VCUQ announced the winners of the 2007 Design Competition.The judging took place at VCUQ on February 11, 2007. Winning entries were judged by a world-class jury made up of representatives from the Qatari Ministry of Education, representatives from Sasol Chevron and Arts Faculty from VCUQ. Various other VCUQ officials attended the judging and reception including VCUQ Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Bleick, Events Project Coordinator Ms. Donna Duffett and Recruitment Officer Ms. Dima Salameh.
From the 116 participants, three semi-finalists from each country were chosen and will receive cash prizes of $1400 for first place, $800 for second place and $600 for third place, generously provided by Sasol Chevron. The three winners from each country will now move on the second phase of the competition in which two, full four-year scholarships to attend VCUQ will be won by the two finalists. The Scholarships for creativity to attend VCUQ are generously provided by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation.
The winning entries for Qatar were; in 1st place was Joanne Marie Bermej from the Al Khor International School, in 2nd place was Mohammed Ahmad Al Hussain from The Cambridge School and in 3rd place was Anjali Bhat from the MES Indian School.
"This year's entries were of a very professional standard. It was really interesting that we had male winner this year, especially since we will be going co-ed from this fall" noted VCUQ Recruitment Officer Ms. Dima Salameh.
Designing for a Better Futurewas the theme of the first phase of 2007 Design Competition provided by Sasol Chevron. Sasol Chevron which is part of the world-leading alliance of companies developing new high performance, low emission gas to liquids diesel for the global transport fuels market, is an exciting high tech industry in which Qatar is the world leader following the inauguration of the ORYX GTL plant in July of this year.
"Congratulations to all the winners of the contest. It is remarkable to see all the great work that was done by the various students from within the region. The design contest has served as a platform to develop original thinkers of today and to encourage the creative minds of tomorrow. Our environment is our most valuable possession and the creative ideas shown in the student's designs really provide innovative ways in which we can improve our living atmosphere. We are proud to have supported this educational and enlightening contest." said Pat Butcher Sasol Chevron Country Manager.
DHL Express, the official shipper for the design competition, provided all contestants with free shipping of their project. DHL Express' partnership with VCUQ is expressed by their continuing and generous support towards the promotion of education in Qatar.
"VCUQ is pleased that the design competition has provided us the opportunity to recognize the talents of the young people throughout this region. We hope that many of the participants will consider continuing their development as artists and designers here at VCUQ. We are indebted to Sasol Chevron and DHL for making this competition possible." added VCUQ Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Bleick.
