Class of 2012 at CNA-Q includes students from 26 countries
6/27/2012 3:29:30 PM
The Class of 2012 at College of the North Atlantic – Qatar celebrates by tossing their mortarboards into the air. The class is comprised of 248 students from 26 countries.
College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) celebrated its eighth graduation ceremony on June 25, 2012. CNA-Q’s Class of 2012 is comprised of 248 graduates including 118 Qatari nationals and representatives from 25 other countries.
Dr. Ken MacLeod, President of CNA-Q was joined by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services; Ann Marie Vaughan, College of the North Atlantic’s President and CEO; and Professor Sheikha Al-Misnad, President of Qatar University.
“This is an important milestone in your lives – one that will lead you to new and exciting experiences as you prepare to enter the workforce, or continue your post-secondary studies,” said Minister Johnson.
“The Government of Newfoundland & Labrador deems education as one of our highest priorities, and we are extremely proud of the partnership that has been built with the Qatari government and the campus in Qatar,” she continued. “Through programming in Business Studies, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences and Information Technology, CNA-Q is producing highly skilled graduates who will help diversify and strengthen the economy of Qatar around the world.”
Ms. Vaughan echoed Minister Johnson’s belief in the strength of CNA-Q’s success.
“We marvel when hearing of the collaboration and energy that drives many of the wonderful events that are hosted by the Qatar campus,” said Ms. Vaughan. “You continually make us proud in the accomplishments of the campus and continue to enrich its strong position as a world-class educational institution. While the role of College of the North Atlantic is to add value to and bring assistance and expertise to the continued development of a post-secondary education system in Qatar, we know only too well that this is a two-way relationship and each and every day we learn something new from our partners and experiences here in Qatar.”
Once again, CNA-Q welcomed two valedictorians to address the audience. Mr. Rashid Hussein Shaik, School of Engineering Technology and Ms. Nizi Nazar, School of Business Studies, shared their experiences at CNA-Q over the past years.
“Tonight, we celebrate our graduation. An achievement that reflects dedication, devotion and perseverance that will help us someday in making our beautiful dreams a reality,” said Rashid. “We stand out and stand apart from the rest. We are now professionals in our chosen fields. Soon we will choose paths which will take us one step closer to our destination.”
“Now that we have graduated, our adventure is to begin. CNA-Q is launching us into this world where we will unleash our energy to make our dreams come true, to turn our dreams into a reality. It is going to be hard but we have to stay strong and believe in ourselves,” said Nizi. “Thank you CNA-Q for allowing us to succeed and shine and to learn the important aspects of life. Our class has so much to be proud of. We are talented, driven, charismatic, and confident and have the perseverance to meet our goals.”
The students graduated from four program areas, which include Health Sciences, Engineering, Information Technology and Business Studies. The graduates represent programs ranging from Office Administration to Mechanical Engineering Technology and Environmental Health Technology to Computer Support Specialist.
“This kind of vocational education and the success you gained today will increase your responsibility,” said Professor Sheikha Al-Misnad. “The development in Qatar is a vital process and will grant each one of you an opportunity to contribute to the country. The 2030 vision of His Highness (Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani) created a Strategic National Plan for development in all sectors – economically, socially, humanitarily and environmentally. Looking at the variety of programs that the college delivers, I am sure that you are well qualified, and trained, for your future.”
In addition to their certificates and diplomas, 24 students were presented with the President’s Medal for Academic Excellence. This award is presented to the student in each program area with the highest grade point average (with a minimum average of 3.5 out of 4.0)
CNA-Q’s graduating class joins more than 3,000 colleagues at College of the North Atlantic as part of the Class of 2012.
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Media Contacts:
Diane Martin
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic - Qatar
diane.martin@cna-qatar.edu.qa
Gina MacArthur
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
Ph: 709-643-7928
gina.macarthur@cna.nl.ca