SFS-Q Celebrates Alumni with an Afternoon of Festivities

Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) hosted an informal Alumni gathering earlier this month, spearheaded by Mark Saliba, a member of SFS-Q’s first graduating class of 2009. If this event was any indication, SFS-Q Alumni live true to the mantra, “work hard, play hard”.

The event, a late afternoon barbecue, attracted close to forty former students, faculty and staff. Highlights included mingling and catching up with former professors, classmates and staff members whilst sampling the famous GUGS – Georgetown University Grilling Society – burgers. Met with overwhelming enthusiasm, guests were welcome not only to dine on the delicious burgers, but to roll up their sleeves and partake in making their own patties by hand!

The event offered an unofficial opportunity to celebrate the success that graduates of Georgetown’s Qatar campus have achieved in their respective careers. Employed by a broad range of industries and holding a diverse range of roles, SFS-Q alumni are developing a reputation as high-caliber professionals who demonstrate strong leadership qualities in the workplace. Elisabeth Kent, a graduate from the class of 2011, now works in marketing at Texas A&M. “It’s always great to get together with alumni to see how we’ve excelled in different areas.” Now that she has entered the working world, she appreciates the analytical skills that SFS-Q taught her. “These are basic competencies which prepare students to succeed.”

Abdulrahman Al Khawaga of the class of 2011 is native to Qatar and fresh out of university. He began working for Shell in the Contracting & Procurement division. Commenting on the diversity of the student population at SFS-Q, he said, “I work with people from over 27 countries. My work life is a continuation of the international exposure provided by SFS-Q. But the biggest plus to having completed my studies at SFS-Q is the access to professors.”

He further complimented the success of the event, “It’s great to see everyone coming together to celebrate the university in a fun and relaxed environment.”

Faculty are always welcome at any SFS-Q alumni function. “I was heartened by the strong turnout of our alumni, by their fond recollections and by their thoughtful insights.” said Herb Howe, Visiting Associate Professor of Government at SFS-Q. “It’s encouraging, and really no surprise, how many of the alumni have become articulate young professionals.” 

Hala Sheik Al Souk, of the class of 2010, now works at the Patton Boggs law firm as a Paralegal. She has kept in touch with her former classmates. “We’re very close knit. I recognize everyone here,” she explained. When asked how her Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service has served her, she elaborated, “It has opened a lot of doors. I now plan on continuing my education in Business, and this degree has kept my options open, allowing me to contemplate a variety of directions for my career.”