Qatar University (QU) marked the graduation of the female students of Class of 2017 on Wednesday in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, wife of His Highness the Emir, with 2,411 students receiving their degree certificates from QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham.
This is the 40th and largest batch of students to graduate from QU.
Of the total were 245 top achieving students of GPA 3.50 and above, with highest scorers being international affairs student Arwa Fathelbab Mohamed Mohamed Khedr (College of Arts and Sciences) and secondary education student Mahboobeh Mohammed Reda Majeedzadeh (College of Education) achieving GPA 4.0.
Also attending the ceremony were members of QU leadership, deans, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and well-wishers.
Dr al-Derham said, “Today, we are not only pleased to celebrate the graduation of Qatar University’s 40th batch of students, as we are also celebrating the proud stand of the Qatari citizens and their wise leadership against the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar.”
“This significant event is a testament to the active role of women in Qatari society. We are proud of Qatar University’s long journey of success since its establishment 40 years ago. Qatari women have effectively contributed as students, faculty members, researchers, deans, or department heads to the growth of the University,” he continued.



Some of the students celebrating the graduation.

Dr al-Derham noted that Qatar University’s vision became more comprehensive than before, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the national aspirations towards a knowledge-based economy. “Qatar University offers 79 specialisations at the undergraduate and graduate level, especially designed to meet the needs of the labour market,” he maintained.
He went on to discuss the organisation’s achievements during the year which included accreditation achievement for its colleges and programmes from numerous leading international accrediting bodies. 
“We are keen that continued success comes from our ongoing efforts to provide the best for our students and community, especially in the light of local and international challenges. Over the past years, the education system in Qatar witnessed numerous changes. In this context, it is important that Qatar University keeps abreast of the ever-changing development while delivering on its vision to be regionally recognised for distinctive excellence in education and research, an institution of choice for students, scholars and researchers, and a catalyst for the sustainable socio-economic development of Qatar,” he highlighted. 
“In order to achieve this vision, the university will focus on advancing education, research and student success with the aim to improve knowledge and promote innovation and entrepreneurship,” he added.
Dr al-Derham thanked parents and faculty members for their support throughout the students’ academic journey. “Your contribution to their success is invaluable”, he said, adding, “Dear students, as you prepare to enter a new and exciting phase in your lives, I encourage you to continue to seek new horizons, develop your talents, and strive for excellence in your undertakings.”
Valedictorian Mariam Ali al-Hajri of College of Arts and Sciences gave heartfelt congratulations to her colleagues saying, “Today, we are preparing to start a new phase in our lives towards building the country’s future. I thank Qatar University for providing us with an optimal learning environment that ensured our success. I also extend our gratitude to our parents and faculty for their invaluable support and for guiding us in our endeavours.”
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