In his speech on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of its 42nd batch of distinguished female students at the university’s Sports and Events Complex, the QU president said: “We are proud of what this university has offered, and what it continues to offer.
Since the university’s founding over four decades ago, and until today, it has been a leading force in the contribution of knowledge and expertise and in the push to advance and develop our nation Qatar.”
“It is our right — as we celebrate the 42nd batch of graduates of female Qatar University students — to say, we are not only celebrating our daughters the graduates. Rather, we celebrate and take pride in the recognition, honour and pride extended to half of society by our blessed nation.
“Our Qatari society has not forgotten the mother that raises, the sister that struggles and labours, the daughter that aspires to see a prosperous future.” He added: “Our celebration today, is in recognition that women have a stake in our beloved country.”
“What warms our hearts, and brings us optimism, is what we are witnessing today, the pioneering intellectual Qatari woman as she emerges from the university steps, armed with knowledge, generosity, righteousness and loyalty to her country. You allow this nation to stand tall and give it hope.”
Dr al-Derham said: “Qatar University has achieved a great number of achievements and found itself among the world’s most elite universities. In recent years, by the Grace of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), then by the continued support of our government, and guidance from our Board of Regents, we continuously ranked in the top universities worldwide.
The university ranked 276 in QS Quacquarelli Symonds Global Rankings and 408 in the Times Higher Education Rankings World University Rankings.” In the context of excellence, a great number of university colleges have received accreditation for their programmes from the most prestigious international bodies, which is further evidence of Qatar University’s academic advancement.”
This year saw the establishment of the College of Dental Medicine, which will join the health cluster in QU called QU Health.
Dr al-Derham expressed hope that this sector will be a great support to the healthcare services that Qatar offers its citizens and residents. He then addressed the graduating students, Class of 2019, by advising them, “Education is a path we walk on, not a goal we reach. Every stage of learning that we face is in fact a station, from a number of stations in life that do not end. Nevertheless, education alone does not make a renaissance, rather what makes a renaissance is the mind that believes and has faith in its ability.
He adds, “Qatar University is not merely a passing stage in your respective journeys, but rather, it is a starting point and a reference for knowledge. The university’s professors and researchers in all subjects are here to serve you, whenever you seek to learn and educate yourselves.”
On behalf of the Class of 2019, female distinguished graduates, graduate Aisha Khalid al-Mulla delivered a speech in which she said: “Education is, and will continue to be, the foundation on which societies and nations are built. Education is the framework in which to build a distinct society with a distinct mind and it is a weapon against corruption. This is what led our leadership to focus on education and position it as a central pillar in the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, wife of His Highness the Amir, honours female students at QU graduation ceremony yesterday.
