In his address to the Class of 2025 at Northwestern Qatar’s 14th graduation ceremony, Dean Marwan M. Kraidy urged them to become beacons of integrity, compassion, and thoughtful leadership in an ever-changing world.
Kraidy began his speech by arawing on the symbolic concept of nūr (Arabic for light) and reflecting on fire as both a cautionary and enlightening force. “When I was young, my parents—and my grandparents—would often tell me: Don’t play with matches. Don’t go near candles. Stay away from open flames,” he said. Over time, however, he came to view fire not only as burning heat, but also as light and warmth.
Referencing philosopher and chemist Gaston Bachelard, Kraidy noted that the warning against fire is universal: “A flame, if misused, can destroy,” he said. But when controlled and directed, fire has been central to human progress. “Light does more than illuminate. It reveals. It guides. It warms. It welcomes. It nurtures,” said Kirady. “Controlled fires built civilization everywhere: they cleared forests for roads, baked bricks to build houses, allowed humans to be warm in the cold, and cool in the heat, fueled the Industrial Revolution, brought electric light, and—relevantly for us—enabled all kinds of media,” he added.
Kraidy encouraged the graduates to carry forward the practice of critical reflection instilled during their time at Northwestern Qatar. “We live in a world of complexity—where light and shadow coexist,” he said. “As you leave here, take that habit of critical reflection with you. Use the flame to build a hearth. Start from a place of openness. Pause. Consider all sides. Then decide where your light should shine.”
He emphasized that choices—whether large or small—will shape the world around them. “Each decision casts light on a path,” he told the Class of 2025. “Others—friends, colleagues, strangers—may follow that path, often without your knowing. Choose wisely. With integrity. With compassion.”
As graduates prepare to enter careers across fields, Kraidy reminded them of their role in shaping communities and futures. “Illuminate your own way, yes. But more importantly, enlighten those who come after you,” he said. “This is what it means to build community. To leave a legacy. To honor the values we hold dear at Northwestern: excellence, collaboration, sustainability, and care for one another as a community.”
He went on to remind them that “light is contagious. One small flame can ignite a thousand candles. One courageous act. One bold idea. One quiet moment of kindness—can ripple far beyond what you imagine.” He added, “You don’t need to burn bright to be seen. You just need to shine true.”
