NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original Source: http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com, Monday, 14 February 2011

 

 

 By Fazeena Saleem

DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser officially inaugurated the new building of Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) in Education City yesterday with the presentation to her of a sculpture of an Arabian musical instrument — the lyre — by President of Georgetown University, John J DeGioia.

“The building blends a rich cultural tradition with an equally rich educational tradition and the state-of-art facilities enable research and education as well as sparking inspiration,” said Sheikha Moza at the opening of the new facility.

The building’s inauguration is being celebrated as a milestone for the Georgetown community, underlining the university’s commitment to provide world-class education in Qatar.

“This is a beginning, our collective vision will take us farther,” said Dr Mehran Kamrava, Interim Dean, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar.

Speaking at the auditorium with a seating capacity of 350 with flags of 46 nations, Dr John J Degioia, President, Georgetown University said: “This is a perfect place that persuades the next generation.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Emiri Diwan, H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah underscored the significant role SFS-Q plays in the country’s goal towards education. Vice President for Education, Qatar Foundation, H E Dr Abdullah bin Ali

Al Thani said: “The future is bright in what we are looking in Qatar Foundation, Qatar and in the Arab region.”

“Georgetown was a journey of prestige and an interesting one,” said H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, a prominent member of the SFS-Q alumni, sharing his experience at the campus. Saad Al Muhannadi, Vice President of Capital Projects was honoured with the Dean’s Medal by Dr Carol Lancaster, Dean, Georgetown University, for the construction of the new campus. Prior to the official inauguration of the building, a VIP tour was organised for Sheikha Moza and Al Attiyah, who toured the facility with other guests.

The tour took the guests around the building’s state-of-the-art facilities, showcasing the new public library which houses one of the country’s most extensive collection of books. A special photo exhibition on the new building was also organised. Internationally-renowned architects Legorreta + Legorreta of Mexico City worked closely with Georgetown and Qatar Foundation to create this space that is aimed at maximising student learning