Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, recently celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 at a ceremony in Education City. The event was attended by H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis, among other dignitaries. The class of 120 graduates is the largest in CMU-Q’s history and represents 31 different countries. During the ceremony, Michael Trick, Dean of CMU-Q, and Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University, delivered inspiring speeches, encouraging the graduates to continue learning, being creative, and acting responsibly.
Two students from the Class of 2024 took the stage to represent their peers during the ceremony. Diram Tabaa read a poignant Arabic poem by Gibran Khalil Gibran, while Abdulrahman Darwish Fakhroo shared his personal insights as the student speaker. Fakhroo, a Qatari student, integrated cultural elements into his speech, using the falcon as a metaphor to reflect the journey through CMU-Q. The ceremony also included the announcement of various awards, including the Meritorious Teaching Award for Christos Kapoutsis, and Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards for five students who excelled in their respective programs.
One of the graduates, Muneera Al Baker, shared her transformative experience at CMU-Q, emphasizing the personal and academic growth she experienced during her undergraduate years. Al Baker was involved in various initiatives within Education City and on the world stage, earning recognition for her contributions to education and Arabic calligraphy art. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity and utilize her skills to contribute to the protection of digital assets and information in Qatar. CMU-Q now boasts a robust alumni network of over 1,300 graduates, who are making an impact in Qatar and across the globe.
In conclusion, the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2024 at CMU-Q was a significant milestone, celebrating the achievements of a diverse group of graduates from around the world. The speeches delivered by university leaders and student representatives highlighted the importance of continued learning, creativity, and responsible action. The awards presented acknowledged outstanding academic achievements and teaching excellence within the CMU-Q community. The personal reflection of one graduate, Muneera Al Baker, showcased the transformative power of education and the potential for graduates to make a positive impact in their fields. As CMU-Q’s alumni network continues to grow, the university remains committed to preparing students for success in an increasingly globalized world.
