In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, Qatar University (QU) celebrates the graduation ceremony of its 43rd batch, which took place in the QU Sport and Events Complex the morning of 30 May 2021. This year 3188 student’s graduate as part of QU’s Class of 2020, 733 of whom celebrated yesterday in the male graduation ceremony in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who honored 109 distinguished male students.
The annual convocation includes graduates from a full academic year comprising Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020 and Summer 2020.
As QU graduates its 43rd cohort of graduates, the university continues to chronicle a long history spanning decades in which it contributes heavily to Qatar’s development and prosperity, through boosting the labor market with qualified graduates. In consideration of the health and safety of the attendees, the University insured that safety and precautionary measures approved by the state were undertaken during the event.
In his speech on this occasion, President of QU Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al-Derham said, “As we celebrate the graduation of our 43rd class, our treasured nation is witnessing a renaissance that would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of the people of this country.” Dr. Hassan Al-Derham added that the University has the honor of contributing to this renaissance by preparing generations of talent through more than 54,000 graduates who helped build the nation. Today, the University celebrates a new cohort of 3,188 graduates to join the ranks, and strive towards building and developing the country.
Dr. Al-Derham said, “Humanity today is suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative effects in all walks of life. At Qatar University, we have begun to deal with this pandemic using a responsive approach. Our goal is to maintain the university’s core functions and roles in teaching, research and serving the community.”
In cooperation with its partners at the local and global level, QU has directed its programs to contribute in the fight against Covid-19. A number of QU faculty members and researchers from QU Health colleges have joined task forces let by the Ministry of Public Health to formulate public policies to combat the pandemic at the national level.
Dr. Hassan added, “Our University researchers have published more than 200 research studies on understanding coronavirus and ways to combat it. Perhaps the most important study, which made waves in international media, was published by researchers from the Biomedical Research Center in the magazine New England Journal of Medicine on monitoring the mutated strains of coronavirus and the length of effectiveness of the Pfizer Vaccine. Here I note; this study would not have been possible without a biosafety level three laboratory, which was established by QU shortly before the pandemic. The University also hosted a national campaign for volunteers in confronting the pandemic, which recruited and trained volunteers to support the state’s efforts.”
Addressing His Highness, the President said, “In your recent speech to the Shura Council, you made it clear by saying ‘The State should exert its utmost effort to diversify its income sources through investment in its sovereign fund for future generations, etc. But diversification of income sources also depends on the community, and the economic and service sectors, where the community members work, by resorting to saving, private initiatives, investment and relocating from consumer mentality to the mindset of productive community. The way must be cleared for that end.’”
Dr. Al-Derham stressed QU’s efforts in embodying this guidance through spreading a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and implementing the university’s strategy, through research plans and academic programs, to support the state’s efforts in diversifying its sources of income and achieving sustainable development. The University also works hard to achieve the goals of the strategy, for example launching a QU technology company, which incubates innovate ideas for university students through start-ups, which will add value to the economy.
The President stressed that the results of the hard work and efforts are reflected in international rankings. The University moved from placing 276 last year to 245th this year, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking 2021. According to Times Higher Education (THE) the University jumped 90 places and entered the club of the best 350 International Universities. This achievement, he says, would not have been possible without the blessings of Allah (SWT) and the continued support of the state, as well as the efforts of the Board of Regents.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Hassan said, “Today you are at the door of a new phase of your lives, in which you will take your first steps towards your career armed with the knowledge you gained during your academic journey and the skills that will lead you to success and excellence. This achievement was made possible through the grace of Allah (SWT), your perseverance and the sincere efforts of your educators. For this reason, as I stand here, I must pay tribute to their efforts and dedication in fulfilling their duties.”
“As you receive your certificates, in front of the leader of this esteemed nation, and under his patronage, you must be faithful to your responsibilities towards God, the nation and the Emir. And always remember His Highness’s guidance to you when he visited the University and said, ‘Man is the most important building block of our nation and the greatest investment. Qatar invested in you.’ My dear graduates embody these words, through hard work and dedication, in all fields and in every role you are tasked with.”
The President concluded his speech by emphasizing that the University is represented by its 25,000 students, 1,700 faculty members and offers 96 academic programs. He said, “Qatar University will always be committed to its qualitative excellence, based on integrity, in an environment of innovation and effective leadership. I congratulate you for this success and your families for their efforts in harvesting your talents.”
Graduate Hamad Al-Jumaily delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, praising the university, and the roles of different individuals in helping students to reach this point. “Our parents, you are watching this ceremony through your screens and undoubtedly you are feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness. We owe you a heavy debt as you paved the path towards our success. The greatest thing we can give our parents is to be successful, so congratulations to you as well.” He also paid tribute to the faculty saying, “You were our candles that illuminated our paths and set us on the path of knowledge.”
It is worth mentioning that the ceremony included a video screening produced by Qatar University, where the public learned about the university’s vision and the most important achievements of its students. The graduates received their diplomas in an atmosphere of joy at this important moment in their lives.
Source: QATAR UNIVERSITY