College of the North Atlantic’s Qatar project reaches another milestone

Joan Burke, Minister of Education, and Bruce Hollett, President of College of the North Atlantic, reported today that the college’s campus in the Middle East State of Qatar continues to expand. This was clearly evident in the campus’ second graduation ceremony held on June 19. One hundred and thirty-six graduates received diplomas from 12 programs in the fields of health sciences, engineering technology, information technology and business studies.

The Middle East campus’ first graduating class consisted of 71 students from programs in business and information technology.

“I am very proud that our department – and our province – is associated with this project,” said Minister Burke, who attended this year’s graduation. “What our colleagues from College of the North Atlantic have accomplished here thus far is very impressive, to say the least. This campus will have a significant and lasting impact not only on the people of Qatar, but also the experience we have gained and the opportunities afforded us through this undertaking will mean long-term benefits for the college in Newfoundland and Labrador as well.”

College president Bruce Hollett says expansion at the Qatar campus has proceeded ahead of schedule. “We have had nearly a 100 per cent increase in the number of graduates and an even greater increase in the number of programs currently being offered at CNA-Qatar,” said Mr. Hollett. “Our expansion will continue for this September with two more new health sciences programs, namely dental assistant and pharmacy technician.”

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) entered into a partnership with the oil rich State of Qatar in 2001 to develop for that country a comprehensive college of technology. The Qatar college – CNA’s only international campus – celebrated its first graduation last June when it was still operating from temporary facilities. This past December saw the official opening of the new, permanent facility – a 22 building world-class institution.

College of the North Atlantic is entering the 5th year of its 10 year contract with the State of Qatar. The original agreement was worth an estimated $500 million US, however a host of new initiatives undertaken by the college for the state, and a rate of expansion greater than originally anticipated will see that figure increase.

Media contact:
Nora Daly, Department of Education, (709) 729-1906
Stephen Lee, College of the North Atlantic, (709) 227-6283

2006 06 20                                  10:50 a.m.