Aggie engineers during the graduation ceremony.
Doha: More than 100 Aggie engineers from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at Texas A&M University at Qatar, a Qatar Foundation partner university, finally celebrated their graduation with an in-person ceremony held at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
The students were recognised in virtual ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic but came together to mark this milestone in person.
Dr. César Octavio Malavé, Dean of Texas A&M University at Qatar, addressed the graduates and acknowledged their patience in waiting a long time for this in-person ceremony.
Addressing the graduates, Malavé said, “Our mission in engineering education is grounded by core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service. Graduates, I urge you to uphold these core values on your journey through life. Your technical education and leadership skills will carry you far, and your ethics and your dedication to serving the greater good will bring meaning and satisfaction to your life’s work.
"We look to you for inspiration and motivation. Your success is our success, and we wish the best in the next phase of your life.”
Abdulkarim Mohamed, a Class of 2020 petroleum engineering graduate, addressed his fellow classmates and said, “I want to congratulate all the graduates with me. I am extremely proud of every single one of you here, and I am sure your loved ones are too. These past years have not been easy, but we have learned and prospered so much. I wish you all the best, wherever the road takes you—whether its higher studies, working in industry or just relaxing at home for now.” Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education at QF, was the guest speaker for the event.
Dr. N.K. Anand and Dr. Ann Kenimer attended the ceremony on behalf of Texas A&M’s main campus in College Station, Texas, and Texas A&M president Dr. M. Katherine Banks sent video greetings to the graduates.
To date, Texas A&M at Qatar has awarded more than 1,200 bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
