Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCU Confers Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Roger Mandle

VCU Confers Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Roger Mandle (6.5.2009)

Virginia Commonwealth University Confers Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Roger Mandle, Executive Director of the Qatar Museums Authority

Doha, Qatar - Dr. Roger Mandle was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Virginia Commonwealth University's Board of Visitors during Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar's 2009 Commencement Ceremony.

Dr. Roger Mandle, Executive Director of the Qatar Museums Authority, addressed VCUQatar's eighth graduating class of 51 graduates as commencement speaker during the afternoon ceremonies held on 2 May, 2009. Shortly thereafter the President of VCU Dr. Eugene P. Trani invited Dr. Mandle back to the podium to confer upon him the Honorary Doctorate.

"Each year at commencement, we give special recognition to individuals whose careers and values have done much to enhance the quality of life of communities here and around the world," said Dr. Trani. "This year, we are pleased to present of the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Dr. Roger Mandle. This is Virginia Commonwealth University's highest form of recognition. It acknowledges those who have made outstanding contributions to society through scholarship, humanitarianism, science, art and public service," he added.

Dr. Trani was joined by VCU Rector, Tom Rosenthal, in the presentation while Vice Provost for International affairs and Dean of the Virginia Schools of Arts Dr. Richard E. Toscan and VCUQatar Dean Allyson Vanstone performed the hooding ceremony.

Dr. Roger Mandle brings to his post in Qatar more than four decades of experience as a senior museum executive and arts educator. As executive director, Dr. Mandle is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic plan for Qatar's entire complex of museums. Prior to coming to Qatar from the Rhode Island School of Design, Dr. Mandle was a nationally known advocate for the far-reaching impact of art, design and education. During his 15-year tenure at RISD, he set ambitious priorities and goals, spearheaded inclusive planning processes and led the institution through a period of tremendous growth. Dr. Mandle is also the former Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, where he was an outspoken arts activist and oversaw all aspects of managing the museum.

While in the capital, Dr. Mandle served as a member of the National Committee for Education Standards in the Arts and helped write the position paper Education Goals 2000: Standards in the Arts. Both President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush appointed him to the National Council on the Arts, one of many policymaking and advisory groups he has served on and led over the years.

Dr. Mandle received a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art and art history from Williams College, and a Master of Arts degree with a certificate in museum training from New York University. A specialist in aesthetics and Dutch art, he also holds a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University.

About Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar:
Established in the US in 1838 and in Qatar in 1998 Virginia Commonwealth University offers students from all over the world the opportunity to earn Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in fashion, graphic and interior design. A team of highly skilled professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional design field of their choice. VCUQatar regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class conferences and holds an annual fashion show. VCUQatar is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call +974 492 7245.

About Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to the principle that a nation's greatest natural resource is its people. The headquarters of Qatar Foundation are located within its flagship project, Education City, a fourteen million square-meter campus which hosts numerous progressive learning institutions and centers of research, including branch campuses of six of the world's leading universities, plus a cutting-edge research and development center. Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in community health and development.
For more information please visit: www.qf.org.qa

VCU Confers Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Roger Mandle, Executive Director Qatar Museums Authority Press Release as pdf-File

VCU Confers Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Roger Mandle, Executive Director Qatar Museums Authority Press Release as pdf-File in Arabic language

Image:
Dean of VCUQatar Allyson Vanstone and Dean of VCU School of the Arts and Vice Provost International affairs Dr. Richard Toscan performing the hooding for Dr. Mandle while Dr. Trani, President VCU looks on.