Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

Doha, Qatar — Saturday, May 9, 2009, marks an important milestone for Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Qatar). On this day, Georgetown will be holding its inaugural commencement exercises celebrating the graduation of its first students. To celebrate the occasion, SFS-Qatar will be hosting a series of events for students, parents, visitors from Georgetown’s Washington, DC, campus and faculty and staff at SFS-Qatar.

Pioneers in every way, the Class of 2009 has set the foundation for Georgetown’s presence in Qatar. “These students arrived in August 2005 at a university with 7 faculty members, 1 classroom and a library that was essentially a couple shelves of reference books and a trickle of periodicals,” said Director of Admissions, Liz Kepferle, who helped to recruit the first class. “Today, there are 34 faculty members, numerous classrooms and study spaces, and a library of more than 30,000 volumes.”

“I knew back then, [in summer of 2005], that this whole enterprise was going to be a success,” said SFS-Qatar Dean, James Reardon-Anderson. “Because it was founded on the foundation of some marvelous, bright and dedicated young men and women.” The graduating class is made up of 21 students representing 9 different nationalities.

The weeklong celebration will kick off with Education City Senior Convocation on May 5, 2009. SFS-Qatar Class of 2009 will meet their peers from four of the other universities in Education City at this Qatar Foundation-hosted event.

On Friday evening, the University will host a Tropaia Senior Dinner to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of the Class of 2009. This dinner and awards banquet is an opportunity for faculty, students and their families to celebrate the students’ accomplishments in an intimate setting. In addition to awards highlighting student achievement and academic excellence, the evening will also feature speeches by faculty members and students.

On Saturday, following a brunch for the families and special guests, the graduates will receive their diplomas during the inaugural commencement ceremony at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

John J. DeGioia, the President of Georgetown University, who welcomed the students into the University at their Academic Convocation in 2005 will offer a keynote address at the ceremony.

The week will provide faculty, staff and students with an opportunity to offer their congratulations and best wishes to Georgetown’s newest alumni. “I want you to wish all of you the best of luck in your future,” said Prof. Ibrahim Oweiss. “And that message emanates from a professor, who thinks very highly of you.”

Congratulations to Lina Abduljawad, Dana Abu Hijleh, Assma Al-Adawi, Hanouf Al-Buainain, Kholoud Al-Hajri, Khalid Al-Jufairi, Mashail Al Naimi, Haya Al-Noaimi, Al Anood Al-Thani, Mohammed Hamad Al-Thani, Fahad Al-Turky, Fatima Bahja, Dana El Kahlout, Ahmed Helal, Lubna Kayyali, Ahsan Mansoor, Katrina Quirologico, Noor Saleh, Mark Saliba, Rohan Shanbhag, and Farjana Tripti.

Georgetown University offers its best wishes to its newest alumni, the Class of 2009.