The Canadian businesswoman joined HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan today at the Canadian University Dubai's milestone graduation ceremony in Dubai
Dubai, June 07, 2012: Barbara Stymiest, chair of Research in Motion's board - the company behind Blackberry, today received an honorary doctorate in letters from the Canadian University Dubai.
The Canadian, who was named one of Fortune magazine's most powerful business women three times, has visited the UAE many times in the past as her brother and his family used to live in the Emirate.
She arrived in the UAE on Wednesday to accept the degree as part of graduation proceedings held at Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Addressing the hundreds of students gathered for the Canadian University Dubai's largest graduation thus far, Ms Stymiest said she was 'humbled' by the honorary doctorate and, in her acceptance speech, went on to draw parallels between Dubai and Canada.
"Superficially at least there would seem to be no two more different places than Canada and the United Arab Emirates, as different as cold and hot. But we may have more in common than we think," she said, before listing examples, such as the fact that both are young, urban countries.
In a nod to her links with Blackberry, Ms Stymiest urged today's graduates to balance mobile communication technology with real human interaction.
"I believe that no matter how wired we are, or how many emails, bbms or texts we send to each other, there is still a basic need for in-person human interaction," she said. "I think all forms of connectedness have a place in the workforce and in society. And I think it's this group here today who will figure out the right balance.
"You know what it feels like to be part of the buzz in this room, sitting amongst friends, and you also know how to discreetly tap out a message on your device to a friend who may not be a part of today's festivities. Both modes of interaction are equally important."
Some 400 students graduated from the six-year-old university today, marking a key milestone for the university as for the first time graduates of the schools of architecture and interior design and environment and health sciences alongside those who completed their studies in business and engineering.
Each student was greeted on stage by HH Sheikh Nahyan, who congratulated them for their achievements.
"Today's graduation is a proud and emotional moment for all at the university - from the teaching staff through to the students, their relatives and friends," said Mr Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of the Canadian University Dubai.
"As a university, our goal is to inspire our students to identify their goals and provide them with the necessary tools to achieve them. Today is a wonderful example of students who have transformed their lives and are now well equipped to begin the next leg of their life journey."
Some 3,000 people gathered to help their friends and relatives celebrate the culmination of their hard work. They joined a list of VIPs including members of the university's board of trustees who flew in from Canada for the occasion, such as Aldea Landry, formerly a cabinet minister and deputy premier of New Brunswick, Canada, in the government of Premier Frank McKenna, and Terry Bird, former vice president of corporate development and emerging markets at McCain Foods Ltd.
Preparations for the graduation began weeks ago, with several graduation fairs held over weekends where excited students were fitted for their gowns and had their photographs taken.
At the university's inaugural graduation ceremony in 2011, some 200 students graduated from the schools of engineering, applied sciences and technology, business administration and MBA.
"It is an honour to celebrate today with these brilliant and bright people as they take the next step on their journey," said Professor Karim Chelli, Vice Chancellor and President of the Canadian University Dubai.
"Through the Canadian approach to education, we hope that these students will not only leave with a degree today but also skills that will be transferrable to both the workplace and the community - no matter where they choose to live. "
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