University of Calgary in Qatar hosts memorable convocation ceremony, celebrating achievements of Class of 2023

The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 in a grand convocation ceremony hosted at the St. Regis Doha Hotel on June 14, 2023. Under the patronage of Her Excellency Ms. Buthaina Al Nuaimi, the minister of education and higher education, UCQ recognized the 14th graduating class of the Bachelor of Nursing program and the ninth graduating class of the Master of Nursing program. 

The milestone event, marked by joy and pride, saw a diverse graduating class of 95 students, including 78 Bachelor of Nursing graduates and 17 Master of Nursing graduates. 

Embodying the university's global outreach, 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 U.K., and Yemen.

Present at the event were esteemed guests, including Her Excellency Ms. 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 Her Excellency Ms. 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 and CEO of UCQ; Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary; H.E. Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Jabor Al Thani, chair of the Board of Trustees at UCQ; Dr. Penny Werthner, interim provost and VP academic, UCalgary; Dr. Amy Dambrowitz, registrar, UCalgary; Dr. Deborah White, dean and professor, UCQ; Dr. Bill Ghali, VP (research), UCalgary; and Dr. Sandra Davidson, dean of the Faculty of Nursing and deputy provost, UCalgary.

The presence of the esteemed guests was an affirmation of their commitment, not only to the education of these new nursing professionals but also to the growth and development of the health-care sector in both Qatar and the world at large.

In her speech, Hala Sultan Saif Al-Easa, commented: “Your education at UCQ equips you to be vital contributors to Qatar’s national health-care 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.”

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.”

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 health care."

A highlight of the evening was the speech delivered by the distinguished UCQ alumna, Alanoud Hamad Al-Marri, executive director of nursing/midwifery workforce and well-being at HMC, who applauded the graduates for their accomplishments and offered words of wisdom for their future endeavours.

As the ceremony neared its conclusion, the Gold Medal Award was presented to Angela Nicole Gregoria Fauni, witnessed by the platform party, esteemed guests, proud families, and friends. The Gold Medal is awarded annually to the graduating student who has shown the highest distinction in scholarship.

Guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030, UCQ continues its commitment to educating the next generation of world-class nurses who will contribute to the development of a sustainable workforce, serving the economic, social, and health priorities of the State of Qatar.