Latifa al-Romaihi, Sara al-Thani, Ola Deyab, Shannon Farhoud, Camila Ferreira, Benazir Karim (Honours), Rana Khaled, Thouria Mahmoud, Shereena Qazi, Ashlene Ramadan, Zainab Sultan (Honours), and Nazneen Zahan.
Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Science degree in communication, awarded by the Medill School of Communication: Sarah Abou-Zant, Lama al-Abdulla, Asmaa al-Buainain, Maryam al-Darwish, Fatema al-Hadad (Honours), Mohamed Rezwan al-Islam (Honours), Lolwa al-Jefairi (Honours), Jassim al-Romaihi (Honors), Sara al-Saadi (Honours), Hattan al-Thani, Kaltham al-Thani, Thamer al-Thani, Maaria Assami, Amit Chowdhury, Florent D’Souza, Mohamed Farid, Melanie Fridgant, Sara Kawas (Honours), Omer Mohamed, Zaina Salameh, and Nayaab Shaikh.
In a final celebration of their graduation, NU-Q seniors will travel to Evanston, Illinois in mid-June to participate in the graduation ceremonies at Northwestern University’s home campus, where they will receive their official diploma alongside other Northwestern graduates.