Class of 2018: University of Calgary in Qatar confers 133 nursing degrees

A total of 133 nursing students earned their undergraduate or graduate nursing degrees at University of Calgary in Qatar’s (UCQ) 2018 convocation ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre on Sunday, May 13. Professors, family, dignitaries from Qatar and Canada, and valued partners from Qatar’s health and education sectors celebrated 120 Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and 13 Master of Nursing (MN) graduates at the convocation, UCQ’s ninth.

Along with the university’s other alumni, the new cohort of UCQ graduates will contribute to the success of the health goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and National Health Strategy 2018-2022.

Established in 2007, UCQ has educated more than 600 nurses, raising the level of local nursing talent via its dedicated academic programs. Accredited in Canada and adapted to the local culture, UCQ’s curriculum provides its nursing students with the knowledge and expertise that allows them to become fully integrated leaders in Qatar’s health-care sector.

Dignitaries from Canada in attendance included University of Calgary Chancellor Robert Thirsk, President Elizabeth Cannon and Provost Dru Marshall.

Cannon noted in her remarks to the audience: “University of Calgary graduates care deeply about helping others. They want to apply their education to tackle important challenges in community health and well-being, creating innovative solutions to address these issues. Our commitment as a university is to ensure that we’re continuing to foster the conditions for our graduates to excel, lead and innovate.

"The University of Calgary in Qatar is one great example of this commitment, and we’re delighted to be part of the progress taking place right here in education and health. There will be many advancements in the years ahead, as we continue working together toward excellence and leadership in nursing education.”

With the completion of the 2018 convocation ceremony, 558 students have earned their bachelor's degrees from UCQ, while 54 have graduated from UCQ’s master's program. Qatari nationals make up approximately 16 per cent of UCalgary's alumni network.

“At the University of Calgary in Qatar, we focus on providing our students with the skills and abilities they need to be active contributors to the future of the Qatar community’s health and wellness. It is inspiring to see 133 of our students move onto the next phase of their nursing journey,” Deborah White, dean of UCQ, said. “The recognition our graduates receive today is a result of their hard work. We could not be happier as we look to the future of our university.”

Guest speaker Dr. Samya Ahmad Al-Abdulla, senior consultant of family medicine and the executive director of operations at the Primary Health Care Corporation, honoured the graduates’ achievement during her address. Al-Abdulla has been a leader in improving performance and efficiencies in Qatar’s health sector.

UCQ also honoured two graduates with the university’s highest academic distinction, the Gold and Silver medallions. The Gold Medal for academic achievement in the BN program was awarded to Nurul Lisayiha Rizkika, while Nisha Peter won the Silver Medal for academic achievement in the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Nursing program.

More than 400 students are currently registered in UCQ’s BN and MN programs. UCQ offers two paths to a BN degree — a four-year program for qualified high school graduates, and a two-year program for nurses holding diplomas in nursing from recognized institutions. The university also offers an MN in Leadership program, designed in collaboration with Qatar’s nursing community to further develop leaders in the profession.