Doha: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ)’s final convocation ceremony, honoring the institution’s legacy in advancing Qatar’s healthcare system. Hosted at the Qatar National Convention Center, the convocation was also attended by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, along with senior representatives from key national institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Qatar Foundation.
According to Qatar News Agency, ambassadors from various countries were also in attendance, alongside graduates, their families, and the university’s faculty and staff. A total of 120 graduates received their degrees, joining a community of more than 1,100 UCQ alumni who have played a role in shaping the nursing profession in Qatar. Since opening in 2006, UCQ has delivered nursing education rooted in global best practices and grounded in the local context. Its academic programs, including the Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Nursing Foundations program, have supported the development of a skilled and diverse nursing workforce in Qatar.
President and CEO of UCQ Professor Hala Sultan Saif Al Easa addressed the audience, reflecting on the significance of the occasion. She expressed pride in the graduates and highlighted UCQ’s role in offering Qatar’s first accredited Bachelor of Nursing degree and comprehensive continuing professional development programs. HE Chair of the Board of Trustees at UCQ, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al-Thani, emphasized the university’s legacy and alignment with national priorities, celebrating the graduates’ impact on healthcare in Qatar and UCQ’s contributions to the nation’s development goals.
UCQ’s work is defined by academic excellence and a commitment to community engagement, research, and collaboration. Its partnerships with leading healthcare institutions ensured that students received hands-on experience aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare system. UCQ also contributed to the Interprofessional Education Committee (IPEC), partnering with other organizations to advance interprofessional practice in Qatar. The university was the first in the Middle East to be designated a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO), focusing on evidence-based nursing practices.
Interim Dean of UCQ Dr. Janet Rankin stated that while this final graduation marks the end of UCQ’s operations, it is not the end of its story. She expressed gratitude for the support from the State of Qatar and highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the graduates. Director of Student and Enrollment Services at UCQ Hassan Kandar highlighted the personal growth and resilience of the graduating class, noting their determination and the strong support network that surrounded them.
During the ceremony, Noof Fahad Al Kuwari, this year’s Distinguished Alumna, addressed the graduates and led them in reciting the Graduates’ Pledge. While the university will soon close, UCQ’s legacy will endure through the achievements of its alumni and the contributions it has made to Qatar’s healthcare landscape. The University of Calgary in Qatar extends appreciation to the State of Qatar, the University of Calgary in Canada, and all those who shaped its journey. UCQ’s spirit will live on through the knowledge it cultivated and the leaders it inspired.