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Nicole Kyles-Burton missed Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduation for her M.B.A. degree choosing to ride a camel in Doha, Qatar instead.

Kyles-Burton, along with David Adams, a senior undergraduate accounting major, traveled to Doha, Qatar Dec. 12-19, to attend the annual Doha Forum, an international conference for global dialogue on critical challenges facing the world.

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ students, along with eight others from Texas universities, were among those most impacted by Tropical Storm Harvey. Each student received funding from the Rebuild Texas Fund and Qatar Harvey Fund Scholarship, which qualified them to apply for the trip to attend the event in Doha. Students were selected for their academic standing, interest in international affairs and cross-cultural knowledge.  

The only problem with the trip was scheduling. It fell during Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduation. 

Kyles-Burton, who had made three car payments on a new vehicle to replace one lost in Harvey when Imelda hit, says she is grateful for Qatar’s generosity and wouldn't miss the trip not even for graduation. 

“They’ve (Qatar Harvey Fund) already done so much,” said Kyles-Burton. “After being devastated twice, I’m honored and humbled by their giving attitude and that they would want to give more. I really couldn’t believe it, but it’s why on graduation day I’ll be in Qatar wearing my cap and gown and take a picture on a camel.”

Read more about the Doha, Qatar trip.