AUS Celebrates Achievements Of 794 Graduates At Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently celebrated the graduation of 794 students during its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony. The event took place at University City Hall and was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, alongside university leaders, faculty, families, and guests. This graduating class represented 47 different nationalities.

Sheikha Bodour and Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen both addressed the graduates with messages of pride and perseverance. Sheikha Bodour expressed confidence in the graduates' ability to adapt and lead with purpose and compassion. "Through determination and tenacity, our graduates leave AUS equipped with firstly academic credentials they can be proud of, but also with the courage to ask tough questions, the empathy to lead with care, and the vision to shape a world of progress and humanity," she stated.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to academia and research, AUS awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Dr. Manahel Thabet for her exceptional achievements in economics and artificial intelligence. Dr. Thabet is a renowned economist and scientist known for her work in quantum mathematics and financial engineering. Her accolades include the Brain of the Year Award and Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Scientific Development.

The ceremony also highlighted student achievements through top honours. For the first time in AUS history, four students received the President’s Cup for achieving the highest academic standing: Hussain Ali Sajwani (finance), Hamze Kassem Soueid (electrical engineering), Omar Khaled Farrag (computer engineering), and Yousef Belal Irshaid (computer engineering with a minor in data science). The Chancellor’s Cup went to Fahad Mahmoud (management information systems with a minor in supply chain management), who graduated magna cum laude.

Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi shared his journey of overcoming self-doubt through academic rigor at AUS. Ahmed Ayman Ahmed spoke about valuing education amid global challenges and emphasised giving back as a responsibility. Their reflections captured resilience, ambition, and gratitude among their peers.

Guest speaker Emi Mahmoud, a poet, activist, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, addressed graduates on resilience and purpose. Known for her spoken-word poetry advocating peace, education, and climate justice, Mahmoud urged students to apply their skills for meaningful change.

A Milestone Event

This commencement marked a significant milestone for AUS as it celebrated its first graduating cohorts from two new master’s programs: Master of Arts in International Studies and Master of Science in Machine Learning. The Class of Spring 2025 included 123 graduate students (master’s and PhD) alongside 671 undergraduates.

The diverse group comprised 447 female graduates alongside 347 male graduates; among them were 184 UAE nationals. Graduates came from various colleges: 126 from Architecture, Art & Design; 149 from Arts & Sciences; 208 from Business Administration; 311 from Engineering.

As these graduates join AUS's global alumni network bearing its tradition of excellence across fields like innovation or impact-driven initiatives worldwide—each carries forward lessons learned during their time at university into future endeavors beyond campus life itself.

With inputs from WAM