Georgetown’s Virtual Convocation Ceremony Blends Tradition and Technology to Start the New Year at QF

Georgetown University in Qatar, a QF partner, welcomed 131 first-year students at its annual New Student Convocation, a virtual ceremony that recognizes the solemn occasion of the transition to university life and the formal initiation into Georgetown’s academic community.

Hailing from more than 40 different countries, the incoming students represent a broad spectrum of academic experiences and cultural backgrounds, but share a passion for scholarship,demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to their communities.

In his official address to the incoming students, the dean of GU-Q, Dr. Ahmad Dallal reflected on these traits and on the value of a diverse student body, saying: “Class of 2024, you are participating in convocation today with students who share your history of academic excellence and the commitment to service, and yet are different from you in many significant ways. That is the beauty of our community, the unique character of each student that enriches our dialogue, broadens our perspectives and sharpens our drive to serve all of humanity.”

With words that conveyed the university’s firm commitment to supporting each student’s academic journey ahead, the president of Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Dr. John J. DeGioia, said: “Our way of life is characterized by a core set of values that bind us together as a community; a commitment to academic excellence in the pursuit of knowledge; a commitment to engagement and dialogue; a commitment to our communities of faith; and a commitment to service – to serving one another, our communities, and our global family.”

The virtual ceremony included other aspects of the traditional in-person ceremony, including the faculty welcome, delivered by Professor Mehran Kamrava, the national anthems of Qatar and the United States, delivery of opening prayers, and a reading of the University Charter. The official welcome from the student body was delivered by seniors Malak Elmoh and Heba Mohamednor, who volunteered their summer to help run the university’s first virtual new student orientation program, “Hoya 101.” The celebratory notes of the university’s Alma Mater song, a tradition that dates back to 1894, concluded the time-honored proceedings.

Taking part in this year’s convocation ceremony was international student Renée Mutare, who said “When I was growing up, I heard so many stories from the hospital where my mom worked as a nurse, stories based on poor healthcare infrastructure or lack of leadership. I want to take a Georgetown education back to Zimbabwe, and to help find solutions to some of these problems.”

Mohammed Zeyara, an officer cadet in the Academic Officer Program, a joint project between QF, the Ministry of Defence, and the Qatari Armed Forces, also shares this deep commitment to service. His vision for his next four years is  “to build a very flexible discipline, because I am trying to think of the future. The more flexible my discipline, the broader my skill set, and the more I can do with my degree. That means I can help more people.”

For John Ewotu, taking part in Georgetown’s Model United Nations as a delegate for the African Leadership Academy in South Africa convinced him to apply at Qatar Foundation. “The Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree that is offered by GU-Q was really what I was looking for as a stepping stone to a career in foreign service.”

With the semester just beginning, the Class of 2024 will complete a foundation Liberal Arts program before choosing a major. The BSFS degree is offered in International Economics, International Politics, Culture and Politics, or International History, with an option to pursue a minor or earn a Certificate in American Studies, Arab and Regional Studies, or the Media and Politics Certificate, a program offered in collaboration with Northwestern University in Qatar.