Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of Calgary in Qatar; Deborah Yedlin, Chancellor of the University of Calgary, and Dr. Deborah White, Dean and Professor, University of Calgary, with other officials during the graduation ceremony held at The St. Regis Doha hotel yesterday.
Doha: The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) yesterday hosted its 2022 convocation ceremony to mark the official graduation of the Class of 2022.
UCQ’s first in-person convocation since the start of the pandemic commemorated 133 graduates and undergraduates who received their degrees and designations in front of their families, friends, board members and partners.
Hosted under the patronage of Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi the convocation took place at The St. Regis Doha hotel.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries and guests including Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of Calgary in Qatar; Dr. Ibrahimbin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Deborah Yedlin, Chancellor of the University of Calgary; Dr. Maryam Ahmed Al Rashid, Head of Academic Affairs & Consultant Family Medicine, Primary Health Care Corporation; Dr. Bill Ghali, Vice-President (Research), University of Calgary; Dr. Deborah White, Dean and Professor, University of Calgary; Dr. Amy Dambrowitz, Registrar, University of Calgary; Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International), University of Calgary.
The University of Calgary’s Chancellor, Vice-President (Research), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dean and the convocation guest speaker, Dr. Maryam Al Rashid, took the stage to address the graduates during the event.
Speakers discussed the achievements of students despite the many challenges and uncertainty due to the pandemic. The speeches were followed by a video that celebrated a key milestone in UCQ’s journey – 15 years of providing excellence in nursing education in Qatar.
Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani praised the graduates for their remarkable achievements over the years, and said: “I am pleased to be among you today to celebrate this joyous occasion, an opportunity to reflect on a long journey of outstanding achievements that have contributed to the growth and enhancement of the healthcare landscape in Qatar. Today, we celebrate the many accomplishments of our graduates and the relentless efforts they have exhibited to bring positive change to our societies. Congratulations and best wishes for all your future endeavours.”
In her opening remarks, Dr. Deborah White, Dean of the University of Calgary in Qatar, said, “Today is a great day of celebration, a day filled with emotion, pride, and excitement. We know that this academic journey has been a tedious one with many difficult twists and turns but through it all, you were diligent and determined, and here you are today.
“As you prepare to take on new stages of your career, remember, it is through your advocacy, integrity, and knowledge that you will make a difference — a difference to patients and families, to community and to health system delivery. I am confident that each of you will make valuable contributions to health care in Qatar; and know that we will all be cheering you on along the way.”
Dr. Deborah also conveyed her sincere gratitude to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and to the State of Qatar for continuously supporting UCQ and nursing education. Dr. Maryam Ahmed Al Rashid highlighted the achievements of graduates and stated, “I’m truly pleased to be joining you in celebrating this wonderful occasion. Today’s graduation is evidence of how persistence and perseverance can pay off, as you graduate and take on new challenges. Graduating Class of 2022, you are well-equipped with one of the most important tools needed to support Qatar National Vision 2030 call for a comprehensive world-class healthcare system to respond to the country’s current and future healthcare needs.
“Congratulations UCQ nurses and best of luck for all your future endeavours.”
Guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030, UCQ continuously aims to educate nurses who will be part of a sustainable workforce — a workforce that contributes to the economic, social and health priorities of Qatar.
Established in 2007, the University of Calgary in Qatar is the only Canadian university in Qatar and a provider of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing.
Accredited in Canada and adapted to the local culture, the university’s curriculum provides its nursing students with the knowledge and expertise to become fully integrated leaders in Qatar’s healthcare sector.
