Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCUQatar and Qatar Foundation Break New Ground

VCUQatar and Qatar Foundation Break New Ground (13.5.2008)

For: Immediate Release
Event: Ground Breaking Ceremony
Location: Education City

VCUQatar Celebrates Building Addition with Ground Breaking Ceremony

Doha, Qatar-- VCUQatar held a 'Ground Breaking Ceremony, to commemorate the expansion of its building on the eve of the ten year anniversary. A ceremony was held at the Education City campus with officials from the Qatar Foundation, the President of Virginia Commonwealth University from the United States and other dignitaries. With the addition to the building, VCUQatar plans on expanding its offerings to the community. A proposal and planning are in the works to offer a masters degree in design and to build a large library and more facilities to support the growing needs of the student population.

VCUQatar Dean Allyson Vanstone welcomed the VIPs and special guests at the event. "Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a new era both for VCU and Qatar as a center for design excellence in the region. The building expansion marks the culmination of ten years of hard work in become a leading force for fostering a design culture and creativity in Qatar and the region. Today we celebrate a decade of accomplishments of our alumna, students and faculty as we build and prepare for the decade to come."

The dean introduced Dr. Abdullah Al Thani Qatar Foundation Vice President for Education who spoke about the prosperous relationship between Virginia Commonwealth University and Qatar Foundation. VCU President Dr. Eugene Trani then went on to speak about the 10 year anniversary. "When we began 10 years ago, we started with a class of 35 bright young women and 6 pioneering faculty members. Today, our student body has grown to just under 200 and we have over 35 faculty members. In addition, we have made a smooth transition from an all-female student body to a coed student body this past year. And as the first institution to come to Education City, we have had great opportunity to watch as Her Highness' vision unfolds around us." noted Dr Trani.

Dr. Richard Toscan stated, "When we began in 1998 the idea of a green and environmentally sound building design was novel. The new expansion of the VCUQatar building will be a LEED Silver certified environmentally friendly design. It will act as a laboratory to compare the energy and carbon usage"

After the speeches Dean Allyson Vanstone walked Dr. Abdullah Al-Thani; Vice President of Education, Dr. Eugene Trani; President of Virginia Commonwealth University and Thomas Rosenthal the Rector for Virginia Board of Visitors to the ground breaking site on the North West corner of the building and handed each of them a commemorative shovel. The image shows President Trani of Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Abdullah AlThani of Qatar Foundation and Thomas Rosenthal digging in the ground where the future proposed VCUQatar library entrance will be.

The new building, which will more than double the size of the current facility is yet another critical step to fulfilling VCUQatar's vision of providing an exceptional educational environment for our students from Qatar, the Arabian Gulf region and from around the world.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed VCUQatar's graduation dinner in the Qatar Foundation Headquarters, where the first classes for its students were held a decade ago.

About VCUQatar:
VCUQatar offers specialized programs in various design professions. Students have the opportunity of earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic, fashion and 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. VCUQatar is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call 0974 492- 7245.

About Qatar Foundation:
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development houses VCUQatar; The foundation is a unique entity which has revolutionized education in the State of Qatar. It is a non-profit 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. The Qatar Foundation has altogether changed the face of the education sector in the State of Qatar with first-class educational programs and organizations. For more information, please visit www.qf.org.qa.

VCUQatar Celebrates Building Addition with Ground Breaking Ceremony Press Release as pdf-File 70,6 KB

VCUQatar Celebrates Building Addition with Ground Breaking Ceremony Press Release as pdf-File 96,2 KB in Arabic language

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

Images:
VCU President Eugene Trani, QF Vice President of Education Dr. Abdulla AlThani, VCU Board of Visitors Rector Thomas Rosenthal

VCU President Eugene Trani, QF Vice President of Education Dr. Abdulla AlThani, VCU Board of Visitors Rector Thomas Rosenthal

VCU President Eugene Trani, QF Vice President of Education Dr. Abdulla AlThani, VCU Board of Visitors Rector Thomas Rosenthal

President Eugene Trani speaking to the crowd.