Fourty five students, including 15 Qataris, of Class of 2012 graduated from Stenden University Qatar at a colourful ceremony recently. The students successfully completed all requirements in business administration in the three disciplines of International Business and Management Studies, International Hospitality Management and International Tourism Management. The programmes are offered at Stenden University Qatar and recognised by the Supreme Education Council of Qatar.
The event was graced by the university’s chairman, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, and the president of Stenden University, Leendert Klaassen. Both gave inspiring and encouraging speeches congratulating the students and parents to the success and grand achievements.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani said: “the academic life is just a door toward a future built by efforts and diligence”.
Leendert Claassen started his speech with a powerful statement of Malcolm Forbes. He said the latter once expressed that “the purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one”.
“At Stenden, we don’t teach the students by telling them what they need to learn, we want to provide conditions in which they can learn best; by offering an inspiring environment in which curious students and staff can fully grow, within an atmosphere that makes them feel complete”.
This year, the students representing the graduating class were Haya Al Fehani, Nadine Assi and Lana El Ladki. The three gave thoughtful and inspiring speeches.
The closing remarks were given by Wayne Johnson, President of Stenden University Qatar. He chose three quotes to close the ceremony and send the graduates off to new challenges and into a prosperous future. He cited Master Oogway from the movie ‘Kung Fu Panda’ saying “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift; that’s why they call it the ‘Present’”. Relating to the graduates’ culture and lifestyle, Johnson chose a few lines from a song by Katy Perry inspiring the graduates that they will know when it is time to face the future as they have to “ignite the light and let it shine. Cause students you’re a firework. Come on. Show ‘em what you are worth”. Last but not least important and valuable was the closing remark “the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams” quoting Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dr Robert Coelen, Vice-President International at Stenden University, visited from The Netherlands.
The Peninsula
