489 get degrees at PMU’s first graduation day

Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (PMU) hit another milestone this week as its first graduating class of 489 students received their diplomas. Over two days, 264 women and 225 men were awarded their degrees in a variety of disciplines offered by the university — the first private institution of higher learning in the Eastern Province licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and located in Alkhobar. “PMU can establish itself as a prominent center of learning only if its administration works with confidence and has the vision to keep its academic process well advanced to cater to industries’ needs,” Eastern Province Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Fahd told students, parents and faculty during the graduation ceremony. The prince advised graduating students and those enrolled in different courses to grow in life as God-fearing individuals but at the same time use scientific method to sharpen their minds and unleash their creativity. He commended the students for their remarkable achievement and expressed hope they would fulfill their dreams to become professionals, and he noted the importance of the support they received from their parents. “Saudi youth is qualified and capable of contributing to the nation while also serving their religion,” PMU Rector Issa Al-Ansari told the assembly. “PMU has striven to offer an integrated education system that is distinct and appropriate to enable one to cope with challenges. These students will definitely be absorbed into the labor market and contribute their best.” The university uses the North American model of education, and its system (administrative, financial and academic programs) was designed by Texas International Educational Consortium — a group of 32 American universities in Texas. The university is a learning-centered community focused on the students and equipped with the latest technology. Its goal is to blend the best practices of Western education while remaining a Saudi university that fully embodies the cultural and religious values of the Saudi people.