Doha: Northwestern University in Qatar and its alumni batch 2012 celebrate its 10-year anniversary.
Since it was founded in 2008 in partnership with Qatar Foundation, the school has produced over 500 alumni who have become leaders and practitioners in media, journalism, government, business, and higher education.
Northwestern Qatar Dean and CEO, Marwan Kraidy said: “Northwestern opened its doors in Qatar with a mission to train the next generation of media and communication professionals in the region, and, after a decade of leading the way, our success is embodied in our alumni who are leading not only in media and communication but business, government, and higher education.”
“I am so proud of our alumni for making a difference wherever they are, by contributing to the production of knowledge, and crafting the narratives of events, people, and brands,” he added.
To mark this celebration, an alumni-focused website was launched to document alumni achievements. Diversity of thought, critical perspective, and unforgettable experiences are among the shared sentiments expressed by alumni reflecting on their Northwestern Qatar experience. With the majority of alumni employed, and close to one-third pursuing higher education, alumni also shared the effect the school had on their professional and personal lives.
Dana Atrach who graduated in 2012 and now works as an assistant professor at Northwestern Qatar said: “The people I met at Northwestern Qatar made all the difference in my life. They pushed me, yes, they challenged me, but most importantly, they believed in me and made me believe in myself.”
“I want them to believe that there’s nothing they can’t do. I want them to keep exploring until they find what makes them happy. I want them to break free from the pressures and expectations that are being thrown at them and to find their own voice and to go at their own pace,” she added.
Meanwhile, reflecting on the impact Northwestern had on her personal and professional life, Zena Tahhan from batch 2015 said: “Northwestern Qatar sharpened my research, creative, and critical thinking skills. My professors pushed me to expand my horizon, deepen my analysis of complex social and political issues, and believe in myself and they consistently supported me with the expertise, tools, and resources to do so.” Tahhan who is now a Human Rights Researcher in Jerusalem also added: “The foundation I obtained at Northwestern Qatar has been a reference point not just for my work but for my life.”
For Soud Al Boinin from batch 2016, the skills he acquired during his time are put into practice at his job as a Marketing and Communications Manager at Qatar Development Bank. “I have to lead a team which is a lot like leading a film crew at Northwestern Qatar. I have to think critically and solve problems in creative ways. And, I have to represent the bank as a spokesperson, on social media, at press conferences, on daily shows, and at formal presentations. Everything I learned to do in college, it matters here,” he explained.
In highlighting the important role alumni play as part of the vibrant Northwestern Qatar community, Alex Schultes, assistant dean for the student experience, said: “We strive to foster lifelong connections, exciting events, and rewarding networking opportunities for our graduates. Throughout this year, we look forward to reconnecting with alumni and expanding their career networks through new virtual initiatives like a renewed online alumni directory and a private LinkedIn alumni group.”
He added that this year’s celebration will provide ways for alumni to advance their careers, share their passions and talents with other alumni and students, and find meaningful connections that enrich their personal and professional lives.
Northwestern Qatar’s growing alumni network includes hundreds of alumni in leadership and creative roles in over 21 countries. In the years after graduation, its alumni go on to work in media, government, and at top organisations around the world, while others pursue graduate degrees at Northwestern’s campus in Evanston and other prestigious universities, such as Cambridge, Columbia, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Oxford, and more.
