University of Petra (UOP) President Prof. Rami Abdel-Rahem presided over the university's 31st graduation ceremony for the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. The two-day event celebrated the graduation of nearly 600 students, in the presence of their families, Sudanese Ambassador Hassan Siwar Al-Dahab, diplomats from the Libyan Embassy, and members of the local community.

In his speech, Abdel-Rahem announced the launch of two new academic programs: a Bachelor's in Dental Technology and a Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.

He expressed pride in UOP's graduates, noting their strong presence in the job market and various sectors, which he said reflects the university's vision of being “the top choice for scholars and learners." He also reviewed key institutional achievements in quality assurance, international accreditations, and research—pillars he identified as fundamental to academic excellence.

Abdel-Rahem stated that the university has earned over 20 international accreditations from American, British, German, French, and Canadian bodies. He highlighted that the Faculty of Law recently secured a five-year French accreditation and noted that UOP was the first Jordanian university to receive a national quality assurance certificate.

On the research front, Abdel-Rahem revealed a significant increase in faculty publications, rising from 150 papers in 2022 to a projected 600 this year. He credited this to the university's incentive policies, including the “Distinguished Researcher Award" at the departmental level and allocating 30% of faculty evaluations to research output. These efforts, he said, have led to award-winning innovations, including two projects that received the Al Hassan Bin Talal Award for Scientific Excellence.

Dean of Student Affairs Prof. Eyad Mallah congratulated the graduates and emphasized that the university's support extends beyond graduation. “The deanship ensures a nurturing environment that fosters personal and professional growth during students' time here and continues through the Alumni Affairs Office after they graduate," he said.

On the first day, graduate Rawand Shweiki delivered the class speech, expressing her deep gratitude to the university:

“This moment defies words, but it will live in our hearts forever.

You taught us that responsibility begins with an idea, and that excellence is earned through patience, hard work, and belief in ourselves."

She also thanked her professors:

“You armed us with knowledge, instilled determination, and taught us to look to the future with hope."

And to the families:

“Thank you for your sleepless nights, your sacrifices, and your unwavering support. No one deserves more credit than you."

On the second day, graduate Mahdi Al-Shawabkeh opened his address by thanking his professors and university:

“Today, we stand in gratitude before you and our university—our second home—that opened doors to knowledge and dialogue, and instilled in us lifelong values."

He added:

“You, our parents, are the unwavering truth—our tireless strength, our ever-present prayers. Today's success is your triumph."

The event also featured success stories from distinguished alumni. Among them was Dr. Lina Ghousain, a graduate of Early Childhood Education and Psychological Counseling, who returned to academia after a nine-year break and earned her PhD with distinction in 2024.

Ghousain described UOP as “a warm and supportive haven" and credited her professors as a source of inspiration. Since graduating, she has led cultural programs at the Jordanian Society for Women and Child Welfare, lectured in pre-marriage awareness programs, became a certified international trainer from Oxford College, and appeared on radio and TV programs discussing family issues. She now teaches part-time at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan.

On the second day, the ceremony highlighted architect Dalal Abdullah, a 2005 graduate who transitioned from managing major projects like Abdali to entrepreneurship and fashion design.

Driven by “passion and curiosity," Abdullah said she often visited construction sites, gaining a practical understanding of architectural plans.

After completing courses in business, marketing, and accounting, she launched her own brand Minimal, which aims to empower women and redefine beauty. She also served as a project manager at a major Emirati firm and led key projects in Jordan, including the Kempinski Hotel and IKEA Amman.