(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) celebrated the gradualtion of the Class of 2023 in a grand convocation ceremony hosted at the St. Regis Doha Hotel.
Under the patronage of Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Buthaina Al Nuaimi, UCQ recognised the 14th graduating class of the Bachelor of Nursing programme and the 9th graduating class of the Master of Nursing programme.
The milestone event saw a diverse graduating class of 95 students, including 78 Bachelor of Nursing graduates and 17 Master of Nursing graduates.
Reflecting the university's diversity, the Class of 2023 included 95 graduates from an array of nations worldwide, including but not limited to Qatar, Bahrain, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, the UK, and Yemen.
Present at the event were esteemed guests, including H E Isabelle Martin, Ambassador of Canada to Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Public Health Department in the Ministry of Public Health; and Dr. Khalid Al Ali representing H E Buthaina Al Nuaimi.
Key figures and decision-makers in both Canada and Qatar's academic landscape were also in attendance, showing their support and extending their heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class. This included Professor Hala Sultan Saif Al Easa, President & CEO of UCQ; Dr. Ed McCauley, President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary (UC); Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chair of the Board of Trustees at UCQ; Dr. Penny Werthner, Provost & VP Academic of UC; Dr. Amy Dambrowitz, Registrar of UC; Dr. Deborah White, Dean and Professor of UCQ; Dr. Bill Ghali, VP Research at UC and Dr. Sandra Davidson, Dean of Nursing Faculty & Deputy Provost at UC.
In her speech, Professor Hala Sultan Saif Al Easa commented:“Your education at UCQ equips you to be vital contributors to Qatar's national healthcare agenda. As you step into the next chapter, you bring with you not just a degree, but the power to make a difference. Your journey is just beginning, and I am confident that you will make us and the State of Qatar very proud.”
Dr. Ed McCauley expressed his admiration for the graduates:“Each one of you embodies the highest standards of the nursing profession. Your accomplishments represent not just personal success, but your contributions to a community of caring. We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with you.”
The Chair of the Board of Trustees at UCQ, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments and urged them to continue striving for excellence:“Your tenacity and drive have brought you here, and these will be the same qualities that will lead you to excel in your field. Remember, each step you take towards growth contributes to the growth of our nation's healthcare.”
A highlight of the evening was the speech delivered by UCQ alumna, Alanoud Hamad Al Marri, Executive Director of Nursing/Midwifery Workforce and Wellbeing at HMC, who applauded the graduates for their accomplishments and offered words of wisdom for their future endeavours.
The Gold Medal Award was presented to Angela Nicole Gregoria Fauni. The Gold Medal is awarded annually to the graduating student who has shown the highest distinction in scholarship.