American University of Sharjah (AUS) honored the academic achievements of 411 of its top students for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 at the Annual Honors Convocation held recently in the Main Auditorium on campus. The number of students honored at this year’s convocation was the highest in the history of the university as AUS recognized students for demonstrating exceptional discipline, commitment and dedication towards their academics. Last year, 385 students were honored. Four exceptional students were also awarded the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship.

To qualify for this list, a student must have met the following requirements in the past consecutive semesters: named to the Dean's List, maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above out of 4.0, registered in a minimum of 15 credit hours; had no incomplete or failing grades in any courses, and had no disciplinary action against him/her.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Susan Karamanian, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS, congratulated the distinguished students for their academic excellence.

“Honors Convocation 2017 is a special evening that recognizes your accomplishments and makes all of us proud of the proven excellence of you as students of AUS. I would like to extend my congratulations to you on your success, and congratulate your families, relatives and friends,” said Dr. Karamanian.

“This university is an intellectual hub that encourages its students to see the world in a new way. Your dedication has borne fruit and distinguished you from your peers.  Each of you has talent.  Your hard work, commitment, and perseverance, however, have enabled you to rise to the top. Your discipline and focus in balancing time between academic and extracurricular activities are important ingredients in attaining success,” she added.

This year, out of the total students honored, 236 were female students and 175 were male. Ninety two students received Gold awards, which represent being recognized at the Honors Convocation for the third or fourth time, 126 students received Silver awards representing a second recognition and 193 students were presented with Bronze awards for their first year on the prestigious list.

With 200 students, the  College of Engineering had the largest number of distinguished students represented at the convocation; followed by the School of Business Administration with 110 students; College of Arts and Sciences with 57 students; and College of Architecture, Art and Design with 44 students.

The evening also saw the Sheikh Khalifa Scholarships being awarded to four exceptional students. The scholarship is awarded to juniors and seniors and recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, service to community, demonstrated talent in the field of study and participation in extracurricular and university activities. Awarded through an annual competition conducted within each college/school, it is granted for up to four consecutive semesters or until graduation requirements are complete.

Mohammad Abu Alhuda from the College of Architecture, Art and Design; Jennah Fakhouri from the College of Arts and Sciences; Adnan Shahpurwala from the College of Engineering; and Farah George Lahham from the School of Business Administration were declared the recipients of this prestigious scholarship.

The event was attended by senior university officials; faculty members; students and their family members.