2023-2024 Year in Review
Look back at the articles capturing our activities during the 2023-2024 academic year. Explore student, faculty, and alumni achievements and engagement in global dialogues, and get a glimpse of our dynamic learning environment, vibrant community life, and exciting event schedule.
Student Success
Asma Shakeel Won 2024 Rhodes Scholarship
Asma Shakeel (SFS’24), a senior who researches missionary history in South Asia, has won the 2024 Rhodes Scholarship — one of three Hoyas to win the oldest and most competitive international scholarship this year. This is the first time in nearly 30 years that three scholars have been selected from Georgetown in the same year. Read more.
Top 5 Debating Tips from GU-Q’s Arabic Team
Amid fierce competition, the GU-Q Arabic debate team secured third place, with Moza AlHajri (GU-Q’26) being named Best Speaker among participants from more than 100 universities. Read more.
Activism and Excellence, the Mohammed Usrof Way
Mohammed Usrof (GU-Q’25) is making a significant impact both inside and outside the classroom. Read more.
Three Prestigious Fellowships Secured
Minahil Mahmud Khan (SFS’26) and Michelle Hadebe (SFS’25) were awarded Education and Social Justice Fellowships and Renee Vongai Mutare (SFS’24) was named a Human Fraternity Fellow. Read more. Media clippings.
2023 ESJ Fellows Present at Global Social Justice Research Symposium
Education and Social Justice (ESJ) Fellows Renee Mutare and Pragyan Acharya presented at this year’s research forum in DC. Read more.
Debate Union Wins National Championship
The GU-Q Debating Union secured its fourth consecutive victory in the competitive Qatar Universities Debate League Nationals. The achievement underscores GU-Q’s continued excellence in the field of debate. Read more.
Anam Fatima Named Best Speaker at 43rd Jean-Pictet Competition
A team of GU-Q students participated in an international humanitarian law competition where Anam Fatima (SFS’24) earned best speaker. Read more.
Education Excellence Award Winners
Two outstanding Class of 2023 graduates from GU-Q received gold awards during the 17th Education Excellence Award ceremony: Ahmad Majid A.Z. Al-Kuwari and Asmaa Khalifa Al-Kuwari. Read more.
Interview with Moza Alhajri, Rising Star of Debate
International Economics major Moza Alhajri (SFS’26) is not just passionate about arguing, she excels at it. Read more.
Summer Research Fellowship Explores Education for Development in the Philippines
Pragyan Kumar Acharya, a fourth-year Nepali undergraduate student recently returned from a research trip to the Philippines. He was studying how Jesuit educators advance sustainable community development. Read more.
Student Awarded Pulitzer Center Fellowship to Train as Religion Journalist in Cyprus Conflict
Elene Chkhaidze, an undergraduate student at GU-Q, spent her summer delving into the heart of the Cyprus conflict. Read more.
Alumni Success
Qatari Innovation: Strategy Hub’s Rise
For Amna Al-Thani (SFS’11) and Haajerah Khan (SFS’10), the Georgetown network has been instrumental in the success of Strategy Hub, an innovative Qatari consultancy they launched in 2022. Read more.
Podcast Recognized by the New York Times
Salman Ahad Khan is achieving success for his work on the critically acclaimed history podcast More Perfect, recently honored by the New York Times on its “Best Podcasts of 2023” list. Read more. Media Clippings.
Shayma Al Naimi Shares Path to Success
A diverse group of seven accomplished alumni from programs across Education City recently converged on GU-Q campus as part of a Qatar Foundation-wide Career Readiness Week. Read more.
Breaking New Ground as Screenwriter and Director
Israa Al-Kamali, a GU-Q alumna (SFS’17), is winning multiple accolades for her screenwriting and films. Read more. Media Clippings.
Global Impact
GU-Q Joins Global South Intellectuals in Georgetown Global Dialogues
GU-Q was a key contributor to the Georgetown Global Dialogues on key challenges facing humanity. Read more.
Leaders, Students, and Alumni Play Central Role at WISE 2023
The 2023 World Innovation Summit for Education, featuring leaders, alumni, and students from Georgetown University, called for creativity, policy, and innovation in the Artificial Intelligence era. Read more.
GU-Q Offers Regional and Youth Voices at COP28
GU-Q successfully concluded its multifaceted engagement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), where faculty and students contributed to the global discussions. Read More.
