Sana Abdul Salam Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Fifteen Dar Al-Hekma College students graduated from the recently started Master of Business Administration (MBA) program here on Monday. While this was the completion of the degrees for the first batch of graduate students, 207 students completed their undergraduate degrees in areas such as management information systems, marketing, interior and graphic design, legal studies and special education. In her keynote address, Thoraya Obaid, member of the Shoura Council, commended young women in the country on their efforts to further their education and develop leadership skills for the nation. She said: “It is our duty as elders in this society to open doors of leadership to young people, so they can form the future according to their vision, aspirations, and challenges. “I see the youth discussing possible solutions for difficulties that their local or national society faces, but through well-planned, creative, and serious team work. “Young ladies, I wish you success with your unique accomplishments.” Having served in the United Nations for over 35 years, Obaid inspired the audience with anecdotes from her diverse life experience. Safiya Binzagr, Saudi artist and historian, was special guest at the graduation ceremony. She was awarded the Dar Al-Hekma Annual Prize for Outstanding Achievement for her trailblazing contribution to fine art in the Kingdom. With the establishment of Darat Safeya Binzagr Museum in 1995, Binzagr has been instrumental in preserving the heritage of Saudi Arabia. Acknowledging the recognition, Binzagr said: “My gratitude and appreciation goes to Dar Al-Hekma. May God reward you.” Suhair Al Qurashi, dean of Dar Al-Hekma College, said: “Upon marking its 11th graduation day, the total number of students that have graduated from Dar Al-Hekma has reached 1,323 — from among whom 135 are now master's degree holders, and 10 hold PhD degrees. “Many of the graduates have attained international recognition for their work and contribution to society. “As an institution, we've built a number of national and international strategic alliances, fortified our education, and are now on our way to launching more graduate level programs. “These accomplishments in a brief journey of 14 years bear testimony to our continual realization of the mission on which the foundations of Dar Al-Hekma were built,” the dean said.
