H E Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani delivering the commencement address at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), at the Education City Student Center.
DOHA: Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) held its 2013 Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday at the Education City Student Center, conferring 39 Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in fashion, graphic, interior design and painting and printmaking and five Master of Fine Arts degrees in Design Studies. The 12th Commencement brings the number of VCUQatar alumni to 409.
“There is much that you can do to contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030,” said VCUQatar Dean Allyson Vanstone in her message to the graduating students.
“You are prepared to succeed in a global society increasingly defined by communication and design. You are empowered to make a difference in your community, culture, and economy. You are the pioneers of a future that can influence change on any scale. You will make the world a better place, more capable, efficient, generous and inclusive,” she added.
Virginia Commonwealth University President Dr Michael Rao addressed the graduating students during the ceremony. “At VCU, we ask our graduates to be leaders in their disciplines and in their communities, to be job creators and not simply job takers,” he said.
H E Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, delivered the commencement address to the 44 graduates during the afternoon ceremonies.
“I am honoured to be with you today, standing in a place that dedicates itself to innovation and excellence. A place where learning is cherished and creativity nurtured. A place where beautiful minds have come to meet, and where the future is reinvented every day. And looking at your faces, dear Class of 2013, that future has never looked brighter.”
“Made in VCUQatar confirms that our community is driving our nation to new cultural frontiers. We are not only translating ideas, but also making them right here, right now. That difference promise innovation, a unique voice and a vibrant brand. Locals, residents, from near and far, together, we make up a creative community, a community that will continue to grow to new heights, and one in which you can share and lead,” she said. During the ceremony Sheikha Al Mayassa was invited to the podium by the President Rao to confer upon her the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, VCU’s highest form of recognition.
President Rao was joined by Dr Beverly Warren, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at VCU in the presentation while Rector Dr John C Doswell II and VCUQatar Dean Allyson Vanstone performed the hooding ceremony.
Graphic Design graduate and Valedictorian Leila Natsheh in her address to the graduates narrated their various experiences on their journey as the class of 2013.
She thanked her parents, and the class, and concluded asking for them to stay in touch with each other and share their achievements.
The other luminaries present for the ceremony included Dr David Prior, executive vice president and provost, Hamad bin Khalifa University; guests from VCU Richmond – Joseph Seipel, dean of the School of the Arts, Dr Douglas Boudinot, dean of the Graduate School Susan Roth, senior associate dean of the School of the Arts, Dr Timothy Hulsey, dean of the Honors College; Board of Visitors — Stuart Siegel; and Joint Advisory Board Member — Dr Jelena Trkulja, director of education, Qatar Museums Authority, among others.
The Peninsula
