Georgetown Graduates celebrate and look forward to a promising future

Sixty two seniors donned their academic robes and gathered together for the last time on May 4, as the Class of 2017 marked the completion of their studies at Georgetown University in Qatar’s (GU-Q) traditional commencement ceremony.

This year’s class comprises 40 women and 22 men representing 18 nationalities, who graduated with the same globally recognized Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree that is offered on Georgetown’s Main Campus in Washington, D.C. This unique, interdisciplinary program prepares students to tackle the most important and pressing global issues by helping them develop in critical thinking, analytic, and communication skills within an international context.

“Commencement is an important annual milestone at Georgetown; it is a time when we reflect on the achievements of our senior students,” said GU-Q Dean James Reardon-Anderson. “I want to congratulate the Class of 2017 on their accomplishments to date, and wish them well for the future, as they continue on the path to being lifelong learners, and engage the unpredictable world that lies before them.”

The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Foundation, and the address to the graduates was given by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, a member of Georgetown University’s board of directors and advisor to the Amiri Diwan. His Excellency advised the graduates that “great achievements require collaboration,” and noted that Qatar relies on cooperation and teamwork which “bring greater progress” to Qatar and the Arab region. He spoke of knowing many of the students through the years, “and watching with pride as they broke through obstacles on the road to graduation and the dreams that lie beyond.”

The degrees were conferred by president of Georgetown University, John J. DeGioia, who was among the members of Georgetown University leadership who travelled to Qatar to take part in the event.

“During their time here at Georgetown, our students have contributed to our scholarship and learning in significant ways, enlivening our mission with their passion and talents, and engaging in service to impact the lives of people across our world,” said DeGioia. “We are deeply proud of all they have accomplished and who they have become, and wish them all the best as they begin this next stage of their journey.”

Other guests included Qatari dignitaries and government officials, members of the diplomatic and international community, and the proud family and friends of the graduating students.

The members of the Class of 2017 join more than 340 GU-Q alumni who have graduated from the University since it opened its doors in Qatar in 2005. These graduates now work in a diverse range of industries in Qatar and abroad, from energy and finance to education, media, foreign service, and healthcare.