Northwestern University in Qatar officially inducted its 17th incoming cohort, the Class of 2028, at its annual convocation ceremony, which marks the beginning of their undergraduate journey.
Northwestern Qatar Dean and CEO Marwan M. Kraidy, welcomed the Class of 2028 into the university community and urged them to amplify their impact. “I want you to know that we believe in you. We believe in your potential, your ability to contribute to our community, and your capacity to make a difference in the world,” said Kraidy. “This university is not just a place of learning; it’s a place where you can belong, where you can find your voice, where you can find a purpose, and where you can begin to make an impact on the world.”
Sharing his personal journey, Kraidy reflected on the importance of persistence in shaping his career. “I kept working, honing my teaching skills, deepening my research, expanding my publications,” Kraidy recounted, “Ultimately, it was a mixture of excellence, resilience, persistence, and luck that landed my previous role and the immense privilege to become your dean.” He underscored the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the role of chance in achieving one's goals—values he encouraged the new students to embody during their time in university.
Kraidy also emphasized the importance of the university’s core values—excellence, community, collaboration, and sustainability—as guiding principles for incoming students. “Whether you aspire to be a journalist, a researcher, a filmmaker, a public relations specialist, or a digital content creator, excellence supercharges your power to inform, to inspire, and ignite change,” he told the students. “At NU-Q, we are committed to the growth of the whole person, recognizing that we are all human beings first.”
Alumni Ismaeel Naar (Class of 2013) and international reporter for The New York Times, delivered the keynote address. Returning to his alma mater more than a decade later, Naar shared lessons from his career as a political conflict reporter in the Middle East and shared four stories as advice.
Naar highlighted the importance of punctuality and reliability, sharing an anecdote from his time as a student, where he learned the value of always showing up on time. “This lesson has served me well in my career,” Naar said. “When embedded with the UAE army during the devastating floods in Derna, Libya, I almost overslept and missed the ride… thankfully, I woke up on time to make it.”
He went on to stress the significance of empathy in journalism, recounting how a classmate’s kindness during his challenging undergraduate days taught him to approach his work with compassion and understanding. “This lesson of empathy would guide me through reporting heart-wrenching stories across Yemen, Syria, and Libya in the decade since,” he reflected.
Naar also emphasized the importance of building and maintaining relationships. He credited an adjunct professor at Northwestern Qatar for recommending him to his first job, setting him up for his career path. “I kept in touch with an adjunct professor … who saw my potential beyond the classroom and my average grades. He recommended me for an assistant producer job at Al Jazeera English, which set off a chain of life events leading eventually to a job with The New York Times where I work today.”
Naar encouraged the new class to embrace the challenges and uncertainties they encounter, viewing them as opportunities for growth and impact. “The road ahead will be filled with obstacles, but each challenge is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference,” he said, urging the students to let their passion for truth guide them in their future careers.
Similarly, Fatema Janahi, president of the Northwestern University Student Government (NUQSG), welcomed the cohort, reflecting on her NU-Q journey and the power of experiences awaiting them both inside and outside the classroom.
Janahi also spoke about the impact of extracurricular activities, such as service learning trips and global media experiences, noting, “These opportunities allowed me to explore my own professional aspirations, engage with industry professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.” She went on to encourage everyone to seize every opportunity and appreciate the value of the friendships they will forge during their time at Northwestern Qatar.
The Class of 2028 is one of the most diverse and accomplished incoming cohorts in the school’s history, hailing from 29 countries and bringing with them a wide range of experiences and perspectives. It includes aspiring journalists, filmmakers, communication strategists, and media innovators, all united by a passion for storytelling and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
