Stenden University Qatar celebrated the graduation of Class 2015/2016, in a colourful ceremony which was held on Wednesday 15th of June at City Centre Rotana Doha Hotel.

The ceremony was under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, and attended by Mr Leendert Klaassen, President of the Executive Board, Stenden University; Mr. Wayne Johnson, Head of International Sites, Stenden University; Dr. Ivan Ninov, Executive Dean, Stenden University Qatar; and several distinguished guests from many private and public organizations in Qatar.

“Our honoring today to our sons actually reflects the care of their university which expended all efforts possible to put them on the right track of education and creation, so they build the base of their bright tomorrow.” said H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani while addressing the audience.

He congratulated the families of the graduates and added “Congratulations on the graduation of your sons and daughters, and may God protect this dear country under the leadership of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.”

Mr. Leendert Klaassen, President of the Executive Board, Stenden University, declared in his speech to the graduates “From now onwards, you are off to ‘fly out’ into a fascinating industry in hospitality, tourism and business. Stenden has more than 12,000 alumni in that area alone – an alumni network, or community that is spread throughout the world and to which you now also belong. It is a challenging industry that can offer you a successful international career. I look forward to seeing you in senior successful positions or as successful entrepreneurs in years to come. I equally look forward to seeing some of you studying further.”

Mr. Wayne Johnson, Head of International Sites, Stenden University; stated in his speech addressing graduates: “The world is your oyster, filled with opportunities, but don’t always look for the pearl and want the best. Don’t be afraid of hard work and effort.

Today you stand before us as fresh graduates, ten years from now we may be standing before as you take your roles as leaders in the society, economy or government. Don’t stop learning because the lessons will never stop. We have prepared you by giving you all the tests and you have passed them, the reason you are here, but the real tests will start soon and by handing you this degree we declare that you are ready, but is the world ready for you.”

Two graduates delivered valedictorian speeches at the Graduation Ceremony of Class 2015/2016 representing their fellow graduates. Hamda Al Naimi and Rania Aissaoui gave inspiring speeches and shared their experiences at Stenden University Qatar.

Concluding, Dr. Ivan Ninov, Executive Dean of Stenden University Qatar, gave the closing speech in which he congratulated everyone who contributed to this important achievement. He mentioned: “We as a university strongly believe that the most important measure of our success will be your success as graduates. Stenden will always remain an important part of you and you will always remain an important part of Stenden. You are now officially members of Stenden University Qatar Alumni Association and we look forward to your continuous support and engagement into further establishing Stenden University Qatar into one of the premier business schools in the region and internationally.”