QF Excellence Award winners feted for their achievements and example
Doha
The Qatar Foundation Excellence Award celebrates students who have made meaningful contributions both within and beyond the classroom, leaving a positive impact on their communities. This year, 16 outstanding members of QF's graduating Class of 2025 have been recognised with the award.
Following their recognition at QF's annual Convocation ceremony – which honours the graduates of QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and its seven international partner universities – a special Qatar Foundation Excellence Award winners' luncheon was held to further celebrate the recipients: young individuals who exemplify how higher education can inspire creativity, curiosity, leadership, and a profound sense of purpose.
Lujain Al Mansoori, from Qatar and a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) – a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university – spoke about what the accolade represents to her, saying: 'This Excellence Award validates and reaffirms that all the effort I have put in over the past years has been more than worth it.
Speaking about how she wants to create meaningful change through innovation, she said: 'My goal is to use my education and talents to create technologies that empower people and improve their daily lives.
'QF has empowered me to develop a resilient and innovation-based growth mindset. Every moment, small or large, has been such a meaningful takeaway. The education I received taught me to seize every opportunity and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth.'
Asma Al-Kaabi, who is from Qatar and is a graduate of QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), said: 'Receiving this award is a tremendous honor; it symbolizes the growth I've experienced since first entering QF.
'I joined [QF school] Qatar Academy ten years ago as a confused and uncertain student, unsure of what the future held. Over the course of my time here, I've grown immensely, built lasting friendships, found incredible mentors, and now, I've graduated as a doctor, grateful for the journey.
'My country has given me all the resources to grow and the tools to create. In this next chapter, I want to utilise everything I've learned to give back. As a future psychiatrist, I'm passionate about advocating for mental health – an area still deeply stigmatized in our region. I aspire to educate both my future patients and my community, and to be part of shifting the narrative around mental health.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: 'The most meaningful takeaway is to never underestimate yourself. There were times I struggled with self-doubt, but thanks to my family's unwavering support, I kept going. Receiving this award has reminded me of the importance of believing in myself and continuing to strive for excellence.'
Maryam Al-Mohammed, a recent graduate of QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar, and a Qatari national, said: 'It's an honor to be recognised after four years of hard work – especially as part of the QF community. I'm grateful for this experience and excited for the future.
Speaking about her future, she said: 'I'm passionate about filmmaking and research, and after my undergraduate studies, I hope to pursue a master's degree. I want to tell stories that highlight women's issues, showcase the voices of women in the region, and reflect the experiences of people like me - through storytelling.
'What I value most at QF is the opportunity to learn and to be part of a community. This is a place where I truly feel I belong – and always will. I've been able to connect with students, teachers, and faculty members, and that sense of belonging is something I will carry with me, along with all the knowledge and experience I've gained here.'
The 16 QF Excellence Award winners were presented during Convocation to two students from each of the universities at QF: HBKU, CMU-Q, Georgetown University in Qatar, HEC Paris, Doha, Northwestern Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, and WCM-Q.
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