Doha Forum Calls on GU-Q Experts to Build a Shared Future
The annual gathering of global policy leaders at the Doha Forum engaged several members of the GU-Q Community, who helped to convene panels, and shared their insights on the theme “Building Shared Futures.” Read more.
Research and Scholarship
Rogaia Abusharaf Named Sonneborn Interdisciplinary Collaboration Chair
Georgetown University Provost Robert Groves announced the Provost Office Faculty awards, and one of GU-Q’s own, Professor Rogaia Abusharaf, was named Sonneborn Interdisciplinary Collaboration Chair, alongside her collaborators, Professors Anaya Chakravarti and Cóilín Parsons, both from the College of Arts and Sciences. Read More.
Trish Kahle Concludes Prestigious National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship on Energy
Dr. Trish Kahle, an Assistant Professor at GU-Q, concluded a six-month National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) fellowship conducting archival research at a leading affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Read more.
Book Unveils the Complex Interplay of Islam and Politics in Iran
Professor Mehran Kamrava has published a new book with Cambridge University Press, How Islam Rules in Iran: Theology and Theocracy in the Islamic Republic. Read more.
Journal Launched by Georgetown Scholars
Scholars at GU-Q helped launch a new interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal titled Monsoon: Journal of the Indian Ocean Rim, a collaborative effort between The Africa Institute and Duke University Press. Read more.
Growing Movement for UBI Finds Expression in New Book
Professor Karl Widerquist’s new book explores Universal Basic Income (MIT Press). Read more.
Dr. Zayani Explains How the Digital Era is Affecting Middle Eastern Societies in New Book
Professor Mohamed Zayani has published a new book titled The Digital Double Bind: Change and Stasis in the Middle East. Read more. Media clippings.
Dynamic Learning Environment
How GU-Q Brings Arabic to Life
Assistant Professor Seerwan Hariry’s Summer Advanced Business Arabic course immersed students in real-world workshops and site visits to enhance their professional Arabic skills. Read more.
Summer Course Offers Account of Impact of War in Ukraine
Students studying the writings of authors in exile were honored with a class visit from His Excellency Andrii Kuzmenko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Qatar. Read more.
Abdul Hanan Goes to DC
Embarking on a semester abroad earlier this year was a revelatory experience for International Politics major Abdul Hannan (SFS’25) who spent the semester in Washington, DC. Read more.
Inside Look at Qatar’s Sustainability Innovations
Twelve GU-Q students exchanged their textbooks for educational fieldwork over Spring Break, exploring groundbreaking green projects in and around Doha. Read more.
Energy History Course Produces Podcast
Students in Assistant Professor Trish Kahle’s Global History of Energy class brought the history of energy to life with a student-produced podcast series. Read more. Media Clippings.
Journey of Interfaith Discovery
In the spirit of interreligious understanding, a group of thirty GU-Q students embarked on an insightful study trip to the Religious Complex in Abu Hamour. Read more.
GU-Q Team Prepares for Jean-Pictet Competition
Anam Fatima (SFS’24) and Felicia Masferrer (SFS’24) have been taking a course to prepare them for the Jean-Pictet Competition in International Humanitarian Law. Read more.
GU-Q Welcomes Georgetown Faculty from DC
GU-Q hosted three eminent faculty members from the campus in Washington, DC, as part of its continuous efforts to foster academic exchanges and collaborative opportunities. Read more.
GU-Q Launches Collegiate MUN, Expanding Diplomacy Education at QF
GU-Q hosted a Model United Nations (GQMUN) for university students, expanding its renowned MUN program to the collegiate level. Read more.
Georgetown Campuses Collaborate to Lead Negotiation Simulation
GU-Q, in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, held its flagship one-credit International Negotiation Simulation. Read more.
Universities Discuss Collaborations at QM-EC Joint Art, Culture, and Heritage Orientation
Qatar Museums, in collaboration with Qatar Foundation partner universities in Education City, took part in the inaugural orientation session of the Art, Culture, and Heritage Program at GU-Q. Read more.
Dean Safwan Masri Initiates Future-Ready Innovation Lab
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held during the Library Open House event, GU-Q Dean Dr. Safwan Masri proudly inaugurated the new Innovation Lab. Read more.
GU Scholars in Qatar During Week of Scholarly Exchange
Two visiting scholars from the Georgetown campus in Washington, DC, brought a global perspective to contemporary identity issues at GU-Q’s Faculty Seminar Series Read more.
