SPU Awards Honorary Degree to Prime Minister of Qatar

Seattle Pacific University has honored His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar and the minister of the interior, with an honorary doctor of laws degree. The award was presented to the prime minister on October 11 in Doha, Qatar.

His Excellency began studying English at Seattle Pacific in 1981, and completed his education in England and Lebanon. He has served in numerous civil service roles ranging from law enforcement to leading security initiatives. In 2013, he was appointed to the role of prime minister and minister of the interior. In this role, he has helped shape Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which calls for the unequaled pursuit of balanced advancement in the areas of economic, social, human, and environmental development.

"For his leadership of Qatar, his commitment to education, and his pride in attending Seattle Pacific University, we are proud to honor him with this honorary degree," said President Daniel J. Martin.

The prime minister visited the Seattle Pacific campus in 2016, and President Martin and other SPU leaders traveled to Qatar later that year. Both sides are exploring an educational partnership for student enrollment, research and diplomacy.

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University is a premiere Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world. SPU is the only private university in the Pacific Northwest to makes the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities list. Its comprehensive academic programs serve more than 3,700 undergraduate and graduate students.

Posted: Thursday, October 12, 2017