A Gathering of Minds and Culture: Georgetown’s CCT Students & Alumni Meetup at QAIC
When it comes to building bridges between cultures and fostering intellectual connections, both Georgetown University’s Communication, Culture & Technology Program (CCT) and Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) have always been at the forefront. With a unique focus on “Technology & The Arts” at QAIC this year, organizing a meetup for creatives between both entities was a natural fit. On Sep 30th, the CCT program’s alumni, students, and faculty had the privilege of attending a unique event hosted by one of their own, Fatima Al-Dosari, CCT class of 2016. The gathering took place at QAIC, affectionately pronounced as “cake,” and it was nothing short of delightful!
The event offered a perfect blend of networking, cultural exploration, and delectable cuisine. Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, QAIC’s historic building provided an exquisite backdrop for the evening’s festivities. The attendees were treated to a tour of art exhibits and a captivating perfumery museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of Qatari and Arab culture.
Nearly 70 people attended this private event, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experiences. What made this gathering truly exceptional was the opportunity it presented to reconnect with fellow alumni and discover the diverse paths they had chosen after graduation. Georgetown’s CCT program has a long history of producing graduates who excel in various fields, and this event was a testament to their achievements. Additionally, history between CCT and Qatar extends beyond this event at QAIC where CCT students pre-pandemic enjoyed a summer initiative called “New Communication Technologies in the Arab World: Perspectives from the Gulf.” QAIC hopes this initiative will be revived in the future, and QAIC will be happy to continue being the meeting spaces for all this initiative attendees.
One highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the food. Guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of delicious Arab cuisine, which not only tantalized taste buds but also served as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. The warm hospitality of QAIC and its staff added an extra layer of charm to the event, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated.
In the fast-paced world we live in, opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and immerse ourselves in different cultures are truly priceless. Fatima Al-Dosari’s initiative to bring the CCT community to QAIC exemplified the program’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and lifelong learning. “CCT is why I came to the US in 2014, and it is how I was inspired to create a meaningful and inclusive space for art and culture from Qatar and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds. It feels like a full circle… to bring my alma mater to experience the space that was only a vision back then. I’m grateful to my professors for believing in me and supporting me all along,” said Fatima.
Though we had to bid adieu to this memorable evening, it’s safe to say that the CCT alumni, students, faculty, and staff left QAIC with not only full stomachs, but also full hearts. This gathering served as a reminder that our shared experiences and the bonds we create during our academic journey can continue to enrich our lives long after graduation.
