Apr 13, 2012 01:48
DHAHRAN: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals celebrated its 42nd convocation ceremony on Wednesday during which 1,384 men received their degrees.
Eastern Province Deputy Gov. Prince Jelawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaed was the chief guest at the ceremony. Senior officials and a large number of parents of the new graduates attended the colorful event organized at the university's large and brightly-lit stadium. Some estimates suggest that nearly 6,000 people were in attendance.
Prince Jelawi commended the university's great contributions to the Kingdom's development, in terms of scientific research and community service. "KFUPM is a pillar of Saudi Arabia's educational renaissance," the deputy governor said and praised the 50-year-old university for attaining international fame with cutting-edge research.
Al-Sultan underscored the university's efforts to provide quality education, incorporating latest educational and scientific developments worldwide. "Our university has been and is continuously contributing to the Kingdom's development through research and training qualified leaders for different sectors," he said.
He underlined KFUPM's efforts to achieve world standard by upgrading its syllabi and introducing innovative academic programs.
Among the happy graduates was Hadi Faqihi. He seemed on top of the world in the traditional blue robes. "I graduated in marketing, and with honors," he told Arab News. "This is the biggest moment in my life."
He appreciated the fact that families could attend the graduation ceremony. "This does not happen in any university in the Kingdom," he said. "These are priceless moments and you want to share it with your closest relatives, and KFUPM provides this opportunity by conducting the graduation ceremony in an open-air stadium," Faqihi said.
Faqihi's father and sister were among the audience cheering him while he accepted the coveted degree from the deputy governor and the university rector. "My happiness knows no bounds," he added.
© Arab News 2012
