Class of 2020 and 2021: 158 nursing students receive degrees at convocation ceremony in Qatar

Students from the Calgary campuses are not the only ones receiving degrees from the University of Calgary this month.

On June 1, 2021, the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) hosted a virtual convocation ceremony for the classes of 2020 and 2021.

In total, 158 nursing students, at both the bachelors and master's level, had their achievements celebrated virtually.

Guests to the virtual ceremony included UCalgary Chancellor Deborah Yedlin, President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley, and Dr. Robin Yates, dean and vice-provost, graduate studies. Dr. Mariam Nooh Al-Mutawa, who is the acting deputy chief nursing officer at Hamad Medical Corporation, was an honorary guest and speaker.  

The ceremony was an interactive affair, as graduates were able to sign a message board with personal farewells to fellow graduates and faculty, and a video titled Our Pledge showcased short interviews with graduates who shared their personal journeys and experiences as nursing students.

UCQ has had a significant year and celebrated some major milestones and achievements. Included among these was the spearheading of a campaign which produced an original song titled Honoring Our Heroes as a tribute to the alumni, students, and nurses who are actively working on the front lines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am so proud of the resilience of our graduates who have had to overcome incredible challenges to reach this important achievement,” says Dr. Deborah White, dean of UCQ. “My sincere congratulations goes out to all those graduating.”

The graduation ceremony celebrated the efforts of UCQ in advancing the nursing profession to help meet Qatar’s developing health-care needs. Guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030, UCQ aims to supply a sustainable workforce that can contribute to the economic, social and health priorities of the country.

“The University of Calgary in Qatar is in the privileged position to be the only educational institute to offer a Bachelor of Nursing in Qatar,” says Al-Mutawa, who also serves as a member of the university’s Academic Council. “With this privilege, the university has continued to prioritize the availability of robust and context-relevant academic programs that enrich the health and wellness sector in Qatar, by educating and developing world-class nurses.”

Established in 2007, UCQ is the only Canadian university in Qatar, and the nursing curriculum, which is accredited in Canada, has been adapted to the local culture to provide students with the knowledge and expertise needed to become fully integrated leaders in Qatar’s health-care sector.

The University of Calgary in Qatar offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree program for qualified high school graduates. More information about the nursing program, the admission processes and criteria, is available online.