Global Experiences Empower Students with Diplomatic Knowledge
Students expanded their understanding of diplomacy, conflict management, and peacebuilding through real-world global experiences during spring break, one in Washington, DC, and another in Finland and Estonia. Read more.
First Ethnographic Research on Hamad Airport is Conducted by Georgetown Students
Research conducted by students at GU-Q under the mentorship of Dr. Firat Oruc, has provided the first evidence of how Hamad International Airport has changed Qatar. Read more.
Building the Knowledge Economy
Georgetown Qatar Celebrates Class of 2024
GU-Q, a Qatar Foundation partner, honored the academic success of 119 undergraduate students from 38 countries including Qatar and 21 graduate students from Qatar. Read more.
2024 Commencement Speaker Announced
South African Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2024. Read more.
Graduates Follow Paths of Global Leaders & Innovators
Three outstanding graduates from GU-Q’s Class of 2024 are ready to leave their mark across diverse fields. Read about Mohammed, Nur, and Asma.
Graduates Champion Social Justice and Understanding
The unique stories of Moza Al-Kaabi, Renee Vongai Mutare, and Pragyan Acharya are a testament to how GU-Q’s holistic education enriched their sense of purpose. Read more.
GU-Q’s MUN Champions Underrepresented Voices
Georgetown Qatar’s Spring Model United Nations (MUN) conference drew nearly 600 enthusiastic high school students. Read more. Media clippings.
Stanford Study Ranks GU-Q Researchers Among Top 2% of Most-Cited
GU-Q faculty are among the top 2% of most-cited researchers in the world, according to a 2023 Stanford University study. Read more.
GU-Q and Education Above All Sign Framework Agreement
GU-Q and the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) are pleased to announce the signing of a Framework Agreement to enhance their partnership in promoting education and research. Read more.
Graduate Program Elevates Qatari Diplomacy
Qatari diplomats enrolled in Georgetown University’s Executive Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs (EMDIA) program deepened their understanding of global politics and diplomacy. Read more.
Ambitious High School Students Flock to Georgetown’s Pre-College Summer Program
GU-Q concluded another successful edition of their Georgetown Pre-College Summer Program, a unique preparatory initiative aimed at empowering high school students in Qatar. Read more.
IEDM Graduates Ready to Safeguard Communities Worldwide
A closing ceremony was held at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) to honor 12 graduates of the International Executive Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management (IEDM) degree program. Read more.
Elevating Higher Education: Georgetown Hosts the 2023 IACAC Regional Institute
GU-Q, hosted the International Association for College Admissions Counseling Middle East & North Africa Regional Institute, at their Education City campus. Read more.
Georgetown University Ushers in 123 New Students at Convocation Ceremony
Following an eventful week of immersive new student welcome week activities aimed at facilitating a smooth transition into university life, GU-Q officially welcomed 123 students at New Student Convocation. Read more.
Life at GU-Q
GU-Q and US Embassy Doha Host Jazz Concert
GU-Q partnered with the US Embassy Doha to kick off the “Spring of Jazz” series, celebrating the vibrant jazz heritage of Washington, DC, with a tribute concert featuring Nasar Abadey and his acclaimed ensemble SUPERNOVA. Read more.
Ramadan: Where Family Traditions Meet GU-Q Community Spirit
At GU-Q, Ramadan is a time to strengthen the spirit of community and togetherness. For the close-knit Aldobashi family, their cherished family traditions have become intertwined with those of the wider GU-Q community. Read more.
Celebrating Black History Month: An Evening of Jazz
In celebration of Black History Month, GU-Q honored Black heritage and achievements including hosting a jazz appreciation evening. Read more. Media clippings.
Team Sports Are Vital to Academic Excellence and a Sense of Community
In honor of National Sport Day students at GU-Q reflected on the importance of campus sports in creating community. Read more. Media clippings.
Community and Conservation: Staff Explore the Whale Sharks of Qatar
A community excursion offered staff and faculty a unique journey off the northeastern coast of Qatar to see one of the planet’s most extensive congregations of whale sharks. Read more.
Contemplation in Action: Georgetown Values in Nepal
GU-Q staff and faculty traveled to Thaprek, Nepal to construct an energy source for the village by drawing on the combined skills and experiences of every member of their team. Read more.
