Kicking off the new academic year, Northwestern University in Qatar welcomed the newest batch of incoming students, the Class of 2027, at its annual convocation ceremony, attended by students, staff, faculty, and distinguished guests from Northwestern University and the Qatar Foundation.
The Class of 2027 is the school's 16th incoming class comprising a group of approximately 125 vibrant and talented students from across Qatar and the international community, selected from a highly competitive applicant pool. The annual convocation ceremony served as a celebration of their accomplishments and indicated the beginning of their undergraduate journey at Northwestern Qatar.
In welcoming the new class, Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar, recognized their academic achievements and the diversity of their experiences. "Chosen from a remarkable pool of more than 1,300 applicants, the largest in the school’s history, you all form one of our most selective classes,” said Kraidy. “You embody the richness of our world. You represent more than 30 nationalities and even more cultures and languages. Like the classes before you, you all contribute to nurturing and cultivating the community that makes Northwestern Qatar what it is.”
He went on to emphasize the distinctive value of Northwestern Qatar's education, urging the students to seize every opportunity to learn and grow.“As you embark on your university career, I challenge each one of you to ask yourself: ‘What am I uniquely good at? Or better yet, what can I be good at?’ said Kraidy. He added: “Then ask yourselves another question: ‘How can Northwestern take what is special about me, make it grow, make it shine, make it so I can have an impact on the world?’ As you grapple with that, seek mentors and experiences that set your imagination on fire.”
The Class of 2027 is the school's 16th incoming class comprising a group of approximately 125 vibrant and talented students from across Qatar and the international community, selected from a highly competitive applicant pool. The annual convocation ceremony served as a celebration of their accomplishments and indicated the beginning of their undergraduate journey at Northwestern Qatar.
In welcoming the new class, Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar, recognized their academic achievements and the diversity of their experiences. "Chosen from a remarkable pool of more than 1,300 applicants, the largest in the school’s history, you all form one of our most selective classes,” said Kraidy. “You embody the richness of our world. You represent more than 30 nationalities and even more cultures and languages. Like the classes before you, you all contribute to nurturing and cultivating the community that makes Northwestern Qatar what it is.”
He went on to emphasize the distinctive value of Northwestern Qatar's education, urging the students to seize every opportunity to learn and grow.“As you embark on your university career, I challenge each one of you to ask yourself: ‘What am I uniquely good at? Or better yet, what can I be good at?’ said Kraidy. He added: “Then ask yourselves another question: ‘How can Northwestern take what is special about me, make it grow, make it shine, make it so I can have an impact on the world?’ As you grapple with that, seek mentors and experiences that set your imagination on fire.”
Joining Dean Kraidy in welcoming the new class, Sumitrajit (Sumit) Dhar, associate provost for faculty at Northwestern University, delivered an inspiring speech as this year’s convocation speaker, setting the tone for their transformative years ahead as part of the Northwestern community. “Class of 2027, you are in the right place,” emphasized Dhar. “May your imagination and curiosity fly high like the falcon. May your determination and perseverance be strong like the roots of the Sidra tree, and your branches grow in the most interesting of ways into the far reaches of knowledge and scholarship. And may your kindness and generosity be limitless like the desert and ocean so you can transform as much and as many as possible.”
Arham Khalid, president of Northwestern Qatar’s Student Government, also addressed the incoming students, reflecting on her journey as a student and encouraging them to embrace the invaluable opportunities Northwestern Qatar has to offer. “Seize every opportunity you get. Don't be afraid of failure or rejection because they are inevitable, but they teach you something far greater than the failure or rejection itself,” said Khalid. “And if you don’t find the opportunity you want, create one. This university offers you a lot of resources to do what you want.”
The Class of 2027 at Northwestern Qatar represents the institution's commitment to fostering talented storytellers, critical thinkers, and ethical communicators with a global perspective. With this new addition, Northwestern Qatar embraces its commitment to nurturing exceptional individuals, fostering their unique talents, and preparing them to become future leaders in their respective fields.
Arham Khalid, president of Northwestern Qatar’s Student Government, also addressed the incoming students, reflecting on her journey as a student and encouraging them to embrace the invaluable opportunities Northwestern Qatar has to offer. “Seize every opportunity you get. Don't be afraid of failure or rejection because they are inevitable, but they teach you something far greater than the failure or rejection itself,” said Khalid. “And if you don’t find the opportunity you want, create one. This university offers you a lot of resources to do what you want.”
The Class of 2027 at Northwestern Qatar represents the institution's commitment to fostering talented storytellers, critical thinkers, and ethical communicators with a global perspective. With this new addition, Northwestern Qatar embraces its commitment to nurturing exceptional individuals, fostering their unique talents, and preparing them to become future leaders in their respective fields.
