DOHA, Qatar -- Texas A&M University at Qatar conferred degrees to the May 2008 class of engineers on Thursday evening. These students began their studies at the university in 2003, the year Texas A&M University launched its branch campus in Doha, Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.

Each graduate received a bachelor's degree in one of four disciplines: chemical, electrical, mechanical or petroleum engineering. The coursework undertaken by the students is materially identical to the programs offered on Texas A&M's main campus in College Station, Texas.

"Our Doha campus is educating and graduating the same caliber engineers as our flagship institution," said Dr. Mark Weichold, dean and CEO of Texas A&M University at Qatar. "Our faculty is proud to teach such a promising group of students, knowing these engineers will one day impact the Middle East and the rest of the world in significant ways."

At the ceremony, the honorees were greeted by Dr. John M. Niedzwecki, executive associate dean for the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. In addition, the newest cohort of Aggie engineers was inducted into The Association of Former Students, Texas A&M's alumni association, by Ms. Kelli Hutka, director of Campus Programs. Dr. Jerry Strawser, interim executive vice president and provost, Texas A&M University, presided over the ceremony and conferred the degrees.

"The collaboration between Qatar Foundation and Texas A&M University is now bearing the fruit of the efforts of these fine young graduates in addition to the commitment of countless faculty and administrators on both sides of the world," Dr. Strawser commented. "I consider it my honor to award Texas A&M degrees to these dedicated men and women and congratulate them on joining the Aggie Family."

His Excellency Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, first deputy prime minister and minister of energy and industry, The State of Qatar, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. "Qatar Petroleum is one of the first Qatari institutions that have helped in supporting the inception of Texas A&M University Qatar and in exploring any possible cooperation aspects between the University and the energy sector and industry.  Our motivation is our conviction that investment in education and supporting the Education City universities are our guarantee to the country's future and progress," said HE Minister Al-Attiyah.

The new graduates reflected on their time in the University and looked to their futures as Aggie engineers. Petroleum engineering graduate, Nayla Al-Malki said, "We have spent our days and nights in campus working, studying and socializing, knowing that this is our home. We as engineering students know a little something about Archie equation, how to read logs, how to estimate reserves, and how to stimulate a well. However, what we came up with at the end is as precious and valuable as the technical aspects. We have been rewarded with the most important gifts: friendship, dedication, courage and confidence."

Among the employers for the graduates are RasGas, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Shell, General Electric, ExxonMobil and Qatar Chemical Company. "We have a strong relationship with Texas A&M in the U.S. and are pleased to extend this relationship here in Qatar. The Qatar Texas A&M students receive a top-notch engineering education and can apply their knowledge to develop new technologies and further natural gas development in the State of Qatar," commented Mr. Ernie Richter, Human Resources Manager with ExxonMobil Qatar.

The May 2008 class includes nationals from nine countries, including 14 graduates from The State of Qatar.

Texas A&M University at Qatar, while selective in the admissions process, continues to grow their enrollment. The initial freshman class for fall 2003 numbered 29 while the anticipated incoming class for fall 2008 is approximately 80. Total enrollment for fall 2007 was 271 students.