April 22, 2025

As the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) entered its final weeks, the campus came together in a heartfelt tribute to the people who shaped its legacy. With deep gratitude, UCQ hosted two special events to mark the end of an era: a Farewell Breakfast for contract staff and a Farewell Lunch for all employees, honoring nearly two decades of collective dedication, resilience, and service to healthcare education in Qatar.

Celebrating the Backbone of Our Campus

The farewell breakfast, held in appreciation of UCQ’s contract workers, recognized the essential role played by facilities workers who ensured a safe, clean, and welcoming campus environment every single day. Gifts were distributed as a token of appreciation for their commitment—many of them long-serving team members who supported UCQ behind the scenes, helping sustain the university’s operations through every chapter.

A Final Gathering for the UCQ Family

Later, UCQ employees gathered for a special catered lunch that offered a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection. The lunch brought together faculty and staff from every department—administration, faculty, student services, finance, human resources, IT, operations, marketing and communications, and more—for one final meal together on campus.

The atmosphere was warm, nostalgic, and deeply moving. Alongside a shared meal, gifts were presented in recognition of the hard work, perseverance, and teamwork that have defined the UCQ community, particularly in its final chapter.

Words of Thanks and Reflection

The event featured speeches from members of the university’s leadership team, culminating in an address by Professor Hala Sultan Saif Al Easa, UCQ’s President and CEO. In her farewell remarks, she reflected on UCQ’s legacy and paid heartfelt tribute to every individual who has contributed to the institution’s mission.

“No institution can thrive without the people who bring it to life,” she shared. “To every graduate who walked these halls, to every faculty member who stood at the front of the classroom, to every staff member who worked tirelessly behind the scenes – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being part of this journey, for giving your best to this institution, and for ensuring that UCQ’s legacy will live on through the people it has touched.”

Professor Hala also recognized the support of Qatar’s government and partners, noting UCQ’s proud role in advancing the country’s healthcare system. She reminded all in attendance that the friendships, mentorships, and impact made at UCQ will continue long after the final chapter is written.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

These farewell events were not simply about closure—they were a celebration of purpose, people, and shared impact. They served as a powerful reminder of UCQ’s mission and accomplishments: educating over 1,100 nursing graduates from over 40 nationalities, building capacity in Qatar’s healthcare sector, and creating a culture of excellence and compassion.

Though the university’s physical presence may be ending, its legacy will continue through the graduates it empowered, the research it generated, and the people who carried its vision forward with integrity and care.

With photos, videos, memories, and sincere words of gratitude, UCQ said goodbye—not in sorrow, but in pride.