Texas A&M-Qatar Celebrates Aggie Traditions And Core Values
Texas A&M University at Qatar celebrated Gig ‘Em Week, its annual university spirit and community-building event, last week. The week-long event introduced students to the Texas A&M core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. The activities also encouraged student involvement in the diverse university community and interaction between the university’s faculty, staff and students.
The university creates well-rounded engineers through rigorous academic programs, and by honoring the many traditions and core values celebrated at Texas A&M at Qatar’s main campus in College Station.
Gig ‘Em Week allows students at Texas A&M-Qatar to learn more about how they can play an active role in preserving and passing on these traditions.
“This week’s activities are designed to showcase and celebrate the Aggie spirit and traditions,” said Amjad Abdo, program coordinator in the Department of Student Affairs (DSA). “The goal of Gig ‘Em Week is to welcome new and returning students to our community and to promote the Aggie values and traditions.”
This year’s event featured Aggie Involvement Fest, Yell Practice, a blood drive, service showcase, presentation about the Thailand May 2013 Aggie-Service Learning Experience, Aggieland Market, Health is Wealth programming, Aggie Ring Day and Catalyst Leadership Conference.
The Aggie Involvement Fest involved more than 25 student organizations and outside community groups such as Doha Film Institute, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) housing, HBKU Residence Life, Reach out to Asia (ROTA), Mathaf (Arab Museum of Modern Art) and Best Buddies Qatar.
Student Body Government (SBG) Traditions Council started the first day of Gig ‘Em week with a mid-day Yell Practice reminiscent of main campus’ midnight event of the same name. During the event, new and returning students toured the campus and were introduced to the university’s clubs and organizations, and were given the opportunity to network with outside agencies to get involved in the local community.
One of Gig ‘Em Week’s celebratory events is Aggie Ring Day, where students who have completed 90+ credit hours receive their Aggie ring. The Aggie ring symbolizes the Aggie core values and serves as the visual identity of the Aggie network.
Hind Barnieh, chemical engineering senior student, said, “Gig ‘Em Week brings out the Aggie in every Texas A&M University at Qatar student. From searching for leadership positions, to donating blood as an act of selfless service, or receiving their Aggie ring, students get a feel of what it means being a part of a bigger family. Gig ‘Em Week has always been something we look forward to each year and, as a senior, I will definitely miss this tradition.”
