H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser applauds as University of Calgary-Qatar (UCQ) graduates receive nursing degrees during the convocation ceremony at the St Regis Hotel yesterday. Aisha Al musallam
DOHA: The University of Calgary–Qatar (UCQ), yesterday held its third convocation of Bachelor of Nursing graduates in the presence of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
The convocation ceremony held at the St Regis Hotel, saw twelve students receive their Bachelor of Nursing degree to join the country’s healthcare sector.
The nursing professionals graduated this year as Qatar Foundation together with the University of Calgary-Qatar, has taken a new initiative to attract more Qataris to the nursing profession and change the society’s attitude toward nursing.
The 2012 class were presented with grandaunts and conferral of degrees from Jim Dinning, Chancellor University of Calgary and Dr Carolyn Byrne, Dean and CEO University of Calgary, soon after making their graduation pledge. Munachiso Bob-Ume, was awarded with a gold medal for her academic excellence.
“We are proud of the contributions the University of Calgary is making to healthcare and education in Qatar: of graduating exceptional students, and training them to become researchers and future nursing leaders in this country,” said Dr Elizabeth Cannon, President, University of Calgary addressing the convocation.
“You are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, to meet the healthcare demands of one the fastest-growing countries in the world. You are critical thinkers, evidence-based learners and developing researchers,” she said.
She further announced that a masters programme will be introduced at the Qatar campus next year. University of Calgary- Qatar has graduated 40 nursing professionals, educators and researchers during it three convocations. Student enrolment too has increased during the five years since University of Calgary- Qatar admitted its first student.
Hamad Medical Corporation has worked closely with the University of Calgary in Qatar to deliver accredited Diploma and Bachelor Degree courses in nursing. In previous years, many students have graduated from the university and joined HMC full-time. “Nurses working at the Hamad Medical Cooperation can be a multi disciplinary role,” said Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, managing Director, Hamad Medical Cooperation, addressing the convocation as the guest speaker.
“University of Calgary-Qatar has been a strong partner in promoting the nursing profession in the country,” Dr Al Kuwari further said. The University of Calgary - Qatar currently has about 300 nursing students with a 25 percent of Qataris.
The Peninsula
