Sheikha Moza attends final graduation ceremony of University of Calgary in Qatar
DOHA: Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has attended the University of Calgary in Qatar's (UCQ) final graduation ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre, celebrating the latest batch of graduates and honouring the university's nearly two-decade legacy of supporting the country's healthcare sector.
The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Education and Higher Education, HELolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, and a number of senior representatives from leading local institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Qatar Foundation, along with a number of ambassadors, graduates and their families, and members of the faculty and administration.
Some 120 graduates received their degrees, joining the university's more than 1,100 alumni, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nursing profession in Qatar.
Since its founding in 2006, the university has been committed to providing high-quality education that combines international best practices with local requirements. It has offered distinguished academic programs, including bachelor's and master's programs in oncology, nursing leadership, clinical nursing, and the 'Fundamentals of Nursing' program. These programs have produced a skilled and diverse workforce, including more than 120 Qatari graduates, many of whom now hold key leadership positions in the healthcare sector.
In her opening remarks, Professor Dr Hala Sultan Saif Al Essa, President and CEO of the University, said: "Here is a new class looking forward to the future. After years of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and dedication, it is the harvest day, as 120 graduates join more than 1,000 of their colleagues who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to strengthening the nursing and healthcare system in the State of Qatar."
She added: "We were honoured to pioneer the introduction of the first accredited bachelor's degree in nursing in Qatar, along with master's programs in oncology, nursing leadership, and clinical nursing, along with a continuing professional development program. These initiatives have contributed to building highly skilled nursing professionals, forming the core of Qatar's modern healthcare sector."
In turn, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, said: "We are proud of our graduates who have passed through the doors of this university, and of the profound impact the university has had on developing the healthcare system, enhancing the resilience of the national economy, and supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by preparing qualified and distinguished cadres."
The university's contributions were not limited to academic education; it was also a pioneer in the fields of scientific research and community service. It established strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions, such as Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, and provided its students with practical training opportunities that meet the needs of the evolving healthcare system.
Through its participation in the Interprofessional Education Committee, the university has also contributed to fostering a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration in healthcare in Qatar. In addition, the university achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first institution in the Middle East to be accredited by the International Best Practices Organization (BPSO), underscoring its commitment to evidence-based care.
In this context, Dr Janet Rankin, Acting Dean, said: 'While this ceremony marks the end of our institutional work in Qatar, it is far from the end of our journey. Our graduates are the living extension of the university's mission, embodying its values of excellence, service, and community. We will continue to see the university's impact in every healthcare facility and in every medical initiative led by one of our graduates.'
In a speech delivered on this occasion, Hassan Kander, Director of Student Services and Registration at the University, emphasized that the students' journey was not just a matter of academic years, but rather a journey of hard work, determination, and professional and personal maturity.
He said, "Every student here has a story of struggle woven with unwavering will, from their first steps in orientation to their standing today on the graduation podium. This moment is the culmination of their journey to becoming seasoned practitioners, dedicated to serving their communities. And here we are witnessing the fruits of their determination and the support that surrounded them throughout their journey."
Alanoud Hamad Almarri, Excutive Director of Nursing-Work Force in Hamad Medical Corporation,
took the stage to lead the graduates in reciting the Graduate Pledge, which expresses their commitment to serving their communities, advancing knowledge, and striving to uphold the values of honesty and integrity in every path they take.
As the University of Calgary in Qatar prepares to close its doors, its mission remains in the achievements of its graduates and their ongoing contributions to advancing healthcare in Qatar and beyond.
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