DOHA: Changing the world through social entepreneurship was a key message at Northwestern University in Qatar’s fourth annual graduation exercises. The ceremony, held in Education City, honoured 41 graduating students from NU-Q’s journalism and communication programmes.
Keynote speaker Shiza Shahid urged the graduates to take sensible risks when facing challenges, “The truth is there are no super-heros, there’s just us.” Shahid is global ambassador for the Malala Fund, named for the young activist who was shot in the head for her efforts to get an education in her Taliban-occupied town in Pakistan.
Shahid, one of Time magazine’s “30 Under 30 World Changers,” spoke about Malala’s resolve in the days after she was attacked, “She looked at me and said, ‘I’m fine, tell them to help the other girls.’ I knew then that what Malala had started had the potential to change the world and that she, like before, wanted to fight the battle to get girls in school… There are certain moments when you have to decide who you are. In those moments, be bold.”
Everette E Dennis, dean and CEO of NU-Q, likewise encouraged the class to continue their public service as they pursue their careers, “The Class of 2015 has a singular interest in and commitment to helping others. They are poised to become exceptional global citizens, which will add purpose and direction to their careers as media professionals.”
The class speaker was Najwa Abdulrahman Al Thani, a student who ‘embodies the leadership, academic excellence and commitment to community service’of the graduating class, according to Dean Dennis. The 41 graduates received their diplomas in the presence of 800 guests, including some of Northwestern University’s highest ranking officials: President Morton Schapiro, Board Chairman William Osborn and Provost Dan Linzer. Dana Shell Smith, US Ambassador to the State of Qatar, was also present to honor the graduates.
Earlier in the day, several graduates were honoured at an awards lunch hosted by Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro.
Addressing the graduating class, Schapiro stressed the unity of Northwestern students, regardless of where they study: “Northwestern University doesn’t have satellite or branch campuses. We have three main campuses. One is Doha, one is in Chicago, and one is in Evanston,” he remarked.
The lunch recognised outstanding student achievements in several categories as Dean’s Award was given to Jaimee Haddad, Student Leadership Award to Marium Saeed, Communication Award to Nissryne Dib, Journalism Award to James Zachary Hollo and Liberal Arts Award to Aamena Ahmed. At a separate ceremony, two NU-Q students, Ibrahim AlHashmi and Marium Saeed, were among the five Education City graduates honored with an HBKU President’s Award.
Northwestern University will celebrate its 157th convocation in June and NU-Q will send a contingent of graduates to walk on behalf of the Qatar campus.
The Peninsula
