Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCUQatar launches 10 year Anniversary Celebration

VCUQatar launches 10 year Anniversary Celebration (20.3.2008)

For: Immediate Release
Event: VCUQatar 10th year Anniversary
Location: Education City

VCUQatar Launches 10th Year Anniversary

Doha, Qatar, VCUQatar recently launched a celebration of its ten year anniversary in Education City. The event was attended by students, faculty and guests from the Qatar Foundation.

Dean Allyson Vanstone opened the event and welcomed the guests. "At Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, we are proud to be a long standing partner in the history and development of Education City. 2008 marks our first decade of providing excellence in design education and increasing the awareness of the design profession in Qatar and the region. Our alumni are making a positive impact and leading the future of design in the region." noted Allyson Vanstone VCUQatar Dean.

Dr Saif Al Hajari, Vice Chairman of the Qatar Foundation addressed the audience of VCUQatar faculty, staff and students about the early beginnings of the joint venture in 1998 and the special relationship that has developed between the Qatar Foundation and VCUQatar over a decade. Present in the audience were one of the early Director's of VCUQatar Alan Hing.

The first visit from Dr. Richard Toscan, Dean of the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, USA to meet with Qatar Foundation officials in Doha occurred in November of 1997. After this visit, the university was awarded a contract to establish Shaqab College of Design Arts with the first classes offered in September 1998. Since 1998, VCU's School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia, contracted with the Qatar Ministry of Education to provide the faculty and curriculum.

In 2001 Shaqab College of Design Arts became the VCU Qatar College of Design Arts, and then in 2002 it became a branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. The first VCU degrees were awarded to students who completed their course work in Qatar in June 2002.

Regarding the launch of the 10th year of operations in Doha Dr. Charles Bleick Associate Dean of Academic Affairs added, "The 10th Anniversary celebration will provide us the opportunity to not only look back at the significant contributions made by our graduates to the design industry in Qatar, but also to what VCUQatar must do to be in the forefront of the exciting changes occurring in Qatar and the region."

The year long celebration will culminate with a gala event in November 2008.

"We are so honored to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary as part of Education City. The celebrations we have planned will not only involve the school and students but will also involve the community over the academic year." said Donna Duffett VCUQatar Events Project Manager.

About VCUQatar: VCUQ offers specialized programs in various design professions. Students have the opportunity of earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion, graphic or interior design. A team of highly qualified professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional field of their choice. VCUQatar regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class design conferences, and holds an annual fashion show. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call 0974 492- 7238.

About Qatar Foundation: Qatar Foundation for Education houses VCUQatar; the foundation has revolutionized education in the State of Qatar. It is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 by the Emir and Head of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khlaifa Al-Thani. The vision of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation indicates the keenness of Qatar's leadership in encouraging education among all levels among the citizenry. The Qatar Foundation has changed the face of education in the Middle East with first-class educational programs and organizations. For more information, please visit www.qf.org.qa.

Contact Person: Shefa Ali
Phone: 0974 492 7807
Fax: 0974 481 7058
Email: snada@qatar.vcu.edu
Web: www.qatar.vcu.edu