Sheikha Moza attends 10th anniversary celebrations of Georgetown University

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with other dignitaries at the 10th anniversary celebrations of Georgetown University in Qatar yesterday. PICTURE: AR Al-Baker/HHOPL

By Joseph Varghese/Staff ReporterHH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation graced the 10th anniversary celebrations of  Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) held at the university’s campus yesterday.  Several government officials, members of the diplomatic community, visiting dignitaries, and special guests from Qatar Foundation, Georgetown University and  GU-Q faculty, alumni and students took part in the event.As a mark of respect and token of appreciation of the efforts of HH Sheikha Moza in establishing the branch campus in Qatar, the university presented her with two special Georgetown publications. Dr John J DeGioia, president of Georgetown University main campus in Washington DC, highlighted that close partnership and collaboration between Qatar Foundation and Georgetown marked the success of the university in Qatar.   “Qatar is a country that holds on to the traditional values and fuses with modern culture. So the engagement between both the organisations has opened a new chapter in greater understanding and involvement between both the countries.”“This milestone reflects the strength of our partnerships here in Qatar and the strong ties that exist between our campuses in Washington, DC and Education City. What we have achieved here over the past ten years demonstrates the possibilities of engagement of partnership, and our continuing call, as a university community, to seek, through knowledge and understanding, the betterment of humankind,” he added.

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attending the 10th anniversary celebrations of Georgetown University in Qatar yesterday. PICTURE: AR Al-Baker/HHOPL

Welcoming the gathering GU-Q dean Gerd Nonneman, highlighted how much the university has developed in such a relatively short time. “Our 10-Year anniversary is a celebration of teaching, learning, and scholarship at the highest level, and we are honoured that HH Sheikha Moza and so many international guests have joined us in recognising this milestone.”“We started with 25 students and 7 faculty members, and over the course of ten years, with the visionary support of Qatar Foundation, we have grown into a research and teaching powerhouse with 52 world-class faculty members and 212 exceptional alumni working at all levels across the spectrum of professional pursuits - from graduate school to law, media, banking, sports, the energy sector and beyond.”The dean also shared other highlights of the university, its impact on education and research, as well as its role on the local community. He highlighted their library resources open to the public, shared details on the partnerships with various regional institutions.Founding dean of GU- Q, Dr James Reardon Anderson spoke about the initial days of the university and  how the university evolved into the present stage. Speakers at the event also included students, faculty and alumni representatives.