University of Calgary in Qatar marks end of an era with final Alumni Dinner

Over 270 health-care professionals gathered on Nov. 24, 2024 for the University of Calgary in Qatar’s (UCQ) final Alumni Dinner, celebrating almost two decades of enriching health and wellness in Qatar.

The event brought together UCQ graduates serving across all facets of Qatar’s health-care sector, from emergency departments to primary health-care centres. The record turnout highlighted UCQ’s profound impact on nursing education in the region since its establishment in 2006.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Mariam Al-Mutawa, acting chief nursing officer at Hamad Medical Corporation, highlighted the profound impact UCQ alumni have had on Qatar's health-care sector. "It's inspiring to witness so many committed professionals gathered here tonight," she began. "UCQ graduates are more than just health-care workers, they are pioneers who have integrated expertise and compassion into our system. Your leadership has not only transformed patient care but have also set new benchmarks for excellence throughout Qatar. Tonight the stars are not in the sky, they are here, celebrating with us,” Ms. Al-Mutawa concluded, as she pointed at the UCQ Alumni.

During her address, Dr. Janet Rankin, dean of the University of Calgary in Qatar, reflected on the institution’s profound legacy. She said, "Nurses who receive their education here in Qatar choose to stay, dedicating their skills and compassion to serving our nation. Our UCQ alumni are living testament to the university's significant contribution in ensuring that the people of Qatar receive safe, expert, and comprehensive nursing care. This is a legacy we can all be immensely proud of."

Mr. Hassan Kandar, director of Student Services, introduced the Continuing Our Legacy of Care campaign, an initiative designed to support the faculty, staff, alumni, and students as UCQ transitions towards closure in 2025. "We want to honour our community's achievements while looking ahead to the future," he explained. "Through social media engagement and shared reflections, we'll ensure that UCQ's impact continues through your ongoing contributions."

Through its Bachelor and Master of Nursing programs, over the past 15 years UCQ has consistently aligned with Qatar’s health-care vision, producing graduates who now serve in critical leadership and clinical roles across the country's medical facilities. As the institution prepares to close in June 2025, its legacy will endure through the dedicated efforts of its alumni, who will continue to advance health care in Qatar for generations to come.