Graduation 2017
The graduation of this year’s Class of 2017 is the culmination of a journey of academic excellence. As we bid the graduates farewell, we celebrate their time at HBKU with these messages, reflecting on their dedication and enthusiasm as former students, and on their aspirations and goals as HBKU alumni. Congratulations to the Class of 2017 on their well-deserved success.
CHAIRPERSON
Her Excellency
Sheikha Hind
bint Hamad Al Thani
“At the heart of HBKU is an ethos that stems from the man from whom the university takes its name: His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, our Father Emir. His Highness’s commitment to making Qatar a progressive nation that plays a transformative global role while always preserving Qatar’s cherished heritage and culture has shaped HBKU’s ecosystem of providing innovation, collaboration, and multidisciplinary education and research that is globally benchmarked but has Qatar at its heart. The university’s leadership is committed to supporting the development of forward-thinking intellectual capacity and today’s graduates join a small but growing body of HBKU alumni who, as our most powerful ambassadors, are already shaping the future.”
HBKU President Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah
“The exceptional students graduating today embody the many hopes and aspirations of the University; as a result, our students benefit from exceptional multidisciplinary educational training and research experience in subjects that have been deemed central to the long-term aspirations and needs of our nation, the region and beyond. Each of our graduates leaves HBKU as global citizens who are equipped and empowered with entrepreneurial and practical skills that will enable them to have long term, tangible positive impact in the community here in Qatar and beyond. I applaud the dedication of HBKU’s Class of 2017 and I am confident that they will continue applying what they’ve learned to build bright futures for themselves and their communities.”
HBKU ProvostDr. Khaled B. Letaief
“The graduates from the class of 2017 are an exceptional group of men and women who are paving the way for a bright future for the nation. From contributing to cutting-edge research and scholarship, to pushing the boundaries of education through the multidisciplinary academic exposure the graduates received at HBKU, they have inspired innovation and creativity throughout their HBKU journey. I wish them well in their bright futures and congratulate them on their achievements. We are proud to have them as alumni of HBKU and look forward to transforming Qatar, together.”
"In One Word" Graduation Film
Watch here
Katsiaryna Panasiuk, Master of Arts in Audiovisual Translation
“I learned modern standard Arabic during my undergraduate studies back home in Belarus. When I first arrived in Qatar, it was very difficult for me to adjust to a plethora of varying dialects spoken by my colleagues from different Arab countries. However, with time, I got used to them and learned how to speak some of them. ”
Amiirah Nabee Mohomed, Master of Science in Islamic Finance
“I was inspired by my father and taught by HBKU. What I’ve learned about Islamic finance is a legacy that I want to pass on. Islamic finance is not only for Muslims, it’s for everyone. It calls for more ethical banking that promotes stability in the system. There is a great future in Islamic finance. I hope to make an impact -- it will be a long way, but it all starts from here.”
Vahid Suljic, Master of Arts in Islamic Studies
“There are so many opportunities across the various institutions here in Qatar, but I found a gap in communicating them, so I decided to help students connect to these opportunities by launching the Students in Qatar account. Serving my community is my priority, and staying connected and being involved are the best ways to serve the public interest.”
Omama Osman, Master of Arts in Audiovisual Translation Arabic
“I invited my sighted and visually impaired students to a gathering to watch an audio described film together. They told me it was life changing, to see a blind person watch a movie was something they never thought of before. It was an eye-opening experience, to see how most people have limited experience not only with the visually impaired, but with people with disabilities in general. My aim is to be a mediator and to bring communities together, to have people around me understand the meaning and beauty of being different.”