Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) celebrated the Class of 2024 with a graduation ceremony themed "Education for Peace, Education for Humanity." at the Al Mayassa Theatre of Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The event was attended by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF) and Chairperson of HBKU Board of Trustees.
The ceremony saw the presence of HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, various esteemed sheikhs, ministers, government officials, HBKU's senior leadership, deans of its six colleges, faculty, staff, and the graduates' families and friends. HBKU conferred degrees upon 247 students, including 142 female and 105 male graduates, with 61 of them being Qatari citizens. These graduates completed multidisciplinary programs designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Emphasizing the ceremony's theme, HBKU President Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah remarked, "The challenges ahead of you are great, yet the hope we have in you matches these challenges. Set ambitious goals and let your aspirations transcend personal achievements, for history only remembers those with altruistic hands and those whose influence goes beyond individual pursuits."
Keynote speaker Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah, Rector of the University of Glasgow, stated, "What we have learned from the war in Gaza is that in order to erase a people, you must first start with their universities. And to erase a nation, you must end the education process." Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abdulrahman Al-Shafi, a Master of Public Policy graduate, said, "We stand ready to embark on our new journey with determination and ambition while striving to realize our aspirations and uplift our societies. With the theme 'Education for Peace, Education for Humanity,' we move forward with the firm belief that education is the most potent catalyst for the change we seek in our world."
Graduates hailed from HBKU’s six colleges: the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), College of Science and Engineering (CSE), College of Law (CL), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), and College of Public Policy (CPP). The university offers 41 academic programs spanning five focus areas: Precision Health, Artificial Intelligence, Progressive Education, Sustainability, and Social Progress.
Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Acting Vice President of Research, at HBKU, noted, "The focus areas underpin Qatar’s economic, social, and technological development. HBKU’s multidisciplinary programs are designed to prepare future leaders to shape novel solutions that positively impact the world. The national university’s unique learning environment naturally reinforces the country’s strategy to invest in human capital and economic diversification."
This year's graduation ceremony also featured the HBKU Excellence Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements by HBKU faculty. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani presented awards in three categories: the Research Excellence Award, the Teaching Excellence Award, and the Service Excellence Award. Dr. Amine Bermak, Professor and Associate Dean, CSE, and Dr. Ahmet Aysan, Professor, CIS, received the Research Excellence Award. Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, CL, received the Teaching Excellence Award, and Dr. Evren Tok, Associate Dean of Community Engagement and Associate Professor, CPP, received the Service Excellence Award.
Provost Dr. Michael Benedik remarked, "Our award recipients embody the commitment all our faculty have towards academic excellence, dedication to our student's intellectual development, and significant impact in enhancing the university, our local community, and their academic disciplines. My heartfelt congratulations to each of this year's recipients."
As a member of QF, HBKU aims to empower students and engage alumni, fostering skills and competencies through diverse, multidisciplinary educational and social learning opportunities.
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