VCUQ Holds Fifth Graduation Ceremony
Doha, Qatar - The Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ) held its fifth graduation ceremony under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani on May 27, 2006 at The Ritz Carlton.
"All of us continue to be very excited about the VCU School of the Arts in Qatar," said VCU President Eugene E. Trani, Ph.D. "This school and your class are an inspiration for higher education and the benefits of collaboration everywhere."
Dr. Trani said the university is appreciative of its relationship with the Qatar Foundation, and applauds Her Highness Sheikha Mozah for her effort to bring design education to Qatar through a partnership with VCU.
"Commencement is always a time of great joy and mild sadness. We celebrate our graduates' accomplishments and rejoice in their venture into professional status, but hate to see them leave their VCUQ home." said VCUQ Dean Christina Lindholm.
Janine James delivered the commencement address to 33 graduates of VCUQ during the afternoon ceremonies. Through her company "The Moderns" James helps businesses and organizations marry commerce, art and community to build stronger brand cultures. She offers her clients experience-enhancing solutions that are grounded in smart, effective business strategies and executed with stunning results across an array of mediums.
"This ceremony marks the culmination of a great deal of hard work and perseverance. I feel sure that it marks a transitional moment of self-realization, as well. The graduates among us have, after all, spent the past four years fulfilling an intensive and rigorous curriculum -- one designed to foster not just first-rate designers but well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges and responsibilities of a highly complex world." said James.
Farah Al Ali Al-Maadeed, Valedictorian for the class of 2006 was the youngest student in her freshman class at 16 years of age. During her four years of matriculation she received many awards recognizing her academic and leadership abilities. These include the Mimar Award for best freshman, the Al Ahli Bank Scholarship for academic excellence in her sophomore year and the Qatar Ministry of Education Award in both her Junior and senior years.
