DOHA: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar celebrated its seventh graduation ceremony last night, bringing together dignitaries, family and faculty to recognise 80 graduates representing 24 different countries as they were awarded their diplomas.
As the sound of traditional Scottish bagpipes filled the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), the graduates processed onto the stage, led by students carrying their programmes’ academic flag.
All 80 graduates — two in biological sciences, 42 in business administration, 10 in computer science and 26 in information systems — now form part of Carnegie Mellon’s 95,000-strong global alumni network.
Addressing the graduating class, and more than 1,200 guests, family members and friends, Subra Suresh, President of Carnegie Mellon University, praised the graduates for their achievements: “You have achieved something important, something that took time, discipline and willingness to persist in the face of difficulties. That is impressive, so savour the moment.”
Consistently ranked among the top universities, Carnegie Mellon has more than 12,000 students, 95,000 alumni and 5,000 faculty and staff globally. In Qatar, students from more than 40 countries enrol at the university’s world-class facilities in Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s Education City.
Ilker Baybars, dean of Carnegie Mellon Qatar, congratulated the graduating class saying: “Over the past four years, our students have worked hard not only towards their degrees, but also by contributing to the country’s research efforts and by making a difference to society through community outreach in Qatar and overseas.”
Academic Achievement Awards were presented to three students based on their outstanding academic performance: Haider Zali, business administration graduate, Fahim Dalvi, computer science graduate, and Haya Thowfeek, information systems graduate, received the awards.
Narcis Sadat Jafarian, who received the 2014 Andrew Carnegie Society Scholar Award, and the Qatar Campus Scholars were also recognised during the ceremony. This year’s Qatar Campus Scholars were Jafarian, a business administration graduate, Syed Moosavi, a computer science graduate, Zali and Thowfeek.
Dean Baybars also recognized Matthew Szudzik, assistant teaching professor of mathematics, with a Meritorious Teaching Award. Marion Oliver, teaching professor of mathematics, was recognised as the 2014 recipient of the University Award for Outstanding Contributions to Academic Advising, which was presented to him on the Pittsburgh campus last month.
Senior Student Leadership Awards were presented to 13 exceptional students this year. These students showcased extraordinary leadership and made substantial contributions to the community during their time at the university.
The Peninsula
