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The new freshman class was joined by 8 transfer students for the fall semester, bringing the total of new incoming students to 100. This is the largest incoming class at Carnegie Mellon Qatar, reflecting its notable efforts during the recruiting events and informational sessions throughout the year.
The Class of 2013 is made up of 52 women and 40 men. Thirty-one students are Qatari nationals, with the remaining 61 students representing 25 different nationalities. Forty-three students have enrolled in Business Administration; 29 in Computer Science; and 20 in Information Systems.
The convocation ceremony began with the traditional procession of faculty and the new freshman class, led by the Carnegie Mellon bagpiper dressed in full Scottish regalia. During the ceremony, inspirational and enlightening speeches were delivered by the Dean, the President, faculty as well as current students offering advice and insight into what the incoming class can expect at Carnegie Mellon Qatar.
Charles E Thorpe, Dean of Carnegie Mellon Qatar, recounted his admiration for one of his former professors and offered advice to the students about being prepared in order to succeed: "There will be lots of hard work by faculty and staff as well as students, and if we work together, our joint success will be unbelievable."
Dr. Jared Cohon, President of Carnegie Mellon University, welcomed the new class via a video link, summarizing what they will find during their years to come at Carnegie Mellon:
"Wherever you find Carnegie Mellon faculty, students and alumni, you will discover the same powerful combination of intellectual strength, creative spark, tireless work ethic and commitment to problem solving. Your Carnegie Mellon degree will equip you with the tools, knowledge and experience that prepare you to be among the next generation of global leaders."
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Silvia Pessoa, Assistant Teaching Professor of English and Sociolinguistics. Dr. Pessoa reflected on her journey from growing up in a poor neighborhood, to her passion for the English language, to her move to the United States and eventually completing her Ph.D. degree. She attributed her life-changing journey to supportive parents and family, as well as her hard work and self-determination.
The new freshmen were then formally presented to the program directors in their selected majors. The ceremony concluded with prayers followed by Iftar.
Convocation is a long-standing university tradition that is held on or before the first day of classes of the fall semester. It is the official start of the academic year, and the welcoming of the incoming class to Carnegie Mellon University.
Posted by Rima Ali Al Mashni
