Northwestern University in Qatar is preparing to celebrate one of its most dynamic and globally engaged classes, the Class of 2025, at the university’s 14th graduation ceremony on May 5. With 118 students representing 18 countries, this bold and resilient group of scholars, storytellers, and changemakers is poised to lead with impact—ready to carry forward the university’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement.
Entering university at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, these students navigated remote learning, lockdowns, and uncertainty with determination and creativity. In the years since, they have built an impressive record of accomplishments—pursuing internships with leading organizations such as FIFA TV, beIN Sports, and Euronews; contributing to social impact initiatives across four continents; and securing placements at world-renowned graduate programs including Cambridge, Columbia, and Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism.
“This class reflects the full potential of a Northwestern education—global in scope, intellectually rigorous, and socially conscious. Their success is a testament to their perseverance, curiosity, and commitment to using their skills to contribute meaningfully to the world. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and excited to see the impact they will continue to make after graduation.”
Among this year’s graduates are students whose academic pursuits, leadership roles, and global experiences exemplify the diversity and drive of the Class of 2025.
One such student is Sashreek Garg, an international student from India majoring in Journalism and Strategic Communication, who has grown as a student leader, researcher, and advocate. A Dean’s Scholar and Class Representative, he has participated in several leadership programs and initiatives, including the Global Media Experience (GME) in Riyadh, where they explored the evolving media scene in the city, and the 2023 Service Learning Experience (SLE) in Cambodia, where he was part of a Northwestern Qatar student group who built eco bungalow structures for local communities in Khnar Po village.
He also completed a Journalism Residency in Belgium and contributed to community development initiatives in Vietnam as part of the university’s Global Engagement Studies Institute. His academic interests in media, politics, and law were further enriched through coursework in data visualization at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and research fellowships, including as a Global Undergraduate Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South (#IAS_NUQ).
“I am grateful for the opportunities I found at Northwestern Qatar,” said Garg. “From research grants to global programs, the university allowed me to explore my interests deeply and develop as both a thinker and a leader.”
Another graduate who has made her mark is Noor Al Mawlawi, a Communication major with minors in Strategic Communication and Film and Design. During her time at Northwestern Qatar, she has engaged in a range of activities—completing her academic requirements while participating in the university’s football team, contributing to student clubs, developing her interest in filmmaking, and chairing the Senior Committee.
Most recently, her passion for storytelling earned her a grant for her short film “The Exchange”—a project she plans to build upon as she pursues both filmmaking and law after graduation. “I came into Northwestern Qatar with curiosity and an open mind,” said Al Mawlawi. “That mindset allowed me to absorb so much—knowledge, friendships, and opportunities that have helped me grow into the person I am today.”
On the creative front, Maryam Al-Mohamed, a Communication major with a minor in Film and Design, has emerged as a storyteller amplifying voices and stories from the local culture. While at Northwestern Qatar, she directed her film Qadaa wa Qadar and served as president of the student-run production club Studio 20Q, experiences that allowed her to further develop her voice and vision as a filmmaker. Her creative pursuits also earned her a spot in the DFI’s Qumra program for emerging filmmakers.
Beyond filmmaking, Maryam worked with faculty on a research project on Arab feminist media, exploring how gender and representation intersect in regional media landscapes. The experience informed her creative process and added new layers to how she approaches storytelling—drawing connections between scholarly inquiry and the narratives she develops on screen. “My time here allowed me to explore research and filmmaking in meaningful ways,” said Al-Mohamed. “It helped me grow into a more intentional storyteller, especially as I continue to explore how culture is produced, challenged, and reimagined through media.”
Leadership also defines the journey of Fatema Janahi, a Bahraini-Qatari Communication major with minors in Media and Politics and Middle East Studies. As president of the Northwestern Qatar Student Government, she has led several student-focused initiatives, including launching a female student lounge. Her academic and extracurricular journey has taken her to Dubai as part of the 2022 GME, where she explored the regional media landscape, Cambodia as part of the 2023 SLE, and Malawi later in the spring semester as part of the 2025 SLE, where Northwestern Qatar students will contribute to building houses and shelters for vulnerable people in rural communities.
Looking ahead, Janahi plans to pursue graduate studies in Gulf studies, building on the foundation she developed at Northwestern Qatar. “My time here pushed me to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “It challenged me to lead, to explore the world, and to think critically about the region I call home. Whether it was through traveling, leading, or learning across disciplines, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined.”
Another standout student is In’utu Imbuwa, an international student from Zambia and an accomplished student researcher. As a 2023 Global Undergraduate Fellow at #IAS_NUQ, she led a study examining how clothing, music, and social media serve as vehicles for political messages in Zambia, culminating in the first student-led publication under the institute’s #IAS_NUQ_Press imprint. Imbuwa’s academic contributions have gained international recognition, with her work being presented at the 2024 International Communication Association conference in Australia, as well as in various other scholarly platforms and publications.
In addition to leading her own research projects, she collaborated with faculty on co-authored articles published in respected academic and cultural outlets, contributing to ongoing discussions in her field. “My time here allowed me to explore stories that matter most to me—stories about culture, identity, and the power of media,” said Imbuwa. “Studying here has been a transformative journey, and I’m excited to continue exploring these questions in graduate school, where I can further grow as a scholar and storyteller.”
As the Class of 2025 graduates on May 5 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, they are poised to become leaders who will make a lasting impact across the globe. With a range of academic achievements and global experiences, these students embody the mission of Northwestern Qatar, continuing their journey of excellence and impact in their respective fields and joining a network of alumni who are making a difference worldwide.
