Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2019 during a ceremony held at Qatar National Convention Centre on Saturday, May 4, attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and Chairperson of HBKU’s Board of Trustees.
 
The university this year graduated the first cohort of seven degrees from three of its colleges, at a ceremony featuring a keynote address by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulla bin Jassim Al-Thani, CEO of Vodafone Qatar. Also in attendance were diplomats, industry leaders, and HBKU and QF senior management. 
 
The graduating class comprises 173 students from 43 countries. Combined, the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), College of Science and Engineering (CSE), College of Law (CL), and the College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) graduated students from 23 degrees. The ceremony also witnessed an announcement on a number of new programs released across HBKU’s colleges.
 
Congratulating the graduates, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of HBKU, said: "A distinguishing feature of Hamad Bin Khalifa University is the emphasis it places on research that seeks out innovative solutions to challenges in Qatar and the region. Through their extensive research across expansive disciplines, our students and researchers work to formulate solutions to challenges in several sectors.”
 
"The success of education is measured by its ability to develop and transform societies for the better by contributing to both the government and private sectors. Thus, universities have a responsibility to develop societies by introducing and applying new ideas that tackle current problems and open new windows to the future, both economically and socially.”

CHSS graduated the first cohort of its Master of Arts in Digital Humanities and Societies and Master of Arts in Women, Society and Development. CSE graduated the first cohort of its Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, and PhD in Sustainable Energy. Meanwhile, CHLS graduated the first cohort from its Master of Science in Genomics and Precision Medicine and PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
 
Ms. Maryam Al-Mannai, vice president for student affairs at HBKU, said: “Higher education is a foundation that can determine the trajectory of the rest of one’s future. HBKU is supporting this important mission by offering a multidisciplinary learning ecosystem that supports the personal and professional ambitions of its students. We commend the HBKU Class of 2019 – the commitment and grit you have shown throughout your studies will undoubtedly follow you to continued success in your professional endeavors. Today, you graduate not only with a degree, but with newfound world awareness and the individual skills and knowledge to shape the world for the better.”
 
HBKU nurtures high-caliber graduates who are equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical experience afforded by the university’s multidisciplinary approach to education and learning.