Georgetown University in Qatar establishes Doha Alumni Association
On September 19, the global alumni day, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) alumni had their first reunion in the 2016 academic year. The event marked the conclusion of the GCC Alumni Club and the birth of the Doha Alumni Association.
At the reunion, Brendan Hill, the associate dean of student affairs, explained that the GCC Alumni Club would function in the future as two separate groups, catering to former students living in Doha and Dubai.
“We will follow the model of the main campus in Washington where alumni organize their own club and run their own networks,” said Hill. “GU-Q will continue to offer support and care for the alumni because their presence is essential to the new and currently enrolled students, in order to show them the way ahead.”
Held in a casual atmosphere at GU-Q’s Education City campus, the warmth created by seeing old friends and colleagues was prevalent. Dean Dr. James Reardon-Anderson pointed out the exclusivity of the alumni’s character with their continuous pursuit of knowledge, dedication to learning and keenness on maintaining affiliations to GU-Q and solid links with their colleagues. “Alumni are lifetime learners who have taken it upon themselves to expand and update their knowledge and continue learning for the rest of their lives,” he said.
The alumni network will remain an effective tool for job-related information and job offers, but not necessarily under a regional umbrella. As Jacqui Snell (SFS’12) explained, “GU-Q will remain a hub for communication, and its library continues to play an important role for them despite their direct links and self-networking.”
To date, 337 students have graduated from GU-Q since it opened its doors in 2005. Many alumni have remained in Doha, working in industries ranging from oil and gas to communication, international affairs, education and research. The alumni meet regularly throughout the year for social events, networking opportunities and professional development courses.