With the aim of illuminating the future path of its students and sharing insights into the possibilities awaiting them as aspiring professionals, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) has organized its 3rd annual Alumni Reunion. Current students joined former classmates to relive memorable moments and share their success stories and achievements since graduation.
In the spotlight at the event was the 2019 Alumnus Award Winner, Ali Al-Kaabi, and this year’s ‘CCQ Success Story’, told through the experience of CCQ graduate, Ms. Amal Al-Suwaidi.
Ali, who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration (Honors) from CCQ in 2017, went on to become the Director of Communication and External Relations at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Prior to that, the outstanding CCQ Alumnus helped Al Jazeera expand its global presence through his post as Head of Newsgathering and Operations, as well as serving as the Training Manager for the Workplace Transformation Project at the leading media network.
During his time at the College, Ali left an indelible imprint on the charitable scene by leading the College Team in Qatar Charity’s “Competitors” program, helping to raise QR 1,250,000 in donations that funded the operation of three schools and supported 1,500 Syrian refugee students to pursue their education in Lebanon.
Amal has been chosen as this year’s success story for her tremendous community service profile as an active member of Qatar Voluntary. This year, Amal completed her Bachelor Degree at CCQ while holding the post of Public Relations Researcher at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). During her education journey, she received formal training in management information systems, web development, and media relations, and has participated in numerous voluntary activities for the benefit of all segments of society in Qatar.
Commenting on the occasion, CCQ President Dr. Mohamed Al-Naemi said:
“There is nothing more rewarding for an educational institution than seeing the fruits of its labor through the amazing contributions of its graduates to our community and Qatar’s national workforce. Today we are thrilled to witness the incredible success stories of our alumni as well as to inspire our current students to follow suit and carve their own paths to greatness. We simply couldn’t be more proud.”
Echoing the President’s remarks, Alumni and Scholarships Specialist at CCQ, Ms. Amal Shurair, emphasized:
“At CCQ, we give prominence to sustaining and strengthening the lifelong bond between alumni, students, parents and faculty members through unique experiences and communications. Our Alumni Reunion is a cherished tradition that we revive every year within this framework, and with every edition, we are not only expanding our proud network of creative individuals across the country, we are also growing the achievements of our College through the tangible difference our graduates make to help make Qatar’s future brighter for its people.”
Guest speakers at this year’s edition, Vice President for Student Affairs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, and the Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, talked about the key role graduates of CCQ and other leading institutions play in building the national workforce. By enriching the body of professionals in Qatar, they are able to strongly contribute to bringing its national vision to realization.
The reunion also featured an exhibition that showcased the wide spectrum of successful student projects and research work at CCQ, and introduced alumni to the latest additions to the College’s academic offerings and record of achievements.
Meanwhile, the first-time participation of the Continuing Education and Corporate Training (CECT) Center at CCQ presented a formidable opportunity for graduates to upgrade their own skills profiles and those of other professionals at their workplace, by sourcing the expertise of the Center on a range of vital competences. Such programs have the potential to transform their work environment, boost productivity, and enhance the overall functioning of their institutions.
The ceremony also included entertainment and networking activities that ranged from a special stand-up performance by celebrated comedian Ali Al-Suwaidi, to a special workshop that brought together the entire college community to master the craft of coffee art.