Admissions Open House Invites Prospective Students to Begin Their Journey to GU-Q
GU-Q hosted the first of two Admissions Open House events for the fall, under the theme “Journey to Georgetown.” Read more.
“A Day in the Life” at GU-Q
Prospective undergraduate students experienced an enriching first-hand campus encounter during “A Day in the Life of a Georgetown Student” hosted by GU-Q on January 24. Read more. Media clippings.
GU-Q Rolls out the Red Carpet to Welcome Graduates
GU-Q hosted its “Welcome to the Neighborhood” alumni event, an annual tradition that brings together recent graduates and established alumni within the Gulf region. Read more.
New Students Get Warm Reception at Hoya Welcome Week
GU-Q warmly welcomed its incoming class of 123 undergraduates representing 37 nationalities with its first-ever Hoya Welcome Week. Read more.
High-Level Events
Malcolm Gladwell Discusses 21st Century Challenges with Dean Masri
At a special event hosted by GU-Q, bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell and GU-Q’s dean, Dr. Safwan Masri, embarked on an in-depth analysis of contemporary global issues, providing rich insights and perspectives for a public audience, including the university’s students of international affairs. Read more.
How the Global South Governs Holds Key to Solving Major World Problems, Say Experts
With global power rivalries making headlines across the world, GU-Q brought together a group of experts from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to interface with the Lloyd George Study Group on Global Governance, offering insight into inter-nation governance models from the global south. Read more.
Ambassador Speaker Series Features UK Ambassador Wilks
With Qatar’s standing as a pivotal player in global diplomacy on the rise, the new Ambassador Speaker Series hosted by GU-Q offers the community in Qatar exclusive opportunities to interact with current and former diplomats, including British Ambassador to Qatar, HE Jonathan Wilks. Read more.
Pioneering Female Education Leader Discusses Regional Dynamics at Dean’s Series
At a Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series event, Dean Safwan Masri discussed the challenges confronting universities, and the evolution of state-building in the Middle East with Dr. Lisa Anderson, Dean Emerita at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and former President of the American University of Cairo. Read more. Media clippings.
Memoir Author Amal Ghandour Explores Generational Struggles across the Arab World with Dean
In a public book event hosted by GU-Q, acclaimed author Amal Ghandour spoke with the dean of GU-Q, Dr. Safwan Masri, about her recently published memoir, This Arab Life: A Generation’s Journey into Silence. Read more.
Dean Hosts Discussion on Leadership, Art Making, and Future Pedagogies
The dean of GU-Q, Dr. Safwan Masri, hosted a public talk titled “Leadership, Art Making, and Future Pedagogies,” featuring Dr. Carol Becker about her time as dean of two leading art schools: Columbia University School of the Arts and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Read more.
GU-Q Dean’s Lecture Explores Public Architecture and Arab Modernity
GU-Q continued the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series with a compelling talk exploring public architecture and the complexities of Arab modernity featuring Dr. Amale Andraos, Professor and Dean Emeritus at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Read more.
Talk Connects Greek Tradition to Modern Challenges
Dr. Alexander Sens, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University explored how ancient Greek writers, confronted by massive cultural disruptions strikingly similar to the present times, helped society make sense of their changing world. Read more. Media clippings.
Diplomat-in-Residence: Consider Diverse Stakeholder Needs
A public lecture by Ambassador Androulla Kaminara, GU-Q Distinguished Diplomat-in-Residence for the 2023-2024 academic year offered a “Practitioner’s Proposals on How to Enhance Diplomatic Practice.” Read more.
Hiwaraat Conferences
Forum Illuminates Intersections of Art, Academia, and Social Dynamics
Read more. Media clippings.
View Global Energy Cultures Highlights
Conference at Msheireb Museums Set to Explore Everyday Energy Experiences
Malcolm Gladwell at Water Conference: Crisis Requires Bravery and Urgency
Afghanistan Symposium Highlights Role of Education in Tackling Challenges
Conference Examines Islamophobia’s Growing Impact on the Global Muslim Community
Events
Futurist Bryan Alexander Explores Role of Higher Education in Climate Crisis and Age of AI
Arabic Language Ideology Shapes Policy, Says Yasir Suleiman at GU-Q Talks
Talks at GU-Q: Role of Humanitarian Law & Armed Conflict Mediation
Palestine-related Talks
