Georgetown University in Qatar recently held a commencement ceremony to honor the academic achievements of 119 undergraduate students from 38 countries, as well as 21 graduate students from Qatar. The event, which took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre, was attended by family, friends, university faculty and staff, and dignitaries from Qatar and Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities of South Africa, delivered a moving keynote address, encouraging graduates to uplift others as they rise to success.
In her speech, Dr. Zuma emphasized the importance of creating a better world for future generations, urging the graduates to contribute positively to society. She spoke of the need for more “stars” in the world, and expressed hope that the graduates would use their education to make a significant impact on the world. GU-Q Dean Dr. Safwan Masri also praised the accomplishments of the graduating class, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the university community.
During the ceremony, degrees were conferred by Georgetown University President Dr. John J. DeGioia, and candidates from the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service program were presented by SFS Dean Joel Hellman. Dean Masri also recognized the Executive Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs candidates for their essential skills in negotiation and problem-solving. The Tropaia awards ceremony, a longstanding Georgetown tradition, honored seniors, faculty, and staff for their exceptional academic and service accomplishments.
Senior speaker Ayet Bouhajeb reflected on the challenges faced by her class throughout their academic journey, and encouraged her peers to use their Georgetown education for the betterment of humanity. As GU-Q celebrates nearly two decades of academic excellence in Qatar and the region, the university continues to offer the renowned SFS curriculum, providing students with a world-class education in international affairs. GU-Q remains a vibrant extension of Georgetown’s global community, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing education that positively impacts the world.