JEDDAH – Dar Al-Hekma University saw the largest batch of graduates in its history pass through the university at a ceremony here recently. Under the patronage of Prince Mansour Mishaal Bin Abdulaziz, a ceremony was held to honor the donors and parents of the 279 graduates. Dr. Suhair Hassan Al-Qurashi, university president, said: “You are precious jewels to me and to your country. “I know that you will make Dar Al-Hekma University proud and will leave your positive print in the world around you.” This year's graduation marked the first batch of students who completed the university's master's in international relations, developed in partnership with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, as well as its bachelor's in architecture. Kais Julaidan and his daughter Bayan shared with the guests their feelings and experiences. The father said: “I am overjoyed with my daughter's graduation and proud of her. I'm also confident about her future because I know that Dar Al-Hekema University provided her with leadership skills, a personality and knowledge that will make her successful in her future endeavors.” The valedictorian speech was delivered an international relations graduates, Lama Al-Ghalib. Dar Al-Hekma's annual award for an accomplished Arab woman during the academic year went to Dr. Manahel Thabet, the only Arab woman holding a PhD in financial engineering alongside two other doctorates. Huda Al-Amoudi received outstanding alumna award this year. She is the founder of Huda Associates LLP, an investment boutique based in Mayfair, London. She also founded Jeddah-based Bright Minds pre-school and kindergarten, which uses a system designed to create successful learners where teaching and learning is integrated into real-life experiences for students to become independent, principled, self-confident and inquisitive future citizens.
