DOHA -- The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) hosted a virtual ceremony on  June 1st, 2021 to mark the official graduation of the classes of 2020 and 2021. The virtual convocation celebrated the achievements of 158 nursing students, including bachelors and masters, and was held online to ensure that all COVID precautions were implemented, while an inclusive experience was maintained for all.

 

The virtual convocation was attended by Ms. Deborah Yedlin, Chancellor  of the University of Calgary, Dr. Edward McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor as well as Dr. Robin Yates, Dean and Vice-Provost, Graduate Studies. In addition to the honorary guest Dr. Mariam Nooh Al-Mutawa; Acting Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at Hamad Medical Corporation, who also serves as a member of the university’s Academic Council.

 

The ceremony included a variety of memorable activities, including a pre-ceremony message board that provided graduating students the oppportunity to write personal farewell messages for fellow graduates and faculty. Additionally, the event included a heartfelt  video titled “Our Pledge”  that showcased short interviews with the graduates as they shared their personal journeys and experiences as nursing students.

Dr Deborah White

In her opening speech, Dr. Deborah White, Dean of the University of Calgary in Qatar stated, “2020 was a significant year for the nursing profession, as it was recognized by the World Health Organization as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. If it were up to me, I would love to see this theme continue into 2021 as well given the immense work nurses have continued to provide at the frontlines of this ongoing pandemic.” Dr. White also expressed her immense pride, “I am so proud of the resilience of our graduates who have had to overcome incredible challenges to reach this important achievement. My sincere congratulations goes out to all those graduating today.”

The University of Calgary in Qatar has had a significant year and celebrated some major milestones and achievements. This year the University spearheaded one of its most memorable campaigns through the production of an original song titled “Honoring Our Heroes” as a tribute to the alumni, students and all nurses who were actively working on the frontlines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mariam Nooh Al-Mutawa, the event’s guest speaker, gave an impassioned speech during the ceremony where she reaffirmed, “The University of Calgary in Qatar is in the privileged position to be the only educational institute to offer a Bachelor of Nursing in Qatar. With this privilege, the university has continued to prioritize the availability of  robust and context-relevant academic programs that enrich the health and wellness sector in Qatar, by educating and developing world-class nurses.”

Guest speaker

This graduation ceremony celebrates the University’s pioneering efforts in advancing the nursing profession to help meet Qatar’s developing healthcare needs. Guided by Qatar National Vision 2030, UCQ continuously aims to supply a sustainable workforce — a workforce that contributes to the economic, social and health priorities of the State.

Established in 2007, the University of Calgary in Qatar is the only Canadian university in Qatar and the country’s exclusive provider of bachelors degrees in nursing. Accredited in Canada and adapted to the local culture, the University’s curriculum provides its nursing students with the knowledge and expertise to become fully integrated leaders in Qatar’s healthcare sector.

The University of Calgary in Qatar offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree program for qualified high school graduates. More information about the nursing program, the admission processes and criteria, is available at www.ucalgary.edu.qa.

Our Pledge

A film on our 2020/21 graduates.