Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., and Dean of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr., School of Business Miles K. Davis, Ph.D., spent spring break 2014 in Saudi Arabia, where they visited with alumni, students, local entrepreneurs and university leaders. Due to a significant number of alumni in the area, Shenandoah established its first international alumni chapter in Riyadh and Jeddah, the two largest cities in Saudi Arabia, in 2013. The trip afforded Drs. Fitzsimmons and Davis the opportunity to see how Shenandoah’s Saudi alumni are building successful careers and bright futures as principled leaders and active community members.
Two alumni, Tahany Al Nufaiay ‘11 (M.B.A.) and Khaled Al Shaibani ‘12 (M.B.A.), arranged a reception for other Shenandoah alumni and students in the area to meet with Fitzsimmons and Davis at the Al Faisilyah Hotel, a well-known upscale hotel in Riyadh. Fitzsimmons and Davis also visited with Khuzama Gulf Est., a local perfume manufacturer owned by the family of Me’an S. Al Khanaizan ‘13, ‘14 (B.B.A., M.B.A.).
Additionally, Muna AbuSulayman—considered the Oprah Winfrey of Saudi Arabia—met with Fitzsimmons and Davis to discuss opportunities for Shenandoah University to collaborate with universities in Saudi Arabia. During the second leg of their visit, Fitzsimmons and Davis met with the president and leading administrators of Dar el Hekma University, as well as the provost of Effat University in Jeddah. A memorandum of understanding was signed with Dar el Hekma assuring future collaboration between a leading educator of women in Saudi Arabia and Shenandoah University.
Alumnus Nora Shaikan ‘13 (M.B.A.) and her husband Rayan H. Mousa ‘13 (B.B.A.) arranged for Fitzsimmons and Davis to visit Qualite, an “occasion arrangements” business launched by Rayan’s sister, Suha Mousa. Nora works at a dairy company, but is also an entrepreneur who has started her own business making abayas (long robes) and hijabs (headscarves). Nora and Rayan organized a farewell dinner in Jeddah at the Sultana restaurant that was well attended by former students and family members of students currently enrolled at Shenandoah University.
“We prepare students to be successful, principled leaders, with a global perspective,” said Davis. “This was none more evident than those who we met with during our travels in Saudi Arabia. They are working in organizations as diverse as wealth management, the Saudi National Guard and the Ministry of Interior affairs. They are also launching their own businesses and creating opportunities for themselves and their families.”
Overall the trip was a resounding success filled with the Shenandoah spirit of friendship and family. It also showcased the hope and promise of thriving international entrepreneurship.