JEDDAH — Effat University hosted a colorful graduation ceremony for 396 students on Thursday. The function, attended by Princess Lolowah AlFaisal, vice chair of the board of trustees and general supervisor of the university, prominent personalities in the community, media representatives and parents, started with playing of the national anthem, followed by the graduation parade. Dr. Haifa Jamal Allail, president of Effat University, said: "We are proud of our graduates as much as we are proud of this university. The quality of education provided by Effat for its students is proved by numbers. About 65 percent of our graduates — that is 619 of 953 students — are either on the job or are pursuing higher education locally and internationally." Addressing fresh graduates, she said: "I have great trust in you because you realize that hopes and visions only come true with dedication and hard work. You are the hope and dreams to continue the rise and development of our precious homeland." The keynote speaker was Princess Reema Bint Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud, who has gained attention on the international stage as a leader in business innovation, specifically as a champion for women in the workplace. Students Lina Bakodah and Aram Al-Shareef read out the valedictory address. They said: "We started university with high ambition, and now we are graduating with a realistic vision that enhanced our ambition and understanding of our society and its needs. "Studying at Effat University enriched not only our practical side, but also social and conscious side, as we learned not to take our roles as women lightly, and that seeking change might not be easy, but each step we take toward our goal will be paved for those who follow us." Effat graduate Sarah Al-Harthy spoke on behalf of the Alumni Association while Dua Al-Gamdhi, a blind graduate from Effat, inspired the audience by sharing her experience in her journey of education. She said she has never seen light but at Effat, she has touched the light. Dua and her parents were honored by the school president. The ceremony ended with the honoring of students by Princess Lolowah and Jamal Allail.
